Party Planning for People in Recovery 

You do not need substances to have a great time with friends and loved ones.  

Many people seem to think that entering substance use disorder treatment will somehow end all of the “fun” in life. That could not be further from the truth! Once you realize that substances create an artificial sense of entertainment while under the influence, you begin to understand real fun.  

Engaging in social events, especially early on in recovery, can be challenging. However, coordinating gatherings can still be a fulfilling and exciting process, especially without the influence of mind-altering substances. 

Party planning for people in recovery will take some foresight, but it will pay off. Watching your friends, peers and family have fun without the air of intoxication is incredibly wholesome. The party favors, personally planned refreshments and laughs will fill the night sky. Best of all, everyone will remember everything from that party for years to come.   

Importance of Party Planning for People in Recovery 

Some people in recovery feel like they are not allowed to have fun due to their past substance misuse. Stop yourself before you begin thinking this way, as this type of mentality is needlessly punishing and not sustainable. In fact, it can be dangerous to your recovery if you isolate yourself too much, putting yourself at risk of relapse.  
 

Socializing in recovery is highly encouraged for many reasons, but some of the more significant include:  

  • Sustaining good mental health: Social support is crucial for overall mental and emotional well-being. Having fun helps reduce stress and anxiety while also allowing you to feel less isolated from others.  
  • Building supportive social networks: Parties bring people together, especially those who share similar interests. Recovery community events are a great place to bolster your social network and meet new, like-minded people.  
  • Normalizing a substance-free lifestyle: Disassociating substances from partying is an integral part of life in recovery. Learning that you can have fun without drinking or using other substances will solidify your life-long commitment to living alcohol-free.  

Here are some ideas for planning a substance-free event to promote healthy social activities in recovery.  

Tips for Planning a Substance-free Celebration 

Party planning for people in recovery should be a joyous activity and should not cause you too much stress. Also, social events in recovery do not have to happen for a specific reason, like a holiday or birthday. You do not need an excuse to have fun with your friends! Here are some tips for planning recovery-friendly parties. 

Curtail an Invite List 

Alcohol-free gatherings should have attendees who intend to remain substance-free throughout its duration. That requires a list of invitees of trusted recovery peers and loved ones who respect the recovery process. This is a good way for people in treatment to ease back into socializing without alcohol and other substances. It also eliminates the anxieties of having to confront people who bring drugs or alcohol to the party.  

Get into the Vibe 

Some people may fear that a party will not feel the same without substances around. This is avoidable by planning unique and delicious foods and finding the perfect mocktail recipes. Putting in some extra effort in your refreshment spread will leave an impression! Things do not have to be expensive, either. Getting creative with DIY décor and affordable party favors from the dollar store is perfect for substance-free celebrations.  

Choose the Right Time and Place 

Nighttime parties can be triggering for some in recovery and bring back memories of substance use. Luckily, get-togethers do not have to occur exclusively in the evening. Picnic parties or beautiful and bountiful brunches (without the booze) are a refreshing way to spend the day. Guests will feel gratified once nighttime rolls around, and everyone is enjoying life without alcohol. After the party, their social batteries will feel fully recharged. 

Plan Activities 

A party is always more fun when there is some amusement. Setting up board games, Twister or bean bags can keep the guests’ energy high and ease any social anxiety jitters. Alcohol-free entertainment is beneficial for those who are just starting to rebuild their social lives. Seasonal themes are always fun, as well! Building snowmen or going sledding in the winter and gathering around a fire with some marshmallows and hot cocoa? Sounds like an ideal winter festival for people of all ages!  

Party Planning for People in Recovery as a Family 

Building friendships in recovery can be difficult for a loved one who has recently begun their journey. If you want to help a friend or family member organize an event, they would appreciate the help! There are plenty of alcohol-free party ideas out there to make sure things go out without a hitch.  

Here is a list of dos and don’ts for a recovery-friendly party as a loved one of someone in recovery.  

Party Planning for Recovery: Dos and Don’ts  

Do's and don'ts for party planning for people in recovery 

Do: Invite others who are in recovery and encourage families with kids to join. 

Don’t: Invite people who tend to drink too much or have a habit of showing up to events already intoxicated.  

Do: Gather information beforehand. Find out if people have specific dietary restrictions or preferences.  

Don’t: Assume everyone is okay with non-alcoholic beer. Encourage those who like these drinks to BYOB, just in case.  

Do: Leave room for “maybes”—some people may feel anxious about attending a party and cannot commit. They may decide on the day of the event whether they feel up to it or not.  

Don’t: Question why someone declines your party invite. Some people in recovery need time to ease back into party-life settings. Gracefully accept their reply and keep inviting them in the future.  

Do: Prepare ice-breaker activities that will help everyone warm up. Especially if there are people there meeting for the first time, it could help kick the party off.  

Don’t: Allow peer pressure to overwhelm attendees. Some people are more social than others and enjoy socializing in their own way.  

Do: Make a playlist!  

Don’t: Play DJ the whole time. People want to meet the host, especially if you are a loved one of someone who is in recovery. It will be nice to get to know people within the recovery community.  

Substance-free parties are an excellent opportunity to have some family-friendly fun. Your loved one and their recovery peers will appreciate mingling together and with those not in recovery as well!  

Substance Use Disorder Treatment with Middlesex Recovery 

Being in addiction recovery does not mean socializing, and having fun is out of the question. Plenty of Middlesex Recovery patients enjoy fulfilling social lives as they take guided steps in substance use disorder treatment. Are you ready to start your own recovery journey?  

FDA-approved medication and substance use counseling are part of Middlesex Recovery’s treatment programs. This method ensures every patient has the greatest chance of rebuilding their life from addiction and improving their overall health. To learn more about Middlesex Recovery services, message or call a local outpatient office today.