In true Chicago fashion, fall has arrived swiftly and strongly. Between gusts of wind and rainstorms, Chicago has a beautiful fall. However, the change of seasons can be an uneasy time when you are going through recovery, especially the early stages, because a lot of seasonal activities can be linked to drinking and abusing drugs. We don’t have to fall into old destructive cycles with the cycle of the seasons. There are many sober activities to enjoy with friends and family during this beautiful time of the year.

Carve pumpkins

Pick a large, firm pumpkin and carve a goofy or a haunted scene to display in front of your home or in the window. You can get out of the city and pick your own pumpkin at a farm or orchard, but there are also plenty available in grocery stores this time of year.

Scary movie marathon

Host friends for a scary movie night. Everyone can bring favorite scary movie and munch movie snacks like popcorn, snowcaps, and sodas.

Fall foods potluck

Gather friends and family for a potluck in which everyone brings their favorite fall dish. This season has hearty, delicious vegetables like a variety of squashes and pumpkin. This is also chili season so you can also host a chili cook off for some friendly competition.

Check out a fall festival

Summer is known as the carnival season, but fall is not far behind. Churches, farmer’s markets, farms and orchards, and other community organizations host hayrides, haunted houses, and other outdoor festivities through the season.

Halloween party

Parties do not have to be synonymous with drinking, drugs, and other destructive behaviors. Throw a costume party with an assortment of punches and spooky treats, dance the night away and laugh with friends while wearing a ridiculous get-up.

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