What are Sobriety Celebrations?

Research indicates that 23.5 million Americans are addicted to alcohol or drugs.

Almost as many Americans, a total of 23 million U.S. adults, no longer struggle with addiction.

This is incredible news.

Achieving sobriety is hard, and not everyone can sustain their alcohol and drug-free lifestyle.

Peer pressure, stigma, barriers to care, and mental health issues can impede the success of many who seek recovery.

For those who do, a celebration is in order.

Not only for themselves but as proof to those in recovery that long-term sobriety is possible.

Effects of Sobriety Celebrations

Celebration of success, including sobriety milestones, positively affects mental health that can even perpetuate sobriety success.

Studies show that celebrating successes can actually yield cognitive benefits such as alertness, enthusiasm, determination, optimism, and energy.

These feelings of increased focus and determination can be especially valuable for those seeking recovery from drug and alcohol abuse.

Research indicates that the long-term relapse rate for those in recovery is 40-60%.

This is not to say that these individuals who relapse do not eventually achieve lasting freedom from addiction.

Whether they struggle with nicotine, alcohol abuse, or “hard drugs,” many individuals will relapse on the path to long-term wellness.

However, relapses can be demoralizing and dangerous, so celebrating each milestone provides important inspiration.

Common recovery milestones to celebrate are:

• 30 days
  • At 30 days of recovery, you may have just been released from a rehabilitation center and are embarking on a drug and alcohol-free life. This is a time to focus on self-care, recognizing triggers, and celebrating how hard you’ve worked to get this far.
• 90 days
  • Many addicts report that the grip of the addiction may be fading slightly after 90 days and that they are starting to feel comfortable with their new lifestyle and wellness habits.
• 1 year
  • After a year of sobriety, many former addicts have started to rebuild their lives truly. Relationships may be healing, as well as their career and financial situation improving. This is a significant recovery milestone.
• 5 years
  • By this time in their recovery journey, many addicts will have learned lessons about navigating triggers and will have faced, and overcome, the temptation to relapse. This is a time to reflect and be proud.
• 10 years
  • This is a tremendous milestone that not all in recovery experience. And while the thought of drugs and alcohol may still be present, many former addicts will have been able to build new friendships and strong support systems to help with long-term sobriety.

Another important milestone that many former drug and alcohol users celebrate is their “sobriety birthday.”

The date you choose is up to you.

Some people choose the date they last used a substance.

Others celebrate the day they entered treatment, or the day they underwent detoxification.

Those in recovery can feel free to truly celebrate this day, including self-care, time with family and friends, purchasing a small memento to commemorate the day, or another affirming and encouraging activity.

However, for many who have reached sobriety, there are elements of reflection tied to the day.

This may include thoughts of how far they’ve come, reflection on the support they’ve received well wishes to those just starting their journey, or an opportunity to say “thank you” to those who offered resources along the way.

You choose to recognize the day, remembering that your sobriety has made a lasting difference in your life and the lives of others.

Congratulations!

Mental Illness and Sobriety Celebrations

Substance use disorders and mental illness are closely connected, forming a cycle that can be almost impossible to break alone.

Users may initially try to escape an underlying mental health issue with drugs and alcohol, only to experience a worsening of that illness.

Mental illness can even be compounded by the mental health crisis created by the biochemical effect of drugs and alcohol on the body.

That addiction will then alter how the user experiences physical and emotional sensations, often resulting in an inability to feel happiness and comfort without drugs or alcohol.

As a result, many men and women in recovery have not had a fulfilling, sober celebration in many years and may struggle to feel emotionally comfortable in such a space.

However, with the support of friends and loved ones, and connections from their treatment community, those in recovery can come to feel at home in emotionally connected, interpersonal celebrations – and to feel empowered and supported as a result.

Treatment and Sobriety Celebrations

For many men and women, the day they enter rehabilitation is the day they begin a new life.

This is not to say that recovery is easy.

Often it is painful physically and emotionally, as former users detox their bodies and learn to shed negative, limiting beliefs while coping with their triggers and past traumas.

They will learn to build resilience and rebuild their lives.

And, with the support of a caring treatment team, their recovery can last.

Depending on the nature of the abuse, those in recovery may seek outpatient programming, residential treatment, or partial hospitalization programs.

Often, they will undergo detoxification to help remove the presence of drugs and alcohol from the body; and to help clear their minds prior to longer-term treatments.

Once they are free from the dangerous effects of substances, they will have access to flexible, enriching programs, such as:

• 12-Step Programs
• Fitness classes
• Family Counseling
• Peer Support Groups
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
• Spiritual Therapies
• Career Training / Coaching
• Marital Counseling
• Art Therapy
• Medical Detox
• One to One Counseling
• Nutrition Therapy
• Physical Therapy
• Holistic Therapies
• Aftercare

Full recovery is a journey that never ends. There will be many milestones along the way, and with a supportive community to encourage you, you may be able to celebrate every single one.

Payment Information

At North Jersey Recovery Center, we are here to support your success.

We know that you need a community that makes you feel recognized.

And we are ready to provide flexible treatment and payment options to make recovery accessible.

The team here will communicate with your insurance provider on your behalf, and we accept most PPO insurance and private forms of payment.

You can even pay for your admission online.

We can help you find the financial plans that are best for you.

Call the North Jersey Recovery Center team at 877-786-0572 and let us support you.

How to Get Help

Today is the start of your new life. A beginning free from addiction, and with plenty of reasons to celebrate.

The North Jersey Recovery Center team is caring, experienced, and ready to cheer you on to a lasting recovery.

We are trained and licensed in modern substance abuse recovery techniques.

In this safe, private, and therapeutic environment, you will discover self-empowerment, emotional connection, and resilience to live a satisfying life, free of addiction.

Today is the day that you will discover the possibilities that recovery can offer.

Your future starts today.