The 4th of July in America is a favorite holiday, celebrating freedom and all that is good about America.  It is the day that in 1776, America claimed her independence from British rule by publishing the Declaration of Independence.  It is a holiday celebrated with parades, flying the American flag, family events, barbecues, outdoor sports, and with great attention to America’s long tradition of political freedom.

The 4th of July

In today’s world, alcohol over-consumption and drug use has tarnished the traditional 4th of July celebration, overshadowing its original meaning and purpose with drinking-related fatalities on America’s roadways.

While families and friends celebrate the 4th of July with parties, get-togethers and fireworks, the statistics show that too many will lose their lives to drinking-related fatalities.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) cites the 4th of July as the deadliest day on America’s roadways.  July 3rd is cited as the second deadliest day of the year.  All years from 1975 to 2002 were factored in the ranking.

From 2000 to 2009, the 4th of July logged more vehicle-related fatalities on America’s roadways than any other single day throughout the year.  Forty percent of those roadway fatalities involved a vehicle driver under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

It is safe to say that the 4th of July—and the 3rd of July—are the highest risk days on the roadways of America due to increased alcohol-related fatalities.  Because so many Americans travel over the 4th of July holiday weekend, it is vital to get behind the wheel of the vehicle only when sober and drug-free.

Narconon Arrowhead, the Oklahoma-based drug and alcohol rehabilitation and education center, focuses on a safe and drug-free 4th of July by suggesting the following guidelines.  With common sense and a few simple precautions, you can enjoy a safe and drug-free 4th of July; and help others do the same.

Guidelines for a Safe and Drug-Free 4th of July

Alcohol and/or drug use is the focus of some 4th of July parties or celebrations.  It poses a risk to individuals who are prone to substance abuse, have overcome addiction, are in recovery, or working to maintain their sobriety.

It also poses a risk to anyone who gets behind the wheel of a vehicle when they have been drinking or using drugs.

In order to avoid becoming a 4th of July fatality statistic—or causing others to become one—it is vital to follow a few simple guidelines.  The life you save may be your own.

There are some things those in recovery, or who are working to maintain their sobriety, can do to help safeguard their hard-won sobriety—and help others do the same.

Learn to Live Sober

For anyone who has made alcohol or drugs a way of living their life, it becomes necessary to re-learn to live life without them.

It is a new look at life to attend get-togethers, participate in activities, and to celebrate the 4th of July without involving alcohol or other drugs.  For those who have overcome substance abuse and are safeguarding their sobriety, it is vital to learn to participate in the activities and events of life stone-cold sober.

Non-Alcoholic Drinks are the Best Choice

When attending a 4th of July get-together, choose non-alcoholic drinks if available.  To be safe, it is best to take your own with you.  Protect yourself from any temptation to drink or any invitation to relapse. It helps to let others know you are only drinking non-alcoholic beverages, and politely let them know to respect your choice.

Celebrate Sober

Avoid attending any 4th of July celebration focused on alcohol consumption and/or drug use.  Feel free to decline any invitation to an alcohol-focused event.  Choose to celebrate sober, and attend only events or get-togethers that focus on family and friends, great food, outdoor activities, and fireworks.

Choosing the right 4th of July celebrations and/or events is a vital part of safeguarding your sobriety, and helps prevent the bad decision of getting behind the wheel of a vehicle when under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Supportive Friends are the Best Choice

Choose to share the 4th of July with supportive friends and others of like-mind who made the choice to be sober and drug-free.  There are many just like you who want to live life fully, and appreciate living it without the risks and consequences of alcohol consumption and drug use.

Celebrate the 4th of July with others who want to stay sober and clean.