Staying sober at music festivals

Everyone knows that Lollapalooza is one of the biggest and best music festivals of the summer, with people flocking from all over the country to see performers such as Radiohead or Lana del Rey sing and dance in front of huge crowds. It’s a really big party, which is great – unless you are trying to stay clean and sober. Lollapalooza and a lot of other major festivals have a history of binge drinking, so if you or a loved one are going to Lollapalooza or any other major music festival this summer, here are some tips from Fresh Start to help keep you clean and sober

Don’t worry about what other people are doing

Sure, it’s tempting to look at people holding cups of beer or lighting joints and feel the urge to do it yourself. But you come to the music festival to have a great time, and that means enjoying the music. You can party clean and sober if you ignore what others nearby are doing – just focus on yourself and let the beat carry you away!

Treat yourself in other ways

Just because you’re not going to be drinking doesn’t mean you can’t indulge somehow. Festivals usually have strict limits on what you’re allowed to bring in – usually they just want to make as much money as possible – but if you can’t smuggle in your favorite candy bar or non-alcoholic beverage, buy something that catches your eye inside the festival grounds. Don’t worry if it costs $10 for an ice cream cone – if that’s all it takes to keep you clean and sober at Lollapalooza that’s a bargain!

Go with a friend

In case you feel yourself tempted by the girl behind you who’s giving out free pills, it helps to have a friend or someone else you trust to keep you safe from last-minute temptation. It’s human to have your weaknesses, and especially if you are just starting to be clean and sober again, it’s a good idea to have a friend or trusted adult by your side to keep you out of harm’s way.

You don’t have to stay

If things aren’t going well and you feel a relapse coming on, don’t feel like you have to stay any longer. Sure, a ticket to a major music festival is expensive, but your health is worth more. If you find yourself wandering over to a beer station to buy a pint or someone is trying to push drugs on you, don’t feel like you have to stay. Being clean and sober is the goal.

Don’t forget to have fun

If you go with a positive mindset and remind yourself that you’re here to have fun, you probably will! It’s so much easier to stay clean and sober when you are happy. And the good news is, Lollapalooza is a great place to be happy!