St. Patrick’s day is a wonderful way to spring out of your winter hibernation, celebrate your Irish heritage and let your hair down. It is also a time when people feel the need to drink.  If you prefer to stay sober and pass on the green beer, you will find plenty of options to help you maintain your sobriety.  Just like St. Patrick banished the snakes from Ireland, you too can banish the green substance from your body. Embrace the delight that is St. Patrick’s Day while staying clean by practicing our

5 ways to celebrate while sober:

1. Go to a sober celebration
   McShin foundation has partnered with the Irish Festival this year to provide an area for sober fun in the heart of the Church Hill. You do not have to stay home and miss the parade or bands this year. The festival has a sober zone for those wishing to abstain from alcohol while celebrating the day. You can also attend a recovery meeting while in the sober zone.

2. Take on an Irish dance class
   Enjoy beautiful Irish music. Irish step dancing is also a great way to get in shape-think Michael Flatley and River Dance!

3. Watch an Irish movie
   Get your friends together to watch an Irish movie like the Departed or the Brothers McMillan. Maybe even hold a movie marathon.

4. Have your own party
   Invite your friends to your house and celebrate on your own terms. Pick friends that care about helping you stay sober. Put on some Irish themed music and play games like Irish themed Charades. Test your knowledge of Irish themed history, culture, and language with your friends in a sober environment.

5. Celebrate with food
   Make a corned beef roast, cabbage potatoes or whip up a skillet of Irish soda bread with strong Irish cheddar. Create your own alcohol-free green themed drinks with greed food coloring or Kool-Aid.

Conclusion:

This St. Patrick’s Day, feel empowered to say no to alcohol and enjoy a fun alcohol-free holiday instead. Weather you are cooking up a storm to celebrate the day or high stepping your way around a dance floor, know that help is available 24/7 through crisis hotlines and recovery centers. If you do feel out of control with your drinking, perhaps it is time to tell someone or talk with a licensed professional that specializes in treating addiction. You do not have to suffer alone!