Sober Halloween Events Around Orlando
Halloween is one of the biggest celebratory nights of the year, but it can be challenging for people in recovery. You may feel that Halloween triggers certain memories or emotions. Perhaps you’re not sure how you can spend the evening having fun without the temptation to use drugs or alcohol.
Luckily there are options in and around Orlando that are great for people who are sober and in recovery. Since we are still grappling with COVID-19, it’s important to follow CDC guidelines for the season, local county restrictions, and any procedures at the events you participate in. Of course, Halloween is the ideal time to “mask up.” You can be safe, healthy and still make the most of Halloween this year.
The Haunted Road
The Haunted Road balances health and safety with sober fun. It’s the first contactless drive-through Halloween event in Central Florida. The idea is that you follow Rapunzel’s journey as she leaves her tower and enters “disarray.” There’s also a family-friendly version if you’re going with kids or want a little less of a scare-factor.
Flicks and Frights at SeaWorld
SeaWorld Orlando is offering social distancing Halloween fun this year with their Flicks and Frights event. It’s ongoing each Saturday in October through Halloween night. Drive in to watch spooky movies with food and snacks from food trucks. Movies being shown include Corpse Bride, Casper, and the legendary Hocus Pocus.
Other Ideas for a Sober Halloween
If you want low-cost options or you’d rather stay close to home this year, here are some other ideas for a sober Halloween.
Scary Movie Marathon
There’s nothing scarier than some Halloween classics. If you want to have a safe and sober Halloween, watch a scary movie marathon this year with family or roommates. Rotten Tomatoes put together a list of the scariest horror movies of all time.
A few of their picks included:
- Psycho
- The Silence of the Lambs
- Halloween
- Carrie
- The Conjuring
- The Texas Chainsaw Massacre
Feast on Fall Flavors
The frightful season isn’t just about candy and pumpkin spice lattes. There are hundreds of sweet and savory Halloween recipes to try out. Make specialty treats all month long to give to friends and family or snack on yourself. Don’t forget alcohol-free Halloween mocktails: enjoy these concoctions during a virtual costume contest on Zoom, while watching a scary movie or celebrating a new 2020 Halloween tradition.
Help Children Have a Good Time
There’s always something magical about seeing Halloween through the eyes of a child. Carving pumpkins, spooky scavenger hunts and admiring decorations can transport you back to your own childhood and the excitement Halloween always brought. If you’re going trick-or-treating, follow safe social distancing guidelines and go to homes of friends and family you trust.
Reach Out for Support
Halloween and other holidays can be challenging for someone in recovery. Recognizing these challenges can help you maintain your sobriety or be a better support system for your loved one. If you’re nervous about what Halloween could bring, reach out to the people who care about you for support.
If you or a loved one is struggling with substance use and you’d like to learn more about treatment, Orlando Recovery Center can help. Our addiction specialists are available 365 days a year. Contact us today to get started on the road to recovery.
You Might Be Interested In
Not everyone who drinks excessively develops an alcohol use disorder or becomes an alcoholic. Approximately 90% of people who drink to excessive levels will not meet the criteria for a diagnosis of AUD.
Alcohol can affect every part of your body, impacting the health of each body system when used heavily or for prolonged periods of time. It is important to understand exactly how alcohol can affect your body so that you can be aware of changes that occur.
Orlando Recovery Center offers evidence-based treatment modalities in a comfortable, supportive environment. The 93-bed facility offers yoga, a swimming area, volleyball, exercise facility and many other wellness-oriented activities.
Detoxing from alcohol can seem daunting, but it is the first and arguably most important step in becoming sober. Alcohol detox can be uncomfortable or even dangerous, but with professional help can be a safe experience.
CBD gummies contain the oil of cannabidiol. In animal studies, CBD has been shown to be an effective tool against some of the characteristics of alcohol use disorder. Research demonstrates that CBD helps to reduce alcohol intake, motivation for alcohol and relapse.
Centers for Disease Control & Prevention. “Holiday Celebrations.” September 21, 2020. Accessed October 9, 2020.
Delish. “Scary-Good Halloween.” Accessed October 9, 2020.
Jokic, Natasha. “12 Nonalcoholic Halloween Drinks That Are Legit Delish.” Cosmopolitan, July 9, 2019. Accessed October 9, 2020.
Rotten Tomatoes. “Top 100 Horror Movies.” Accessed October 9, 2020.
The Recovery Village aims to improve the quality of life for people struggling with a substance use or mental health disorder with fact-based content about the nature of behavioral health conditions, treatment options and their related outcomes. We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals. The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider.