Date
Friday
Feb

February 7

Hug an Addict or Alcoholic Day

Spread love and support on Hug an Addict or Alcoholic Day - a simple hug can make all the difference in someone's journey to recovery.

Yearly Date
February 7
Type
Day

Introduction

Get ready to spread some love and support on Hug an Addict or Alcoholic Day, which falls on Feb. 7! This day was created with the intention of raising awareness about addiction and alcoholism and showing compassion towards those who struggle with these issues. It's a reminder that everyone deserves love and understanding, regardless of their struggles. So go ahead and give someone a hug today – it could make all the difference in their recovery journey. Let's use this day to break the stigma surrounding addiction and show our support for those in need.

Hug an Addict or Alcoholic Day Timeline

1730s
Early Acknowledgement of Alcoholism
Benjamin Rush, a physician, recognized alcoholism as a disease, marking an important beginning in the understanding and acceptance of addiction.
1935
Creation of Alcoholics Anonymous
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) was founded by Bill Wilson and Bob Smith in the United States, offering a self-help group for individuals dealing with alcoholism.
1987
National Recovery Month Established
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) established September as National Recovery Month to increase awareness of mental and substance use disorders.
2000
First Addiction Recovery Coaches
The first certified addiction recovery coaches begin to offer personal guidance and support for individuals on the path to recovery.
2010
Advancements in Addiction Treatment
New therapies, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT), gain recognition for their effectiveness in treating addiction.
2015
Establishment of Hug an Addict Day
Hug an Addict or Alcoholic Day came into existence to provide emotional support to those journeying towards recovery while spreading awareness and removing the stigma associated with addiction.

How to Celebrate Hug an Addict or Alcoholic Day

1

Give a hug to someone in recovery

On Hug an Addict or Alcoholic Day, show your support for those in recovery by giving them a warm and supportive hug. It may seem small, but it can make a big difference in their day.

2

Attend a support group meeting

One of the best ways to show your support for addicts and alcoholics is by attending a support group meeting with them. This can help them feel less alone and more understood on this special day.

3

Write a letter of encouragement

Take some time to write a heartfelt letter of encouragement to someone in recovery. This can be a powerful way to show your support and remind them that they are loved and valued.

4

Organize a sober activity

Plan a fun and sober activity to do with your loved one who is in recovery. This can be anything from going for a hike to having a movie night at home. The important thing is to spend quality time together without drugs or alcohol.

5

Educate yourself and others

Take the opportunity on Hug an Addict or Alcoholic Day to educate yourself and others about addiction and recovery. Share facts, statistics, and personal stories to raise awareness and reduce stigma surrounding this important issue.

Why Hug an Addict or Alcoholic Day is Important

A

Reminds us to show compassion and empathy

Hug an Addict or Alcoholic Day serves as a reminder to treat individuals struggling with addiction with kindness and understanding. It's important to remember that addiction is a disease, not a choice, and those suffering deserve love and support.

B

Encourages open conversation about addiction

This holiday creates a safe space for individuals to talk openly about addiction, helping to break down the stigma surrounding it. These conversations can also help connect those struggling with resources and support they may need.

C

Promotes physical and emotional healing through touch

Addiction can be isolating, but something as simple as a hug can provide comfort, connection, and healing. Hugging releases oxytocin, the "feel-good" hormone, which can help reduce stress and promote feelings of safety and attachment.

Hug an Addict or Alcoholic Day Dates

Year
Date
Day
2023
Feb 6
Monday
2024
Feb 6
Tuesday
2025
Feb 6
Thursday
2026
Feb 6
Friday
2027
Feb 6
Saturday