Navigating a Sober Summer

Summer is a wonderful time of the year when everyone is out and about enjoying the long sunny days. But for people in early recovery, it can be a difficult time. They often wonder how they are going to be able to enjoy the things they used to enjoy such as backyard barbecues and fishing without alcohol or drugs. However, the good news is, is that you can have fun while sober! There are a lot of reasons why being fully present for all the good times summer has to offer is desirable over numbing through alcohol or drugs, or believing we need substances to somehow enhance our experiences. Here are  a few tips to get through the summer sober:

Know your limits - Because a healthy self-image is essential to the recovery process, setting boundaries and limits is crucial to the recovering addict. When addicts say ‘yes’ but their mind and body are actually saying ‘no’, their self-image is negatively impacted, resulting in discomfort and low self-esteem. If a recovering addict feels uncomfortable enough, he or she is more likely to drink or use again. Recovering addicts must learn to be assertive and to speak up if others aren’t respecting the boundaries they have set.

Stay connected - Staying connected in recovery is one of the best methods for relapse prevention. Because addiction is a disease of isolation, it is important for addicts and alcoholics to establish a healthy and strong support system in sobriety.

Plan fun things - Having a plan is important in an persons recovery. There may be activities you aren’t comfortable doing yet without using, and that’s okay. That will come in time, or you will find other things you like to do instead. An easy way to plan is to put pen to paper. When you write something down it helps you visualize what exactly you will do and how you will do it. You will also be able to identify any negative thoughts associated with the activity and process how to minimize your risk. 

Be kind to yourself - Learning to love and care for yourself is one of the most challenging things you will ever do, but having love, patience, and compassion for yourself is a foundation of getting and staying sober.

If you or someone you know is struggling, please contact us for help.

Author: Jacob McGuire, CEO