5 Tips for Staying Sober During Pride Month in Denver
It's that time of year again, PRIDE, a time when we celebrate our hard-won rights, freedoms, and the beauty of the LGBTQ+ community. It may not be officially Denver Pride, June 22nd and 23rd, just yet, but we've got a whole month to celebrate! But for sober folks or those with new commitments to drink less, Pride can be a tricky event to navigate. With booze flowing freely, peer pressure high, and emotions running strong, it's easy to feel left out, stressed, or tempted to drink. But worries! There are ways to survive Pride sober and still have a blast! In this blog post, we'll explore some tips on how to drink less during Pride month, so you can enjoy the festivities while keeping your recovery intact.
1. Reach out to sober friends
Just like with any social event, it's helpful to have a support network in place who understands and respects your sobriety. Look for sober groups or individuals within the LGBTQ+ community who you can turn to for encouragement, advice, and camaraderie. Whether it's a sober dance party or a meeting before the parade, being around like-minded folks can help you feel less isolated and more empowered. For queer community events not centered around alcohol, check out our pals in Fort Collins, Queer+ Bikes, on IG @queerplusbikes. If you’re newly sober or sober curious and haven’t found your sober community yet, message our Licensed Addictions Counselor, Sharon F. Hester, to schedule a free initial consultation to see if therapy could support you in this season of your sobriety journey.
2. Set boundaries
As much as you may want to attend every Pride event and party, it's okay to say no and prioritize your sobriety. Consider limiting the number of events you attend, avoiding trigger-happy situations like bars or clubs, or bringing a non-drinking friend or family member with you. Be clear with yourself and others about what makes you feel comfortable and respected, and stick to those boundaries.
3. Come prepared
Whether you're attending a potluck, a picnic, or a parade, it's always helpful to have some non-alcoholic beverages and snacks on hand. Bring your own cooler with sodas, juices, or mocktails. If everyone wants to meet at a taproom and you are far enough along in your sobriety journey to stay sober at a brewery, have a list ready of your favorite taprooms with Non-alcoholic, NA, options like, Ratio Beerworks, Seedstock Brewing Company, and Lady Justice Brewing (not sponsored). By planning ahead, you'll avoid feeling thirsty and focus on enjoying the moment. However, at the beginning of sobriety is especially hard and preparation might look like preparing responses when friends and family ask you to go to a brewery. Write down some responses you could use for those moments, statements like, “The weather’s beautiful outside! Let’s meet at the park instead.” or “I’m not drinking right now, but I want to connect with y’all. Can we get together at the climbing gym instead?”
4. Practice self-care
Pride can be overwhelming, emotionally and physically. From the heat to the crowds to the noisy music, it's important to listen to your body and take breaks as needed. Find a quiet spot to meditate, breathe deeply, or journal. Go for a hike, camp overnight, or set up a picnic in the shade at your favorite city park. Take a nap or call a supportive friend. By nurturing yourself, you'll be better able to handle challenges that come your way.
5. Be kind to yourself
Lastly, give yourself the grace to make mistakes and grow. Sobriety isn’t an easy journey, and it’s okay to stumble along the way. You don't have to set unrealistic expectations for yourself; recognize that Pride Month might be tough, but you're tougher. It's important to remember that you're not alone, and there's no one "right way" to celebrate Pride. Find what works for you and enjoy the experience!
Pride month can be a wonderful, uplifting, and inclusive time for all of us in the LGBTQ+ community, regardless of drinking status. By following these tips on how to stay sober or drink less during Pride month, you can enjoy the festivities while staying true to your sober self. Remember, you're not alone, and you're not missing out on anything by choosing your health and well-being over alcohol. If you want support during this time, message us today to schedule your free consultation!
Pride is about being proud of who you are, in all your unique glory, and that includes your decision to stay sober (or drink less). So Happy Pride everyone, and celebrate with all your heart!
