Safe celebrations are a key component of the recovery process. Someone who is newly sober deserves to enjoy themselves and congratulate themselves for quitting alcohol or drugs. The best, and most common, way to commemorate sobriety is to acknowledge milestones. While many individuals in recovery may find it challenging to celebrate, doing it safely could help set them up for long-term success. Luckily, there are many ways – both big and small – for people who are sober to celebrate how far they have come in their recovery.
Recovery Milestones: What Are They?
As a person goes on a recovery journey, they will reach milestones along the way. In most cases, milestones serve as markers of how long someone has made it without using alcohol or drugs. These milestones are in place to signify certain steps in the journey. The first milestone takes place 24 hours after someone stops using substances. Beginning the recovery journey is a huge step, so it deserves to be acknowledged. Other common milestones include 7 days, 3o days, 90 days, 6 months, and 1 year without drugs or alcohol. After one year, the celebrations may not feel as necessary but are still encouraged. Celebrating after five years, for example, can help individuals realize how much their lives have changed for the better.
It is also important to acknowledge small milestones that aren’t designated by a specific day. People who go through recovery can create milestones for themselves along the way that reflect their lives and their goals. These milestones include getting a new job, finding a new hobby, or experiencing positive physical or mental health changes.
Why It’s Important To Acknowledge Anniversaries
This period of time can be stressful, and making it through proves strength and resilience. People who are in recovery work hard to get to where they currently are, and that should be acknowledged through the practice of celebrating milestones. These celebrations reinforce everything that an individual has been able to accomplish and inspires them to continue.
It’s also important to note that milestones serve as a reward and a reminder to stay clean. If someone is working to reach a goal, they are more likely to follow through with their sobriety. Celebrating with friends and family can help a sober person focus on gratitude, realize what is truly important, and find joy in the areas of life that don’t involve substances.
Safe Ways to Celebrate Sobriety Milestones
Staying sober is a significant accomplishment that calls for celebration. Here are a few ways to safely celebrate sobriety milestones:
- Get together with family and friends
- Host an outdoor cookout
- Enjoy a nice dinner
- Go out for ice cream
- Travel somewhere new
- Go to an amusement park
- Write in your recovery journal
- Donate to a charitable cause
While celebrating a sobriety milestone, it’s important to have fun while remaining cautious. Try to avoid places that may trigger relapse and people who make you feel pressured. If you’re feeling tempted to drink or use drugs, call someone or safely remove yourself from the situation.
Continually Celebrating During Recovery
Celebrating sobriety milestones may not seem very important, but it can actually help many people stick with their sobriety. Milestones can mark progress toward long-term goals and show us that recovery is always possible. There are many resources, including support groups, to help individuals stay sober and reach their milestones and create new goals.
To learn more about milestones during recovery, feel free to contact our team of substance abuse treatment representatives. Give us a call at 866-488-8684.
Sources
https://getpocketrehab.com/Safely-Celebrating-Milestones-in-Recovery
https://alcoholicsanonymous.com/5-recovery-milestones-you-should-definitely-celebrate/
