How To Stay Sober This Fourth of July

July Fourth is an incredibly festive time. Millions of American families come together to celebrate

freedom. Across, there will be fireworks, parades, festivities, BBQs, and family gatherings. July 4 th is also

America's top beer-drinking holiday, with an estimated one billion dollars spent on beer during the

holiday.

Excessive drinking or binge drinking is problematic. Statistically, in Montana, 19% of adults over 18 binge

drink at least once per month. Holiday celebrations can be particularly challenging for someone

recovering from alcoholism or drug addiction.

Fortunately, there are practical tips to help anyone stay sober this July Fourth holiday.

"Generally, when environments promote heavy drinking or recreational drug use, it tends to be the

perfect storm for relapse," said Marcel Gemme of Addicted.org.

Consider some of the following approaches to help maintain sobriety over the July Fourth holiday:

Know and recognize relapse triggers, such as people, places, environments, or situations that may arise.

Once you can identify these triggers, avoiding or managing them becomes easier. Having a healthy way

to manage negative emotions or feelings attached to these triggers is also a good idea.

Bring sober friends to July Fourth festivities or attend sober events. It's ok to pick the events you want to

attend and bring sober people. Consider bringing non-alcoholic drinks or mocktails. This can help avoid

those pesky relatives who insist you always have a drink in your hand and do not take no for an answer.

Avoid binge drinking games and environments that promote excessive drinking or binge drinking. While

this seems like common sense, it's easy to fall into the celebrations.

Practice saying and have an exit plan if things become too much to manage. Set yourself in a way where

you can do so easily if you have to leave.

Sobriety does not mean you stop having fun; it's a second chance at life and being free from the chains

of addiction. Independence Day is about freedom and celebrating in all its forms. Spend quality time

with family and friends. Create new traditions and memories and have fun.

Michael Leach has spent most of his career as a healthcare professional specializing in Substance Use

Disorder and addiction recovery. He is a Certified Clinical Medical Assistant and contributor to the

healthcare website Recovery Begins.