New Year’s Eve can be a stressful time for many. Whether it's deciding what to wear or where to go, it can add pressure to the evening. But there’s another challenge presented to those in recovery from addiction on the holiday; staying sober.
“Having fun in sobriety and in recovery wasn’t something I thought I could do,” said Robert Fickett, a peer support and recovery coach coordinator at the Bangor Area Recovery Network. “Everything I had done to have fun was associated with substances.”
To try and help others struggling with the same issues Fickett had during this early recovery, the Bangor Area Recovery Network, or BARN, is hosting a dry News Year’s Eve Dance.
“Those are typically times, especially around New Year’s Eve that are associated with drinking and partying.” Said Fickett. “People can come and have fun, it’s a safe place. They can be sober and be with other people in recovery.”
The BARN’s new year’s event will provide food, drinks, and music for those going through the recovery process.
“We welcome anyone, we support all ways to recovery. Even if you're still right in the grips of it, come on in and we'll help you,” said BARN volunteer Joshua Sprague.
In addition to its event tonight, the BARN also holds events throughout the year in addition to its daily meetings.
“That's what this place has helped me to do, become a productive member of society. This place really has saved my life,” said Sprague.
The BARN will also be holding meetings overnight after their New Year's event has ended to assist anyone struggling in their recovery during the holiday.