Tips for a Sober Halloween from a Los Angeles Rehab Center

California rehab centers know that one of the scariest things about Halloween is the number of drunk or drugged drivers hitting the roads this night. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration statistics show that Halloween is one of the most dangerous nights of the year for alcohol and drug-related traffic deaths. About 44 percent of all traffic deaths on Halloween occur are the direct result of intoxicated driver getting behind the wheel. Compared to other holiday periods, Halloween night has one of the highest proportions of substance-related traffic deaths, ahead of both Christmas and New Year’s Eve.

Substance abuse takes lives the entire year through, but Halloween is an especially dangerous day. For some, this Halloween may be a wake-up call, a time to seek an affordable rehab center, while others who have already found peace and joy in sobriety may find temptation in this holiday. Here are some tips to help you stay sober during the Halloween festivities:

1. If you’re not sure there will be non-alcoholic beverages available to you during the celebrations,  bring your own.

2. Avoid areas in which alcoholic drinks are being served, or people are using.

3. Stay busy! Chat, dance, keep moving. Don’t think about the fact you’re not using or drinking.

4. Be sure to eat before leaving the house, so that you’re not hungry.

5. If you feel the temptation to use drugs or alcohol is becoming too much, just make a speedy exit.

6. Chances are, there’s at least one other person at the party who is also sober. Find them and stick together!

8. Why not spend Halloween at a 12-Step meeting? Many groups plan special events for this night.

9. Keep your sponsor’s number handy, and don’t hesitate to use it.

Many people who need alcohol drug rehab, have not yet found their way into drug addiction rehab treatment. Although we empathize with them, and hope they find the help they need, that shouldn’t stop us from enjoying this festive time of year. Think of Halloweens past, spent in a drug or alcohol-induced haze; the blackouts and depression and sadness. This year, follow our tips to celebrate sober and enjoy all that the holiday has to offer.

Yes, Virginia – There Really is Affordable Drug Treatment

“I can’t get clean and sober, because I can’t find affordable drug treatment.” In many cases, those struggling with alcohol and drug addiction do not receive the help they need, because they believe they can’t afford the cost of treatment. Actually, that doesn’t have to be the case. It’s true that many of the high-profile and high-dollar rehabs centers favored by Hollywood A-listers can cost well into five-figures for a one-month stay. According to TheFix, an addiction website, one well-known Malibu clinic charges about $80,000 for a month of treatment. While that’s a number well out of reach of most average Americans, with a bit of research it is possible to find effective and affordable drug treatment.

Most large urban areas offer not-for-profit and publicly-funded treatment centers which offer low-cost, or subsidized treatment programs. For those suffering addictions not requiring medically-monitored detox, outpatient clinics can also be an affordable option. Narcotics Anonymous and Alcoholics Anonymous are  both free of charge, and meetings are held at a variety of times and locations to fit just about any schedule. For those with deeply-rooted, life-threatening addictions that require doctor-supervised detox, local hospitals can also be a good resource – especially those with health insurance coverage or Medicaid/Medicare. Some private facilities will offer payment plans or sliding scale fees to cash-strapped clients. Often, the family of the person seeking treatment will gladly contribute resources in hopes of seeing their loved one freed from the slavery of addiction.

Those seeking an affordable, effective option might consider our Los Angeles rehab. Licensed by the State of California Department of Alcohol & Drug Programs, we treat a variety of addictions and related disorders using a variety of evidenced-based treatment modalities. Our experienced licensed and credentialed staff includes LCSW, MFT, CADC and RADS Counselors, nurses, psychiatrists and physicians. We offer medically-monitored detox along with around the clock availability and support via group and individual therapy utilizing 12-Step principles and practices. Other offerings include stress and anger management counseling, relapse-prevention education and even organized outside activities many local activities such as visits to the Antique Wooden Boat Show, the Annual Art Festival and The Summer Concert Series.

High cost is no guarantee of great care. Pricey treatment centers may boast high thread-count sheets, gourmet meals and sunrise yoga classes, but they don’t necessarily yield better results. For those seeking alcohol drug rehab, the incalculable costs of continued addiction to health and relationships far outweigh the costs of treatment, regardless of price.