6 Ways To Celebrate Pride Month Without Drugs and Alcohol
What Is Pride Month?
Pride Month honors the continuing pursuit of equality for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer community while also celebrating the accomplishments of LGBTQ people. It is observed during June and celebrations are held all over the world. Every city and town does Pride differently, and there is almost always a march as well. The month is full of celebrations, attracting millions, including various parades, parties, workshops, and concerts.
For many, celebrating comes with alcohol and sometimes drugs. However, there is a massive problem in the LGBTQ community with substance abuse. According to SAMHSA, 20 to 30% of the LGBTQ populations report a substance use disorder, compared to only 9% of the general population. There are several reasons for the high rates among LGBTQ people, primarily due to stress, anxiety, and depression from the social stigma they experience. Many self-medicate with drugs and alcohol to deal with many of the issues surrounding the high amount of mental health disorders and trauma experienced in the community.
Another reason is that many places that LGBTQ friendly, such as gay bars and clubs, are centered around alcohol, and sometimes these events encourage drinking to excess. For LGBTQ people in recovery, socializing, especially during Pride Month, can feel isolating. But there are plenty of ways to celebrate Pride month without using alcohol or drugs.
6 Alcohol and Drug-Free Ways To Celebrate Pride Month
Here are just some ways to be involved during Pride Month in June:
1. Attend the Gay & Sober Pride Festival
Every year, the nonprofit group called Gay & Sober hosts a Pride Celebration along with New York City Pride. They host several events, including the Pride Fest Block Party, which is free and open to sober folks and their allies. They also have a ticketed cruise during the night called Dance on the River.
2. Attend a Virtual Pride Event
A quick Google search of “virtual pride events” will give you a long list of events going on online. This is a good way to avoid any temptations at in-person Pride events.
3. Host an LGTBQ Book Club
There are several books by LGBTQ authors and those with queer characters. Pick a few books for the month and get together in a sober environment to discuss the books.
4. Volunteer for Pride Month Instead
You can connect with an LGBTQ organization in your city or town that helps support services to the LGBTQ community.
5. Find a Sober LGBTQ Group
There are so many queer sober groups that you can find on sites like Meetup.com and social platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Being a part of these groups can expand your support network and have new friends to experience sober events with.
6. Throw Your Own Sober Pride Party
If going to parties with alcohol is still too early in your sobriety, host a dry party yourself! There are many ways to have a party without alcohol, including movies, games, and crafts.
Happy Pride Month from Novo Detox – Get Help Today
At Novo Detox, we want to celebrate Pride month while spreading awareness about various issues surrounding addiction and co-occurring disorders in the LGBTQ community. We understand the difficulties many in the LGBTQ community continue to endure and the consequences that can have on your health. If you struggle with drug or alcohol addiction during Pride month, please remember to lean on your support system, avoid triggers, and get help now. Here at Novo Detox, we are available 24/7 to answer any questions you may have or to get admitted into our outpatient or inpatient treatment programs as soon as possible. Please do not hesitate to contact us at (844) 834-1777.
