Sober Bowl Sunday

Image of scrimmage play on blackboard representing LifeRing Sober Bowl Sunday

Your Ultimate Guide to a Super Sober Bowl Sunday

Super Bowl Sunday is upon us! It's a day filled with thrilling touchdowns, unforgettable halftime shows, and, let’s be honest, a barrage of tempting commercials. For those of us on recovery journeys, it can feel like a high-stakes game. But don’t worry, fellow fans! With some thoughtful strategies and the unwavering support of communities like LifeRing Secular Recovery, you can revel in the excitement while staying true to your sobriety.

NEW TO THE GAME? Here’s Your Playbook!

Buddy Up:
Having a sober companion can transform your Super Bowl experience. Team up with a friend from your LifeRing group—they understand the hurdles of sobriety and can offer unique support. Celebrate every touchdown together, making each moment more joyous!

BYOB (Bring Your Own Beverages):
Don’t leave your drink options to chance! Stock up on your favorite non-alcoholic beverages—sparkling water, flavored seltzers, or even some creative mocktails. Having your own sippy cup ensures you’re always sipping something refreshing and enjoyable.

Snack Attack:
Super Bowl parties are famous for their delicious spreads! Dive into the tasty snacks and savor every bite. When you're indulging in mouth-watering food, the urge to drink often fades into the background.

Distraction Plays:
Feeling restless? Prepare some distraction strategies! Engage in games, chat with friends, or take a break to enjoy the lighthearted Puppy Bowl. Keeping busy will help you steer clear of temptation.

The Exit Strategy:
Know your limits and always have an exit plan. If the atmosphere gets overwhelming, it’s perfectly okay to leave early. You can catch the highlights later! This is an essential lesson often discussed in LifeRing meetings: recognizing triggers and having a solid plan.

PRO TIPS

Choose Your Crowd:
Surround yourself with supportive individuals who respect your sobriety journey. If a party leans heavily on drinking, consider inviting your friends over for a game-night in a sober environment. LifeRing meetings provide a safe haven, and you might even find fellow members who are also navigating Super Bowl Sunday.

New Traditions:
Why not create new Super Bowl traditions? Think of fun competitions, unique halftime activities, or even trying out new recipes. Shifting your focus can make the day even more enjoyable, aligning perfectly with the LifeRing philosophy of finding positive alternatives and crafting a fulfilling recovery journey.

Reflect on Your Game:
Take a moment to reflect on your decision to embrace sobriety. Keeping your personal goals in mind can empower you to resist temptation. LifeRing encourages this self-reflection, helping you identify your reasons for choosing a sober lifestyle.

Check in with Your Teammates:
Consider jumping into a LifeRing meeting before or after the game. Sharing your thoughts and experiences can be incredibly enriching. Connecting with a community that understands the challenges of sobriety—especially during high-pressure events—can provide invaluable support.

FOR THE WIN

Remember, staying sober during the Super Bowl isn’t just possible—it’s absolutely achievable! With a little planning, these strategies, and the support of LifeRing Secular Recovery, you can enjoy a fantastic day celebrating the game, your team, and your commitment to sobriety. So, grab your favorite snacks, don your team jersey, and gear up for a winning Sunday!

 


LifeRing Support Resources

All LifeRing recovery resources provide supportive environments for individuals seeking support to overcome addiction while promoting their mental health. By fostering non-judgmental spaces, these meetings encourage open dialogue and shared experiences, allowing participants to connect with others who understand their struggles. This sense of belonging can significantly reduce feelings of isolation and anxiety, promoting emotional well-being and supporting maintained sobriety. Additionally, LifeRing's focus on personal empowerment and self-directed recovery helps individuals build resilience, develop coping strategies, and cultivate a positive mindset, ultimately enhancing their overall mental health and quality of life.

LifeRing Local Meetings — LifeRing in-person meetings are a warm and welcoming space where you can share your experiences and challenges without judgment. Here, you’ll connect with others on the same journey, finding the peer support and accountability you need to stay focused on your sobriety goals. You’ll also discover valuable resources and strategies to help you thrive. Join us in building a vibrant community that celebrates sobriety as a shared journey, enriched by the experiences of everyone involved!

LifeRing Online Meetings — LifeRing online meetings provide a friendly and accessible space where you can share your experiences and challenges without fear of judgment from the comfort of your own home. In these virtual gatherings, you'll connect with others on a similar journey, gaining valuable peer support and accountability to help you stay committed to your sobriety goals. You'll also discover practical resources and strategies to navigate your path effectively. Join us in creating a supportive online community that celebrates sobriety as a shared journey, enriched by the diverse experiences of all participants!

LifeRing eGroups — Our private email groups are a safe haven for you to connect and share with others on your recovery exploration. Joining is simple and straightforward—don’t worry if it seems a bit daunting at first! To maintain your privacy, just click on the group name to visit the group website and hit the "Join this Group" button, or send a quick email to the group convenor requesting to be added. Approval is mostly a formality, and as long as you’re a genuine person (not a spammer!), you’ll be welcomed with open arms. Come join us and start building meaningful connections today!

LifeRing ePals — New to sobriety or LifeRing?  Not sure about joining a group? There are LifeRing members who can lend a private ear and answer questions via email. If the chats and forum are a bit too intimidating right now, this might be a way of getting the information you need.

Meetings for the Newly Sober or the Sober Curious

LifeRing is proud to offer a variety of focus meeting for people with commonalities. These meetings provides a safe space for Veterans, active personnel and allies to explore their own recovery pathways in a setting with others with similar living experiences.  Links to join meetings can

Local and Online Meetings

  • How Was Your Week? | Both Local and Online meetings throughout the week

Online Focus Meetings

  • LifeRing 101: An Intro to LifeRing | First Saturday of the month at 9:00am
  • Tool Time | Tuesdays at 7:00pm Pacific Time
  • Life Skills @LifeeRing | Wednesdays at 10:00am Pacific
  • Your Personal Recovery Plan | Sundays at 3:00pm Pacific

 


Dear Readers,

LifeRing is proud to be a 100% peer-run organization dedicated to supporting individuals on their journey to recovery. Our strength lies in the personal contributions of time and financial support from our community members, which enables us to help others like ourselves stay afloat in their recovery.

As we continue to grow, we invite you to lend your support to the increasing number of people who turn to LifeRing as their recovery community. Your contributions make a significant impact, providing resources, support, and a safe space for those seeking sobriety.

Image of GuideStar Platinum-Level Seal of Transparency awarded to LifeRing again in 2024We're thrilled to share that LifeRing has earned the Platinum Seal of Transparency for the third consecutive year. This recognition reflects our commitment to accountability and providing our supporters with the confidence that their donations are making a real difference.

Thank you for giving so many individuals a chance to find their way to sobriety. Together, we can continue to build a supportive environment where recovery is possible for everyone!.

Warm regards,
The LifeRing Team