Cinco de Mayo celebrations typically involve alcohol, sometimes lots of it. For those recovering from alcohol dependency, this boisterous holiday can pose a challenge to continued sobriety. However, there are ways to mark sober holidays without missing out. If you do slip, help awaits at Foothills at Red Oak Recovery in North Carolina, where we offer alcohol abuse treatment for adolescent and teen boys. Contact our team at 866.300.5275 for more information about your treatment options.
What Is Cinco De Mayo?
Cinco de Mayo (May 5th) marks the Mexican army’s victory over the French on the same day in 1862. At the battle of Puebla, the Mexican army defeated the French and chalked up a significant win in the Franco-Mexican War. Sadly, the Mexican Army later lost the war. Today, many celebrants mark the victory with copious amounts of alcohol. For someone recovering from alcohol abuse, this poses a challenge.
The dedicated staff at our substance abuse treatment center put together this list of sober activities. We hope that it helps you avoid relapse without missing out on this fun holiday.
Keep the Celebrating Small
You may want to avoid public celebrations with access to food and alcohol. As a teen or adolescent, you aren’t old enough to buy alcohol on your own. However, it’s better to avoid the temptation. Instead, you can ask your parents to prepare or purchase Mexican food such as tacos or burritos. Consider creating a custom mocktail using soda or fruit juice to celebrate on your own terms.
You Don’t Have to Stay Isolated During Cinco De Mayo
If you have recently completed alcohol abuse treatment, you may feel like staying alone to avoid the parties and alcohol. However, this carries its own dangers. Isolating yourself can lead to depression and anxiety as well as trigger cravings for alcohol. Instead, consider calling a few friends willing to engage in sober activities.
Practice Gratitude on Sober Holidays
If holidays pose a challenge for you, consider spending the day practicing gratitude. By acknowledging your blessings, you can maintain a positive attitude and avoid potential relapse. If you want to take that a step further, consider reaching out to the people who supported you during your alcohol abuse treatment.
Here are a few ways you can express your feelings and thank those who love you:
- Make a card
- Send festive text messages
- Invite siblings to sober activities
- Call someone who stood by your side no matter what
Expressing gratitude can help you appreciate what you have and keep you from isolating yourself instead of celebrating sober holidays.
Practice Self-Care
If you feel tempted to join in the fun for Cinco de Mayo, practice self-care instead. Plan healthy meals and spend some time exercising. If browsing social media triggers your alcohol use disorder, limit your screen time and watch a movie on Netflix or another streaming channel with no commercials or news.
Getting Help on Sober Holidays
You don’t have to struggle on your own. If Cinco de Mayo or another holiday makes you crave alcohol or drugs, reach out for help. Foothills at Red Oak Recovery offers the following services for teen boys seeking alcohol addiction recovery:
Holidays celebrated with alcohol such a Cinco de Mayo can trigger cravings and leave you vulnerable to relapse. It’s critical to surround yourself with supportive resources that help you get through the day without turning to alcohol abuse.
Seek Alcohol Addiction Treatment at Foothills at Red Oak Recovery
Parents of teens with alcohol use disorders can support their kids by hosting sober Holidays at their homes. Do you or someone you love need help overcoming alcohol or drug addiction? If so, you can turn to the caring staff and therapists available at Foothills at Red Oak Recovery in North Carolina. Contact us at 866.300.5275 today to find out more about our treatment services for adolescent and teenage boys.
