31 Dec Ring in the New Year in Recovery
New Year’s Eve can be a time of celebration, letting go of the old that no longer serves us and calling in intentions for the year to come. It can also be a triggering time for those in early recovery from alcohol, drugs, disordered eating, and even process addictions such as gambling – and that is ok. There is no shame in feeling out of sorts when navigating sobriety. Feeling uncomfortable during the holidays does not have to lead to relapse. We have created a list of our favourite ways to ring in the new year in recovery and celebrate the last day of 2018. Just because we are sober doesn’t mean we are boring!
Attend an Alcathon
For the local recovering population an Alcathon meeting will be held on New Years Eve every hour on the hour.
When: December 31st, 9pm-3am
Where: 627 E Dunedin St. in Victoria, BC.
Alcathon meetings will also be held across North America. Call your local 12-Step Fellowship central office or visit the online AA directory to find recovery meetings happening in your area.
Alcathons are marathon 12 step fellowship meetings typically running over a period of 24 hours, held in one space, so that people in recovery may ring in the New Year in community. Many people in recovery have a tradition of attending these meetings as a way to reflect upon and share their gratitude for their life in recovery and set their intentions for the year to come.
Attend a Sober Celebration
In Victoria, BC a New Year Sober Dance & Celebration is being hosted by the VICYPAA (Victoria Young People In Alcoholics Anonymous).
When: December 31st, 7pm-12:30am
Where: 798 Goldstream Ave.
Tickets: $20 at the door
What: Food, dancing, speakers, and live music!
Who: Open to all members of Alcoholics Anonymous, fellow travellers in recovery, family and friends! Kids under 12 are free.
Step outside of your comfort zone and dance! Or relax and listen to the music provided by a live DJ while enjoying some delicious snacks. There is something for everyone. These celebrations are a great (and fun!) way for people in recovery to connect with like-minded individuals and spend New Year’s Eve in recovery – in a safe and supportive environment.
All Pegasus clients have access to these events, as do all individuals in recovery from addiction. Visit your local fellowship for details on events happening in your area.
Practice Self Care
Attend a workshop or wellness retreat, see a holiday movie, create a piece of art with a group of friends, design a vision board or gratitude list, or cozy up and read a new book – one of our favourites is Nice Recovery by Susan Juby!
Engage in Recovery Recreation
Many local wellness centres will have special New Year evening classes to attend, with a flair for the extraordinary, without the temptations of drugs and alcohol. You might want to attend candlelight yoga, a by donation guided meditation class, play a game of sober sports, go for a late night swim at the pool, or try skating at the recreation centre.
Connect & Reach Out
No matter what it is always important to stay connected to your support network. Call your sponsor or mentor, make plans with friends in recovery, spend time with supportive family members, attend a meeting online, host a board game night with other sober individuals, organize a scavenger hunt, or attend a potluck with individuals in your recovery community.
To all the clients and friends of Pegasus Recovery Solutions, and people in recovery across the globe – we wish you a safe and joyous New Year!
Pegasus Recovery Solutions’ Intensive Outpatient Program offers an non-residential, accessible, and comprehensive addiction treatment experience for substance use and process related addictive disorders while allowing participants to remain active in their daily lives.
With an emphasis on evidence-based treatment methods, participants are supported in attaining and maintaining abstinence from substances and process addictions. Participants gain insight into behaviours, develop emotional regulation skills, improve the quality of important relationships, and integrate relapse prevention tools essential for life in recovery.
The Intensive Outpatient Program at Pegasus Recovery Solutions supports individuals seeking help an opportunity to move beyond abstinence, towards a thriving life in recovery – free from addiction.
If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction – we can help. Contact us today for more information about our Intensive Outpatient Program and addiction recovery services in Victoria, BC.