Staying sober during the holidays can be a challenge. Alcohol permeates our society and is associated with many traditions of the season like baking recipes, festive holiday drinks, or celebratory toasts. All of these traditions seem to revolve around alcohol. However, just because this may describe the season, it doesn’t dictate the season or us. We don’t have to trip over something that is behind us. We can make new holiday traditions.
June 21, 2023 (WAYZATA, Minn.) – The Retreat, the Wayzata, Minn.-based continuum of care that provides recovery services, programs and community resources to individuals and families dealing with substance use disorder, marks its 25th anniversary on Wednesday, June 21.
There is this thing when you are sober, a celebration of sorts, called a recovery birthday (think cake and laughter and a new shiny chip). They can be a big deal to those of us living in Recovery. It is a milestone reached, a celebration of the life we are currently living, an acknowledgment of the journey we have embarked upon and continue to walk everyday despite the difficulties. A reminder that we are still alive and not just surviving anymore, but thriving. But these birthdays aren’t always easy, or happy and that can be confusing.
