SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — While the holiday season is an exciting time of the year, it can also be a difficult time for people who are trying to stay sober amidst many get-togethers revolving around drinking.
Shannon Ward wasn’t a big drinker before she moved to Sioux Falls in 2008, but when she got to town, something felt different in her social experiences.
“The culture here was just different and I didn’t feel like I had felt other places where I could go and not drink and it just kind of snowballed,” Good NAtured Owner & Founder Shannon Ward said.
This led her to a dark time in her life.
“I was drinking too much and binge drinking, which is a big problem in terms of blackouts and being sick all the time. And so it affected my whole life, but I didn’t really recognize that I needed to make the change until July of 2020, when my husband and I got into a really large fight and I made an attempt to get life,” Ward said.
Ward understands that the holidays can be tough for people trying to stay sober and has this advice for others.
“I think around the holidays it’s really important to think about those things just being open to doing something different so that you’re not putting yourself in a position where you’re going to be uncomfortable. Because usually, unfortunately, that then just leads to especially with drinking, you’re going to drink because you’re uncomfortable,” Ward said.
Because of her journey, she opened up Good NAtured in Sioux Falls, a third space that offers only non-alcoholic and alcohol free beverages for customers.
“I felt very called to create this space because I miss that social aspect of going places and being able to be around people who had similar interests as me without there being the influence of alcohol. And that’s why good nature exists,” Ward said.
And for those who need a safe place to go this New Years Eve, she’s got just the place for you, with other people who understand what you’re going through.
“The farther you get from drinking or doing the thing that you’re addicted to, the easier it gets to not do it. So just give yourself time. That’s the biggest thing that I can say is it takes time,” Ward said.
Good NAtured is having a New Years Eve party from 7 to midnight, with a sparkling apple cider toast as the clock strikes twelve, and other activities before that.
Click here for more information on Good NAtured’s New Years Eve party and other events.
