There are numerous challenges people face after getting sober, like the difficulty in sticking to sobriety on certain holidays.

St. Patrick’s Day, a holiday associated with green beers and an even greener Chicago River, is a perfect example. At Banyan Heartland, we know that it is possible to stay sober on these types of holidays after completing residential drug and alcohol treatment in Illinois. Follow our important tips to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day sober.

Enjoy the Parade in Chicago

Cities all around Illinois will be having celebrations for St. Patrick’s Day, and Chicago leads the pack in festivities. The St. Patrick’s Day parade is an event that anyone can enjoy while staying sober, so head over to Grant Park to catch all the fun!

Watch the Chicago River Turn Green

The dyeing of the Chicago River is a tradition anyone can enjoy, especially alcohol-free. The river will start going green on Saturday, March 16th at 9 a.m., so don’t miss out! This time slot makes this a no-pressure event so you will not feel pressured into drinking.

Bake Something Traditional at Home

Instead of going out on St. Patrick’s Day, host your own event or party at home. You can make traditional Irish dishes, including soda bread and stew. You can also host a potluck where everyone brings in their favorite Irish dish to share.

Be the Designated Driver

If you do wind up going out to areas where there will be alcohol, offer to be the designated driver. As the DD, others are counting on you to get them home safely. Having this responsibility will help keep you from drinking.

How to Have Fun Sober

Fun is a state of mind, and many people think that they can’t have a good time without alcohol. But in alcohol addiction treatment, you learn a variety of tools that prove life can be enjoyable without alcohol.

If you’re ready to enjoy St. Patrick’s Day sober but you’re not sure how to have fun sober, contact our treatment team at 888-280-4763 for more information about our addiction programs.