You live in Nashville, TN where music, entertainment, and good times are the norm. However, even though it's deemed as Music City, most tourists come to town seeking a vibrant party atmosphere. If you are one of the many individuals in recovery, it can be overwhelming to navigate the nightlife scene without succumbing to temptation.
When you were younger living in Nashville, or when you first moved, it wasn't always the party destination that it is today. The downtown and Broadway areas are magnets for bachelor/bachelorette parties, birthday celebrations, and more that all involve heavy drinking. It can be hard to stay sober in this part of the city. However, this doesn't mean you have to give up your healthy nightlife activities just because you don't drink anymore.
Avoidance is sometimes necessary
When you are actively in recovery or still find yourself struggling, it may be best to avoid the Broadway area or any venue that encourages heavy drinking. There are so many activities in Nashville that allow for fun without the need to drink. Enjoy local restaurants, live music venues, comedy clubs, and more all without having a drink in hand.
Now, if you are an individual who is recovered and trying to show yourself that you can still navigate Music City without drinking, you may want to avoid places that may be too triggering. An example of this might be a honky-tonk bar where music is a part of it but is mostly known for its drinking.
Have a Plan When You Go Out
Part of the challenge for individuals in recovery is to find a way to enjoy themselves without drinking, especially in Nashville where there are bars, restaurants, and other venues everywhere that serve alcohol. The key is to have a plan before you go out. This may seem counterintuitive but it can actually be empowering to have a plan.
If you're going out with friends, consider having a designated driver who will not drink any alcohol. Or, volunteer to be the designated driver. You can then have a sober friend to support you but also have fun with your group if you are the sober friend who is expected to keep an eye on your other friends. This way, you don't feel the peer pressure to drink and can focus on enjoying yourself all without the distraction of worrying about whether or not someone is going to offer you a drink.
When in Doubt Find an Alternative
If you don't have someone available to be sober with you or you are not able to/don't want to drive, then look for alternative venues such as ones that offer alcohol but maybe have less of an emphasis on drinking. For example, many restaurants and bars in Nashville have a live music aspect to them. This gives you an opportunity to still enjoy the nightlife scene without having alcohol as the main focus of your evening.
Avoid Peer Pressure When the Party Season Hits
The holidays and summer months in Nashville bring with them a whole host of increased events, such as bachelor/bachelorette parties, 4th of July fireworks shows, holiday celebrations, etc. These can all be great events to attend, but they also come with an increase in peer pressure to drink or more generally partake in activities that may not be healthy for your recovery. When bachelor or bachelorette parties are in town, usually they are there to party to the extreme. While this is not always the case, alcohol is typically the main focus of these events.
If you do choose to go out during these periods, it's best to avoid places where drinking is the main focus, such as bars, honky-tonk style restaurants, and other venues that are known for their alcohol consumption and partying. If you do go, once again, having a plan in place and knowing when to call it a night can come in handy. You may also want to stay away from downtown or Broadway if you know that these activities are going on. Not only can they be difficult to your recovery, but there is an increase in people and traffic which can be overwhelming.
Lean On Your Support System
Navigating the party and nightlife scene in Nashville can be challenging for individuals in recovery. When the city's nightlife sleeps, there are so many opportunities to enjoy the city without alcohol from museums to live entertainment and food trucks there is something for everyone.
However, this doesn't mean there isn't temptation everywhere you turn. To help keep yourself on track and maintain your sobriety, it's important to lean on your support system. This can mean having a sponsor or addiction therapist in Nashville, TN who can provide the guidance and accountability that will help you stay on track. Having people around you who understand your struggle and will support you through it can make a big difference when it comes to staying sober.
If You're Still Struggling
If you are still struggling to stay sober in this environment, then it is important to seek help. It may be difficult to admit that you need addiction therapy and treatment, but it can be invaluable for your recovery process and ultimately, your long-term sobriety. Addiction therapy and addiction treatment in Nashville, TN provide a safe space where individuals can get the support they need.
When you work with an addiction therapist in Nashville, TN, they will be able to provide you with the tools and skills that will help you stay sober. You'll also be able to discuss any triggers or challenges you are facing, which can in turn give you a better understanding of your addiction and what is causing it. It can be hard to stay sober if you don't know your triggers and how to cope with them effectively. With the support of an addiction therapist, a sponsor, or even AA meetings, you can develop a game plan for staying sober and finding more fulfillment in life without the use of drugs or alcohol.
Navigate the Nightlife in Music City With Addiction Therapy in Nashville, TN
Navigating the nightlife scene in Nashville can be a challenge for individuals in recovery. However, if you have a plan and are surrounded by supportive people, it is possible to still enjoy the city without the need for drinking or drug use. Make sure to avoid places that may trigger intense cravings and instead stick to venues where alcohol isn't the main focus. Addiction therapy in Nashville, TN can be a great way to get the support and guidance you need to stay on track. With a good plan in place, you can still enjoy all that Nashville has to offer while maintaining your sobriety. Stu Cook at Vitus Counseling is an addiction therapist in Nashville, TN who specializes in helping individuals stay sober and find freedom from addiction. He can provide the guidance you need so that you can navigate the nightlife scene while staying sober. Follow these simple steps:
Contact me at stucook@vituscounseling.com or (615)-709-5779.
Set up a free consultation call and learn more about my approach to counseling.
Enjoy Music City and Stay Sober!
ADDITIONAL COUNSELING SERVICES OFFERED AT VITUS COUNSELING
At Vitus Counseling, I offer a range of counseling services to support you with different aspects of life. Whether it's trauma, anxiety, depression, or addiction therapy in Nashville TN, I focus on creating a safe space for you to explore and process your emotions and experiences so that you can find healing. At my Tennessee located practice, I offer a variety of therapy and counseling services to meet your needs. I specialize in therapy for trauma or PTSD, as well as for anxiety and depression. Vitus Counseling is located in Brentwood, TN outside of Nashville. However, I also offer online counseling to anyone living within the state of Tennessee, so I can offer you support even if you cannot make it to my clinic. Your sobriety and your emotional well-being are both important, so let's take the steps necessary to start working towards a better tomorrow together.
