Marie Garceau
Special to the Valley News
St. Patrick’s Day in 2024 is not celebrated for the same reasons it once was as times change and holidays take on different meanings.
While some people still see it as a family-centric Catholic celebration or a break from Lent-related restrictions, the day primarily focuses on parties, rowdy parades, green beer, bar specials and heavy drinking.
Sounds fun, right? There are undoubtedly good times had by all who take part, but if you want to stay sober and avoid alcohol, it can pose a challenge. What seems like harmless fun quickly turns into days, months or years of sobriety down the drain.
Suppose someone is in recovery from alcoholism, choosing a healthy lifestyle or recently decided to give up alcohol for whatever reason; the temptation
