The Halloween Sober Service Squad: How Helping Others Haunts Away Cravings
- Catherine Merola
- Oct 6
- 3 min read
Happy October, AAmazing Crew!
October 31st is creeping up, and while for many it means candy corn and costumes, for those of us in recovery, it can sometimes feel like a night of lurking temptations. But guess what? This Halloween, we’re trading tricks for treats of service! We’re talking about turning that spooky energy into positive action that keeps our sobriety shining brighter than a jack-o'-lantern.
T
he AA Big Book (4th Edition) reminds us of a profound truth on page 89: "Our very lives, as ex-problem drinkers, depend upon our constant thought of others and how we may help meet their needs." What a powerful promise! When we focus on others, especially during holidays, we often find our own cravings and anxieties magically disappear. It’s like having a superpower!
Here at AAmazingtabs, we believe in celebrating sobriety in every season, and Halloween is no exception. Let's suit up, because the Halloween Sober Service Squad is on duty!
Your Sober Service Superpowers:
Ready to make this Halloween memorable for all the right reasons? Here are some "super" ways to practice service and fortify your sobriety:
Be the "Ghost Host" at a Sober Event: Many AA groups host special marathon meetings or sober Halloween parties. Volunteer to set up chairs, greet newcomers, or help with snacks. Being useful and present keeps you engaged and connected. As the Big Book says on page 14: "We are not cured of alcoholism. What we really have is a daily reprieve contingent on the maintenance of our spiritual condition." Service is a huge part of maintaining that condition!
The Designated Driver (Sober Style): Offer to drive sober friends to their chosen Halloween festivities or even just to a regular meeting. This simple act can be a huge gift to others and a powerful reminder of how far you've come. You're living proof that fun doesn't require a drink.
The "Check-In Crew": Reach out to newcomers, sponsees, or anyone in your fellowship you know might be struggling with holiday triggers. A quick call, text, or a shared virtual meeting link can make all the difference. Page 110 of the Big Book talks about our responsibility: "To us, the cement of all these relations is the spirit of love and tolerance." A simple check-in embodies this spirit.
Share Your Story (Even a Mini One): If appropriate, share at a meeting how you're navigating Halloween sober. Your experience, strength, and hope can be an invaluable beacon for someone else. Your honest sharing might be just the "treat" another member needs to hear.
Tools for Your Sober Journey:
Staying connected to the principles of AA is crucial, especially during festive times. Don't forget these amazing resources:
For on-the-go inspiration, check out the AA Big Book app and the AA 12X12 App. They are often considered the Best Alcoholics Anonymous App for quick access to recovery wisdom.
Make your personal AA Big Book even more accessible with Big Book tabs or AA tabs. Our AA Big Book tabs and 12-step tabs help you quickly find those life-saving passages.
Looking for inspiring Sobriety Gifts or other Big Book accessories and AA bookmarks? Visit our shop for items that celebrate the journey!
The Real Treat: A Sober Tomorrow
This Halloween, remember that the true magic isn't in a costume or a spooky decoration; it's in the freedom and joy of living sober, one day at a time. The real treat is waking up clear-headed, grateful, and knowing you faced a potential trigger with grace and strength, all thanks to the power of service and the AA program.
So go forth, Sober Service Squad! Have a truly AAmazing, spooktacular, and most importantly, sober Halloween!
Comments