5 Ways to Maintain Sobriety for Halloween

It’s not a secret; Halloween may be the “scariest” holiday of the year. But as with everything in life, it is what you make it out to be. Halloween isn’t an exception. Although some love to dress up in scary costumes and tell scary stories, others opt for a less intimidating ensemble. A celebrity look-alike, an animal costume, or a type of occupation such as a “firefighter” or “nurse.” And those wanting to maintain their sobriety on this spooky holiday can do so as well.

Halloween Drug and Alcohol Abuse

Halloween—or “All Hallows’ Eve”—is said to be the one night of the year where the barrier between the dead and the living wanes thin enough to let spirits pass through. However, there’s something else about October 31st that’s far more chilling; it’s the increase in drug and alcohol use and related tragedies.

Between 2013 and 2017, Halloween nights alone accounted for 158 deaths in drunk-driving car accidents. Forty-two percent of all traffic fatalities recorded these nights involved at least one drunk driver.

Of course, Halloween parties provide significant temptation to people in recovery. When Halloween falls on a weekend, bars and liquor stores report that average alcohol consumption rises by 30% and concerts, raves, and house parties around Halloween are notorious for drug use and recklessness.

According to the National Survey on Drug use and Health, in 2019, 5.2 million women and 8.9 million men had an alcohol use disorder. Furthermore, in the same year, over 400,000 adolescents between 12-17 battled with an alcohol use disorder.

There is no doubt that alcoholism is an issue around the Halloween holiday, but it’s also an issue in general. American Addiction Centers (AAC), a nationwide leader in addiction treatment, has facilities across the country to help individuals reach long-term sobriety.

Through medical detox and inpatient and outpatient treatment, individuals are in the hands of supportive and compassionate licensed physicians. If you’re struggling with an alcohol use disorder, please reach out for the help that you need today.

Maintaining Sobriety for Halloween

It’s easy to feel left out when your friends and family are out having a good time without you. There’s no need to be isolated, withdrawn, or not part of the fun. There are plenty of ways to enjoy yourself on Halloween while staying sober.

Sober activities may include:

• Watching a scary movie or TV series.
• Taking the kids trick-or-treating.
• Passing out candy to trick-or-treaters.
• Doing arts and crafts, such as carving a pumpkin or other similar activities with family and friends.
• And if support is needed, perhaps visit an Alcoholics Anonymous group.

If you’re struggling with an addiction to alcohol or other substances, you’re not alone on this holiday or any other day. AAC is here to help you to achieve long-term sobriety and to live a healthy life. Don’t let the holidays or anything else stop you from taking that very first step. Please reach out for the help that you need today.

*James Regan contributed/co-wrote this blog post.