Staying Safe While Celebrating

Hey all. In the spirit of the holidays and those who plan on celebrating the New Year, I wanted to share with you these tips for staying safe and avoiding temptation if you decide to go to a bar, a club, a concert or any other event or party where there will be drugs and alcohol present. I originally wrote this for my local rave scene a couple of years ago when I was first getting back to doing what I love after kicking a rather nasty drug habit. I've decided to keep it's original format and language (minus replacing resources local to me with 7cups) because it's very near and dear to me <3

Hope you enjoy it and find it helpful

AJ's Super Sober Safer Raver Guide

So you're newly clean and sober or you've decided you've been going a bit too hard and you'd like to cut back? Good for you! That's awesome that you've recognized that your substance use may be impacting your life in a negative way.

Now, one of the big questions that may be popping into your head (I know it did for me) is can I continue going to the events I love so much and still have a good time? You may be worried, uncomfortable, resentful, whatever you may be feeling. That's totally alright. Fret not my friend, there is a solution to your troubles. There's still a way (well many actually!) to be involved in your scene while slowing down on or even abstaining completely from substance use.

The following is a list of suggestions to help you cope and stay safe while enjoying your night out.

1. Go with a trusted clean and/or sober buddy (or two or three or four...you get the drift) to party with. Social support is power! You can support each other in staying safe and managing your cravings. You can also check in with each other and take breathers or make the decision to call it a night if things get too intense for you. I don't recommend going alone to an event or going with people who will be drinking and/or using especially if you're new to staying sober.

2. If you're cutting back, set a limit and stick within it. If you feel tempted after you've reached your limit, call a cab home or get one of your sober pals to give you a ride.

3. Make sure you are in a good mood and headspace. It might be a good idea to stay home if you're under a lot of stress or if you're feeling upset. It may also be a good idea to go home early if you start to feel stressed or overwhelmed while at an event.

4. Be aware of what triggers you (gives you the urge) to want to drink and/or use. It could be one or several things and these are unique to each person. For example, a certain kind of music may cause you to feel a certain way, running into a particular person, being in an environment that makes you uncomfortable, are all things that may give you the urge to indulge. It's good to be mindful of these and often it's best to avoid them altogether, especially if it's early on in your recovery.

5. If it's a rave or concert you're at, there may be harm reduction, peer support, and/or sanctuary (psychedelic first aid) volunteers present. These people are great to talk to if you feel overwhelmed and need support.

6. Even if you have a sober friend or two at the party, it's a good idea to have a backup safety plan just in case there's a change in plans or something else happens. I suggest creating list of safe friends/family to call who know about your situation and who would be willing to talk to you or pick you up if need be. Reach out and talk to them before you decide to have a drink/line/bump/pill.

7. If you're struggling and it's not practical or you don't feel comfortable talking to anyone in person, you're always welcome to connect with a listener here or join in a group support chat. If you haven't already, you can download the 7cups app on your phone so can easily access help straight from your pocket. IRC support networks that you can access on your phone such as tripsit.me or reddit's /r/stopdrinking chat are another good option. Dancesafe also has an app through which you can talk to somebody.

8. Above all...if something doesn't feel right, don't do it. Trust your gut! If you're anxious before you go to a party, when you get there or while you're there, it may be time to call it a night.

Have a fun night and party safe!

Oh and in the spirit of being a raver and all...Peace Love Unity Respect