When a person goes to rehab, it’s normally after a long period of anguish and loss. Now that they are in rehab, they know they are going to get clean and sober but the transition can be difficult. That’s why Narconon Arrowhead makes sure that holiday events for their clients serve as a message that their sober future is going to be fun. Much more fun, in fact, than any holiday they ever spent high or drunk.
This Fourth of July had all the traditional fun you might expect. The first order of business was a barbecue that was open to all clients, families of the staff and members of the community. The local Volunteer Fire Department was there to ensure safety but since everything went smoothly, they were able to enjoy the barbecue alongside the clients and other guests. The spread was pure Americana with hot dogs, hamburgers, french fries, baked beans, deviled eggs, watermelon and assorted drinks and desserts available.
Narconon families were joined by the local
Volunteer Fire Department.
Swimming and, as Soon as It Got Dark, Fireworks!
Since the center is located on a hill right above Lake Eufaula, a swim was the next item on the agenda. Anyone who wished to jump in made the short trek to the beach at the base of the hill below the lodge. After a short wait while more food was consumed, the night sky was lit by a full hour of fireworks.
While a traditional Fourth of July party is fun, what happens in the hearts of these individuals going through rehab is far more significant. It’s not uncommon for a person attending one of these events to say, “This is the first time I’ve been sober at a party since I was a teenager. I had more fun than I expected.”
Having a chance to take a break from their studies on the Narconon program and just have fun also lets them see how far they have come. So many people use drugs to conceal their pain or discomfort in social situations and these people in recovery may surprise themselves with their new abilities. Maybe they can now enjoy conversations easily or simply take an interest in another person just because it’s fun – and maybe they start a healthy, sober relationship at the same time. At Narconon, even the festive holiday fun is part of the healing.
