Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and you might be wondering how you can celebrate in a sober way. Even though Valentine’s Day is not a major drinking holiday, many couples enjoy sharing a few drinks together. But now that you are sober, you can’t order cocktails or a bottle of wine at dinner. You’ll need to find other activities to fill the time. Fortunately, there are plenty.
If you’ve recently completed an IOP program in Prescott, you’ll want to plan all activities carefully to protect your recovery. Below are five ideas for celebrating a sober Valentine’s Day.
1. Take a Spa Day
Going out for dinner can be a trigger when you see other couples drinking, so it might be best to scratch that off your list. Instead, relax and pamper yourselves at a spa where you can enjoy a couple’s massage, facial, aromatherapy or other rejuvenating spa treatment. Many spas offer couple’s packages, just be sure to let them know that you don’t want alcohol, as some offer bottles of wine.
2. Go to a Salt Cave
If your significant other isn’t much of a spa person, consider taking a trip to a salt cave instead. These quiet, meditative chambers have soft music and dim lighting so they are effective at setting the mood. All you have to do is sit there, though you are welcome to read a book or even catch up on emails. Breathing in salt is good for drawing out irritants, toxins and allergens from the respiratory system.
3. Take a Road Trip
A fun way to spend Valentine’s Day is by taking a road trip. It can be to anywhere – the city you live near, a town you haven’t visited or a neighboring state you’ve wanted to explore. Instead of spending money on gifts, you can make memories by visiting museums, zoos, state parks, theme parks and other natural attractions. And hopefully, a new environment will eliminate many of your triggers.
4. Cook Together at Home
Sometimes, it’s more fun to cook your favorite meal at home – together. You can go to the store and pick up the ingredients, or you can try a meal delivery kit from a company like Hello Fresh or Blue Apron. Turn up the music, light candles, make booze-free mocktails and enjoy this time together as a couple. Follow up your meal with a movie or card game. The nice thing about being home is that it gets you away from your triggers, and it’s an environment that you can control.
5. Try an Escape Room
Another fun activity that gets you out and not thinking about drinking is an escape room. Escape rooms are fun but challenging, and they require communication and teamwork. And, if there are other couples who aren’t drinking, you can invite them to join you. Other fun activities that are similar to this include laser tag, mini golf and archery.
While you may be tempted to drink this Valentine’s Day, remember that you are starting new traditions. In time, you will no longer associate Valentine’s Day with dinner and drinks. Plus, you’ll be able to truly enjoy your significant other and appreciate the relationship you’ve built with them.
Finding purpose in pain is what Jonathon does best. He is a strong advocate for those suffering from substance use disorders. As a person in recovery, Jonathon knows how important it is to receive empathy and compassion. He recognizes that each person comes from a different set of circumstances and deserves to be valued and respected.
With a fresh perspective and compassionate attitude, Jonathon works closely with clients to help them let go of the past and know when to take necessary risks. The recovery process is ongoing, which means people need to move forward while applying the skills learned in treatment. Jonathon is a great motivator when it comes time for this!
Jonathon also places emphasis on the family unit and how it can make or break the recovery experience. Individuals with active, supportive families have far better outcomes. Jonathon realizes that it’s impossible to move mountains overnight, but with the right support team and positive attitude, anything is possible.
