Sobriety in the Summer
Summer is filled with activities, including everything from pool parties and barbeques to weddings and beach outings. In many cases, these activities are paired with alcohol. For individuals in recovery, these events can be triggering.
This does not mean summer has to derail your recovery or that you need to miss out on the fun. Below is a list of tips to help you stay on track in your recovery this summer.
Have a plan.
A failure to plan is a plan to fail. Review your summer schedule and planned events. Decide if any of these events are likely to be triggering for you. If you identify potentially triggering events, have a plan to safeguard your sobriety. Can you bring a sober friend with you to the event to offer support? Discuss the event with your therapist or at a 12-step meeting. It is also a good idea to bring a non-alcoholic beverage you enjoy.
Increase your recovery efforts.
During times when triggers and temptations are more likely, it is important to increase your level of support proportionally. This may mean attending more meetings, seeing your therapist more frequently, or just staying in closer contact with supportive friends or family.
Plan sober events.
Sure, alcohol is certainly part of many activities. That being said there are plenty of sober-friendly activities as well. For example, some community events actually ban drinking on the premises, and various sober organizations offer festivities of their own. It is important to seek out these options where possible, especially if you are in early recovery.
Find a new Hobby
Summer is a great time to enjoy the outdoors, but you don’t need to be at an event to do so. Consider trying a new hobby such as hiking, swimming, gardening, surfing, kayaking, or anything that peaks your interest. This will allow you to have fun and also maintain a sober atmosphere.
Plan a sober vacation.
Rather than figuring out ways to cope with events that include alcohol, why not plan a vacation with sobriety in mind? You can find sober hotels, resorts, etc., and even entire vacation packages. There are a surprising number of options available.
Here at Harbor Wellness and Recovery Center, we offer various levels of care to treat alcoholism, substance use disorder, addiction, and co-occurring conditions such as depression and anxiety. For more information about our services please call us directly at 732-847-4555. We are available 24/7 to help. All calls are no obligation and are strictly confidential.