How do you stay sober at a concert? More specifically, if you’re in recovery, how do you go to a concert and have a good time without essentially sabotaging your sobriety? Luckily, the actual benefits of being sober at a concert easily outweigh the alleged advantages of alcohol or drug-influenced concert experience. All you need is a simple plan.
Be sure the music act is one you really enjoy
Concerts are infamous for causing relapses for many people who are in recovery. Frankly, it is difficult to be entrenched in an environment where the majority of those in attendance seem to be getting high or drunk. Seeing a group that you really like will help you avoid temptation because you will probably be more focused on the songs than you would otherwise be attending a concert by a band in which you had little interest.
Locate a Sober Concert Group
Many music festivals and concerts actually have one group of attendants focused on recovery. If you feel at all uncomfortable or unprepared for going with your current friends, you could benefit from signing up with a sober fan club. In fact, most of these groups post notices on internet message boards. Some even have meet and greets prior to an event in order to give everyone the opportunity to get acquainted.
Plan a sober activity for after the concert
Whether it’s breakfast with your personal support group or a sober healthy hike with your other friends, having a sober event to anticipate while you’re at the event at the festival or concert will keep you motivated to stay sober during the event. It would also be helpful to attend a meeting one or two days after the concert in order to keep you feeling balanced.
Go with people who are supportive of your recovery
No doubt you will be surrounded by people who are high, drunk, or getting there. That’s why it’s incredibly important that your immediate group of fellow concertgoers respect and supports your sobriety. They could support your recovery by actually joining you in abstinence or by just not drinking or using anything in front of you. It’s your responsibility to let everyone know what you are comfortable with and what could provoke you.
Have an escape plan
Be sure you have an exit strategy if you become overwhelmed. You can volunteer to be a driver so you can leave whenever you choose. Ask your closest friend to abstain with you at the concert. That way you won’t be alone if you need to leave.
Concerts and festivals can be just as fun–maybe even more so–in recovery as they were before you chose sobriety. The live music will make more of an impression on you, you will spend less money, and you’ll actually remember the event. Always remember that your personal sobriety is of utmost importance so avoid temptation and act accordingly.
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