…5, 4, 3, 2, 1! Happy New Year! Where are you on New Year’s Eve? Usually at a party? At home? Are you drinking, or are you having an alcohol-free night? For many, not drinking on New Year’s Eve seems strange. The new year is a time of celebration of the past year and the year to come—a traditional excuse for imbibing. But if you choose to not drink, you might seem a little strange to the other party-goers.
That attitude is seriously problematic. Not everyone is going to have a solitary glass of champagne, or choose to drive home from their New Year’s party stone cold sober—it’s actually stranger to not drink in our American culture on New Year’s Eve than it is to stay sober.
If we plan on addressing the issues of substance use disorder that have currently overtaken the nation and caused a great deal of suffering, we must address our relationship with those substances, primarily the legal one—alcohol.
Yes, it’s possible to stay sober during New Year’s Eve. It’s true, because plenty of people do it…year after year. That’s the problem with today’s alcohol industry – we are conditioned from a young age to believe that holidays aren’t the same without alcohol. That champagne must be a crucial part of any celebration, and that it’s crucial that you do drink. It isn’t until we address this unfair expectation that non-drinkers will feel entirely at-ease without consuming alcohol at a traditionally alcohol-laden event.
So, for those who aren’t drinking on the New Year, what are their options?
- For some, not attending those events at all is the only way to stay sober. For those just starting out on the path to sobriety, that can be especially true.
- Have a drink in hand. Whether sparkling cider, juice, or water, having something to drink can help you to prevent any questions, like “why aren’t you drinking?”
- Have your support in place. Sometimes, a simple text to a friend can really help when you feel like you need some support.
- Have an exit plan. When the urge is so strong you can’t take it, or you’re feeling an overwhelming amount of anxiety otherwise, just get out of there. A quiet night at home is what you need.
Whatever your strategy in staying sober, it’s certain that a good set of plans in place can help you when you’re even feeling your most desperate.
