Celebrate Sober: National Impaired Driving Prevention Month

On average, over 150 Mississippians lose their lives each year due to crashes that involve impaired drivers. Nationally, drunk-driving crashes result in 1 death every 39 minutes.

While the last month of each year is known for its abundance of holidays, December is also National Impaired Driving Prevention Month.

Prevention Saves Lives

Impaired driving is 100% preventable and can not only save your life but the lives of others you come across on the road. While alcohol is typically thought of when it comes to driving impaired, drunk driving is not the only kind of driving that needs prevention.

Driving high also results in injuries and fatalities. Whether caused by marijuana or prescription pills, driving under the influence of any substance that impairs your ability to safely operate a motor vehicle is dangerous and far too often, deadly.

Many people may equate celebrating the holidays with drinking alcoholic beverages. Thankfully, however, there are alternatives to spending the holiday season under the influence.

Ways to Celebrate Sober

Whether you or your loved one are in recovery or sober curious, there are plenty of ways to celebrate the holiday season sober. Here are a few ideas to help get you started.

Non-Alcoholic Beverages

Gone are the days of soda water and sparkling apple cider being the only options for beverages without alcohol during the holidays. These days, even the terminology for non-alcoholic beverages has changed; think “zero proof,” “dry,” and “spirit free,” among others.

While you can always find a plethora of alcohol-free craft beverage recipes online, you can also find a growing selection of already mixed options at local stores and e-commerce shops.

Festive Activities

It wouldn’t be the holidays without there being more festivities than anyone’s calendar can hold. One of the many joys of the season is the wealth of sober activities being held, many of which are free to attend.

Some examples of Mississippi holiday traditions for all to share in include:

• Tree lighting ceremonies.
• Festive holiday light displays.
• Dazzling musical performances (including the 91^st performance of the Belhaven Singing Christmas Tree).
• Holiday gift markets.

Nearby, the city of Oxford, MS, invites you to the 4^th annual Holly Jolly Holidays through the first week of January. Special events include ice skating, holiday light displays throughout the town square, and an inaugural Peppermint Trail.

Sober Social Circle

Spending time with friends and loved ones who are also sober or support your sobriety can help ensure the holidays feel special rather than stressful. Surround yourself with people who understand what you may be going through and are supportive.

It matters who you spend your time with at all times of the year, but it can be especially meaningful when certain holiday traditions no longer serve you.

Giving the Gift of Recovery

This holiday season, give yourself and those who love you the gift that matters most of all: your recovery.

Need help to get sober and start your recovery? Oxford Treatment Center—a drug and alcohol rehab in Mississippi—offers inpatient and outpatient levels of addiction treatment.

To learn more about what makes our addiction treatment center an ideal rehab, call . Admissions navigators are available around the clock to help you start your recovery.