How to Throw a Party for a Recovering Alcoholic

Throwing a party for a recovering alcoholic is not as difficult as it may seem. Simply include all party elements except for alcoholic beverages. Be a conscientious party host and ensure that alcohol and any temptations to imbibe it are prohibited from the party.

Instructions

1. Choose a theme for the recovering alcoholic's party. Try to pick themes that don't remind recovering alcoholics about events or locations that depend on alcoholic consumption.

2. Decide on drinks. Coffee, soft drinks, juices, cider, mineral water and other flavorful beverages can provide guests and the recovering alcoholic with great-tasting alternatives to alcohol.

3. Serve food that does not contain alcohol. If you are buying or catering the food for the party, be sure to read ingredient lists or discuss the special non-alcoholic order with the caterer. Look out for foods that are known to contain brandy, rum and wine.

4. Play games at your party. Fun without the use of substances is crucial to a recovering alcoholic. Competitive, thinking games that call for clear minds can help everyone at the party appreciate their sobriety.

5. Research ways to make your party fun and alcohol-free. Throwing a party for a recovering alcoholic is not unlike having a party for a diabetic, a child or a pregnant woman. Mix and match tips for throwing parties for these guests to customize a party for a recovering alcoholic.

6. Reassure your guest that an early exit is acceptable. Recovering alcoholics can find the temptations presented at a social gathering too much to handle. Be sensitive to the recovering alcoholic by allowing him to leave if he feels that a consultation with his sponsor or recovering alcoholics support group is necessary.

Tips & Warnings

• Avoid serving beverages that are dressed up to look like alcoholic beverages.

• Don't let other party guests suggest drinking games.

• Don't make the recovering alcoholic's struggle public. Doing so could compromise the recovering alcoholic's anonymity in a recovering alcoholics program.

• Holidays can often act as triggers to a recovering alcoholic. If you are throwing a party for a recovering alcoholic during a holiday, be ready to extend emotional support to her.