Every year, we celebrate major life events — weddings, anniversaries and birthdays — to recognize growth and development. Of course, reaching a milestone in your sobriety should be celebrated as well since you’ve accomplished something significant. When you celebrate your sobriety, you’re acknowledging the day when you started on the path to recovery.
This day can be celebrated every year, just like an annual holiday or birthday. For those celebrating sobriety for the first time, it may be difficult to decide why or how you should do it.
Why Celebrating Sobriety Is Important
When you celebrate milestones in your sobriety, you receive acknowledgement for a positive decision. There are going to be difficult times on the path to recovery, so it’s important to recognize you’ve gone through those moments and continued pursuing your sobriety.
Of course, you’re not the only one who will want to recognize these milestones — friends and family who’ve supported you through the process will want to celebrate with you. Whether you want to write them a thank-you note or take them for a cup of coffee, it’s also important to recognize the people who have helped you reach this milestone and keep going each day.
How to Celebrate Sobriety Milestones
Whether you’ve been sober for three months or three years, this is a moment you can use to reflect on how you got here. You’ve likely had a support system that has encouraged you and lifted you up along the way, so you should find ways to include them in the celebration as well. If you aren’t sure how to celebrate sobriety milestones, here are a few things you can do to enjoy the moment and stay motivated.
Have a Sobriety Party. Throwing a sobriety party is a great way to get all your loved ones involved in the celebration. Of course, if this is your first time celebrating sobriety, you may need some assistance throwing a party that doesn’t involve substances. Focus on the food rather than the drinks — whether that means having a local company cater it with lots of options or hosting a potluck where everyone brings something delicious. You can also plan a variety of activities. One great way to do this is to focus on a theme and choose activities that relate. Plan for a spa day and have others bring their favorite relaxing activities, go bowling, or opt for a barbecue with lawn games. Also, be sure to invite your loved ones who supported you and leave out anyone who didn’t.
Go Out for a Celebratory Meal. If you don’t want to host a party or ask a loved one to host it for you, opting for a nice meal at a restaurant is another great choice. Invite some of your greatest supporters to join you for a meal at your favorite restaurant. Or you can treat yourself to a new place you’ve always wanted to try. Whatever you choose, make it something special to remember.
Celebrate the Everyday Wins. You don’t have to wait for your five-year sobriety birthday or something equally substantial to commemorate your positive steps. You can also celebrate the smaller, everyday wins. Attend a local meeting and ask for your chip or token, whether it’s for 30 days, 60 days, 90 days or one year. Give back by volunteering for a day to support your community — even better if you can get those who supported you to join in. Splurge on something special you’ve wanted for a while like a new video game or an outfit. You can even opt for something simple like treating yourself to dessert after dinner.
Get on the Path to Sobriety with The Raleigh House
The first step to being able to commemorate these moments is starting your sobriety journey. It can be difficult to ask for help, but you can find hope at The Raleigh House. Here, there is no judgment — only steps toward healing and healthy living.
Our detox center provides a safe and supportive place for you to detox from substance abuse and get on the right track through a medically holistic approach. Then, when you’re ready, our inpatient and outpatient rehab options help you adjust to everyday sober living as part of our gold standard continuum of care.
Don’t let another day pass by. Find support and healing on your first step to sobriety at The Raleigh House. Reach out to our admission team today to start your journey back to healthy living.
