celebrating recovery with balloons

National Recovery Month: Ways to Celebrate Recovery

September is National Recovery Month, a time to celebrate recovery, and the people who make it possible. It’s important to celebrate sobriety milestones because staying sober takes a lot of work. Even if it doesn’t look that way on the outside, it’s a huge accomplishment that can take every ounce of energy on certain days. 

If someone close to you is going through addiction treatment, September is a wonderful time to give them some added recognition and support. Below are some ideas for celebrating your loved one’s recovery. 

Go Out and Do Something Fun 

One of the simplest ways to celebrate recovery is by going out and doing something fun for the day. Your options may be more limited due to COVID, but there are still plenty of places that remain open for business. A dinner out, a game of bowling or laser tag, or tickets to a movie are all great ideas – and the whole family can participate! 

Pay for a Subscription Service 

Another way to celebrate your loved one is by giving them a subscription gift. Entertainment subscription packages for music, movies, or TV are always a hit – Netflix, Amazon Music, HBO, Disney+, etc. There are also subscription services for meal kits, books, makeup, puzzles/games, and food. You can find a great assortment of subscription gifts here

Gift Them Meditation Beads 

Meditation is a useful coping tool for people in drug rehab in Agoura. It allows them to tune out the distractions around them and focus on the present moment. This practice also gives people a sense of calm, peace, and balance. 

To support meditation, give your loved one a string of meditation beads. They can hold the beads whenever they are feeling overwhelmed and be reminded of how far they’ve come. This can be incredibly comforting in times of stress. Plus, the beads are portable and can be carried around anywhere. 

Get a Personalized Memento 

Staying sober is a big deal. Give your loved one something special to commemorate this occasion. For instance, you can have a piece of jewelry, watch, or keychain engraved with a special quote or the date they began addiction treatment in Agoura. Your loved one can keep this item close to them as a reminder of their progress. 

Purchase a Gratitude Journal 

People in recovery practice gratitude because it helps them stay grounded and maintain a positive attitude. They may spend a few minutes each day thinking about the things they are grateful for, but it’s even more helpful if they can write them down in a journal. Giving them a blank notebook of this sort allows them to do this. Or, they can use it as a regular diary and write about their journey. 

two women hiking

 

Go on an Adrenaline-Boosting Adventure 

Some addicts begin using drugs and alcohol because of the rush they provide. But there are other ways to feel this rush without substances. Show your loved one that life can be full of excitement and pleasure on its own. Some activities that will offer a healthy adrenaline boost are: 

  • Parachuting
  • Skydiving
  • Rafting
  • Mountain biking
  • Paragliding
  • Bungee jumping 
  • Scuba diving 

Add a Book to Their Collection 

Many people in recovery take up reading because it’s an easy, affordable, and relaxing activity. Add to your loved one’s library by buying them a book or two. You can purchase a book that offers advice and insight on recovery or another title that you know your loved one will enjoy. Write a special message inside the cover to let them know how proud you are of their hard work. 

Arrange a Day at the Spa 

What could be more relaxing than a day at the spa? Both men and women enjoy being pampered for the day, so don’t think this is for girls only. You can purchase a gift certificate to a spa or plan a spa day that includes a manicure/pedicure, hot-stone massage, and sauna bath. 

Not only are spa days relaxing but also they do wonders for the body. A soothing massage helps remove toxins from the body and relieves bottled-up stress and tension. If your loved one prefers, you can do an afternoon at a salt cave or upscale fitness center instead. 

Have Fun at an Escape Room

Escape rooms are pretty easy to find these days. Many cities have them, and there are usually good deals on tickets. Plus, the whole family can join in the fun! This is another adrenaline-boosting activity because you’re working against the clock to escape the room and complete the puzzle. Escape rooms also improve communication skills, social skills, and mood. 

People who enjoy escape rooms also tend to enjoy murder mystery parties. If you’re looking for a fun way to celebrate recovery, consider hosting one of these parties. Or, you can book an online murder mystery game that includes live actors and virtual rooms. As you work together to complete the game, it will feel good seeing how far you’ve come as a family. 

It’s Important to Celebrate Recovery…Don’t You Agree?

Celebrating sobriety milestones is just as important as celebrating birthdays, anniversaries, and good grades. It takes hard work, patience, and diligence to stay sober, which is why people in recovery deserve this recognition. They could have chosen a different path, but instead, they admitted their problem and got the help they needed. 

Of course, the celebration extends to the family and friends who have supported their loved ones. Without your help, your loved one may not be where they are today. Families play an important role in their loved one’s recoveries and should also be included in sobriety birthdays and anniversaries. 

Ready to start your recovery? Or perhaps you need more structure as you transition to everyday life. Either way, Awakenings Treatment Center is here to help you and your family on this journey. Contact us today to learn more about our outpatient mental health facilities.