Is a Sober Halloween Possible?

Every season has its challenges for those in recovery. During the summer months, summer beach parties may be hard to manage. But now that summertime is over, the fall present challenges of its own. The autumn season can feel ruled by the presence of Halloween and its festivities, including the alcohol. If you’re in recovery, Halloween can be a time of anxiety because of the parties and late-nights.

But this season doesn’t have to include substance use—here are some alternatives to help you enjoy an alcohol-free Halloween.  

Redefine What Halloween Means to You

We’re all impacted by what “normal” means to us. A normal party, a normal night out, or a normal holiday celebration. A recent study in the Health Communication journal describes how many of these “norms” are determined by our social media platforms. What we see our friends or acquaintances doing sends us a message of what’s expected of us. If it’s a raucous Halloween party, we can’t help but measure ourselves against that “normal.”

The key, therefore, is to redefine what your Halloween “norm” looks like. Maybe it means taking a social media break the week before Halloween. Or perhaps you and a few friends in support of your recovery make alternate plans together. The suggestions below for both outdoor and indoor activities may help get you started on making some new Halloween traditions.  

Ideas for Outdoor Halloween Activities

Many places still allow for outside activities in October can be a wonderful way to enjoy the season without needing to partake of substance use, especially alcohol.

Check out a local pumpkin patch: 

Picking pumpkins or simply walking around a local pumpkin patch can be a great way to enjoy the time leading up to Halloween. You can go with friends or your family and spend the whole day in pumpkin-related activities. After everyone chooses their pumpkins, you can host the crew back to your place to carve them and roast the pumpkin seeds. Before you know it, you’ve spent a full day enjoying a new Halloween activity free of alcohol but full of fun.

Go on a hike in nature: 

One of the best things about October in many areas is the changing leaves. If you have a place to go nearby, spend the morning or afternoon in the crisp air. If it’s a farther drive, make a day of it and pack a picnic. Hiking is an activity you can do on your own or with a group. And the benefits of being outside are numerous—connecting, resetting, and de-stressing are only a few of the advantages.

Plan a sports day with neighbors or friends: 

Games like frisbee, soccer, football, or softball are great ways to spend an afternoon in the fall. You can enjoy the October weather, physical exercise, and endorphin that come with getting your blood moving. Moreover, endorphins can lift your mood and give you energy if you were feeling down. There’s no need at a sports day for alcohol to be a part of the picture.

Ideas for Indoor Halloween Activities

If weather doesn’t allow for outside activities, staying inside can hold just as many options for Halloween festivities. You can always keep the activity low-key and schedule for a week-night instead of a full weekend day. Whatever the length of time, don’t take the whole burden on yourself. Ask others to bring food, plan a game, or handle the clean-up. The more others are involved, the less you’ll feel overwhelmed.

Invent a Halloween-themed “mocktail:” 

There are plenty of delicious drinks that don’t contain alcohol. Halloween can be a great opportunity to get creative with alcohol-free concoctions with fun names like “witches brew” or “frankenpunch.” Of course, you can always opt for a variation of a classic, like “spooky cider.”

Host trick-or-treaters in a healthy way:

According to Wellness.com, one way you can promote a healthier Halloween for your neighborhood is offer alternatives to candy. Instead of handing out sweets to trick or treaters, consider glowsticks, bubbles, gliders, or play-dough. You can make a project of it—invite your friends over to hand out the goodies to the neighbor kids.

Plan a spooky-movie night: 

If you like horror or thriller movies, why not host a scary movie night? Order take out, bring out the Halloween mocktail recipe, and bond with friends over the shared adrenaline rush. You can stick to the Halloween classics, or opt for cinematic suspense. There’s something for everyone—even comedy-horror with a little  teenage drama. Whatever you prefer, a movie night can be a great option for alcohol-free entertainment.

Organize a costume-competition:

A costume-party can be a nice way of celebrating the festivities of Halloween. But instead of just dressing up and partying late into the night, make it a competition. Set up criteria, judges, and awards for the best costumes. By emphasizing individual and group creativity, you can host your loved ones without the stress of a typical Halloween party and all that comes with it. 

A New Kind of Halloween

Remember, there’s always room for innovation in a new season. Halloween is no exception to this! Think outside the box on ways to live in your new life of recovery. Maybe October game-night, karaoke, bake-a-thon, or a get-together with your recovery group can all be new additions to your set of traditions. And once you start it up, you may find that others are looking for Halloween alternatives, too. Why not be the one to be the catalyst for healthy change? 

Moreover, it’s always a good tie to tap into the sense of thankfulness that comes with the upcoming month of November. Included in this are acts of self-care and gratitude. These practices can also help you be aware of the societal pressure exerted by social media and harmful associations. Despite the propensities toward drinking and substance abuse during Halloween, there are helpful resources for anyone in recovery. Reach out to a member of Pinnacle Recovery today for suggestions and treatment options to ensure you have a safe and sober Halloween.