How I’ve Celebrated St. Patrick’s Day Without Drinking
Monica Drake
| 4 min read
There are many reasons why you may not be drinking this St. Patrick’s Day. Maybe it’s for health reasons. Maybe you struggle with addiction. Maybe you’re pregnant or trying to conceive. Or maybe you just don’t like the way alcohol makes you feel.
I know for people with anxiety, like me, it’s common to use alcohol to cope with stress and to feel more comfortable in social situations. A couple years ago, I found myself falling into this pattern. Following the death of my godmother, I was drinking more than usual to cope while trying to still be “fun” at holiday parties. I could feel myself starting to get dependent on alcohol, which I knew wasn’t healthy.
That’s because, in the long run, drinking to inhibit your anxiety is a vicious circle: Drinking to feel less anxious, feeling more anxious because you've been drinking, and then drinking more to stop feeling anxious about drinking. So, it’s important to occasionally take a break from alcohol for the sake of your physical and mental health – and to consider cutting it out completely if it impacts your everyday life.
For those who are currently taking an alcohol break or just trying to be more mindful if their drinking, you may find it challenging to stick to your resolve during the biggest beer-drinking holiday of the year. So, what can you do if you still want to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day while abstaining from or limiting your alcohol intake?
Celebrating St. Patrick's Day mindfully
If you still want to go out with your friends, sometimes it helps to just give your hands something else to do. I used to struggle at parties when I didn’t have a drink in my hand to sip during a lull in the conversation. But there are plenty of mocktails and non-alcoholic beers that can give your hands something to do. Ask the bartender to put some green food dye into your non-alcoholic drink so you're still part of the Irish fun. Even better, bring an accountability partner with you who will stay sober and make sure you don’t succumb to peer-pressure.
There's also nothing wrong with avoiding outings at bars, which is what I did a couple years ago when I took a step back to prioritize my health. I still dressed head to toe in green while eating corned beef and cabbage – with a Shamrock Shake from McDonald’s instead of a glass of green beer.
My husband and I also enjoy watching the movies “P.S. I Love You” and Disney’s “Luck of the Irish” on St. Patrick’s Day. Some other good Irish flicks include “Once,” “Brooklyn,” “Waking Ned Devine,” “The Departed,” and “The Quiet Man.”
Irish festivals will also be held throughout Michigan this year. These family-friendly events include plenty of things to do that don’t involve drinking, such as parades, live music, dancing, crafts, and, of course, lots of food. For a list of St. Patrick’s Day events happening around the state, visit Pure Michigan.
Whether you’re completely abstaining this year or just trying to be more mindful of your intake, remind yourself of your goals. Excessive alcohol use can lead to high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, liver disease, digestive problems, a weakened immune system, memory problems, and mental health problems like depression and anxiety. At the very least, remind yourself of the money you will be saving on your bar tab.
Sober St. Patrick's Day Activities in Metro Detroit
- Bring your whole family to Leprechaun Days at Canterbury Village in Lake Orion March 14-15. There will be friendly leprechauns, magic shows, Irish dancers and more.
- Learn how to make an assortment of St. Patrick’s Day appetizers and treats at 4 p.m. March 15 at the Flavor Lab Culinary Collective in Rochester.
- Head to the SELCRA Meijer Park in Brighton for Leprechaun Games March 14 at 2 p.m..
- The 43rd annual CorkTown Races will take place Sunday, March 15. The races start on Michigan Avenue and finish in front of Michigan Central Station.
- The 53rd annual Bay City St. Patrick’s Day Races is March 14 and 15 in Downtown Bay City.
- Hunt for candy gold coins and other treasures by navigating through the woods at Howell Nature Center at 1 p.m. March 15.
- Listen to songs and stories of Ireland at 6:30 p.m. March 23 at Troy Public Library.
Opinions expressed in this blog belong solely to the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or beliefs of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan or its subsidiaries and affiliates.
Photo courtesy: Monica Drake
Photo courtesy: Monica Drake
