In the news: Binge drinking & older adults

Many people hear "binge drinking" and think primarily of college students. But a recent CDC report found that the age group most likely to die of alcohol poisoning is actually white men, ages 35-64.

WPIX reporter Carolyn Costello spoke to Odyssey House Vice President, Director of Adult Residential Services Justin Mitchell and one of our ElderCare clients about the reasons why binge drinking is such a problem among this population.

Celebrating with your sober sweetheart

Two of the most common relapse triggers are relationships and holidays, making Valentine’s Day an especially tough day for people in recovery. There are many reasons why this day can be a trigger, including:

• You feel pressure to make the day extra special to make up for past disappointments;
• You’re single and unhappy about it; or
• You don’t know how to celebrate sober.

Here are some tips to stay clean and sober this Valentine’s Day: 

• Relax. Talk to your partner about your concerns and work together to find ways to make the day special. Lifehacker has some great tips for a stress-free holiday, whether you're in a relationship or single.
• Find new ways to celebrate. Stay in and make a dinner for two instead of going out. Have a mocktail party with your single friends in recovery. Or go to a comedy club and forget about Valentine’s Day altogether. Want more ideas? Here are 10 more.
• Get some perspective. Instead of focusing on yourself and your relationship (or lack of one), volunteer with a nonprofit, reach out to your peers in recovery, or do something nice for your community. 

Remember, Valentine's Day means loving yourself too. Have any tips of your own? Leave them in the comments!