Organization gives students advice on partying sober

By Alondra Bodden

Spring is often a time when many students find themselves losing control when it to substances, or more specifically, alcohol.

Having fun does not always have to include alcohol or other drugs, says Thomas Guerra, president of Panthers for Recovery.

Panthers for Recovery is a student organization with a goal of helping students that are in recovery and students exploring recovery as an option. The group intends to aid students and alumni affected by addiction and change the stigma around it. The organization by holding events such as tailgates and movie nights that are completely alcohol and substance free.

“A lot of times students are away from home for the first time and they drink for the first time. This could lead to a lot of drinking along with the added pressure to want to fit in,” said Guerra.

Students can battle peer pressure by giving a firm no, or saying that drinking may interfere with medication or a diet.

“In social gatherings I usually always have a regular drink in my hand to keep from the discomfort. Some people like to have a non-alcoholic drink that looks like it has alcohol to avoid being asked if they want a drink,” said Guerra.

Some other tips for partying sober include: partying with people that also want to stay sober, surrounding yourself with like-minded individuals can help with staying on track.

According to Guerra, being sober does not have to be boring, especially when with the right people.

“I still do a lot of the same things, just not drinking. Most times I go with friends who are in recovery too or just don’t drink. We just had a tailgate a few weeks ago that was alcohol and substance free. We had a blast playing games, eating, and enjoying everyone’s company. It was fun and we didn’t have to worry about a hangover the next day or trying to remember what we did,” said Guerra.

The organization regularly has speakers from various types of fellowships (Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, etc) come and share about their experience with addiction and how they got into recovery. They also provide information about various paths to recovery. In addition to AA meetings which keep all the traditions of an outside AA meeting.

“Both meetings are confidential and completely anonymous,” said Guerra. “I would tell them that it gets better. In the beginning you feel like you won’t ever have fun, but you realize that sobriety is fun and an awesome journey. I am the happiest I’ve ever been, and it’s thanks to me getting sober and being in recovery. If I can do it, anyone can. “

Panthers in Recovery meet every Wednesday and Friday at 7:30 p.m. in GC 241A. If you would like more information on the organization and their mission, visit their website panthers4recoveryfiu.weebly.com.

Photo retrieved by Flickr.