When you think about summer, your mind may wander to thoughts of long, warm days, enjoying the sunshine with friends, BBQs and picnics, and trips to the beach. Culture and advertising want you to believe that drinking alcohol is an essential part of enjoying fun summer activities. If you are in recovery, you might need a little inspiration to think of how you can have the best, alcohol-free summer ever. Whether you are in a women’s sober living program or are just taking your first steps in recovery, you can find fun, creative ways to stay sober while having fun in the sun.
If you or a woman you love need addiction treatment or support on your recovery journey, Women’s Recovery is here for you. We offer a range of programs designed to empower you at every stage of recovery so that you can live a life free of addiction. Call us today at 833.754.0554 or fill out an online contact form here.
Navigating Your First Sober Summer Vacation
As the weather warms up, you might start receiving invitations to events like weddings, parties, and BBQs. These might be so fun but also triggering, especially if people there are drinking. If you are new to recovery, the idea of your first alcohol-free summer might feel intimidating. Our culture is flooded with the message that drinking equals fun, and alcohol seems like a natural part of enjoying the warm summer months. Staying sober over the summer requires some planning, dedication, and mindfulness skills.
It is essential to be able to recognize when you are stressed out or overwhelmed. During treatment, you will learn the skills to manage difficult emotions without drinking. Thinking ahead about people or situations that may trigger you and choosing to prepare for or avoid them is part of navigating the summer. Be intentional in planning fun, sober events and activities so that you don’t feel like you’re missing out on anything.
Frequently, intentionally remind yourself of why you are in recovery. Focus on your long-term goals, including better physical and emotional health and things you want to accomplish. Think of the money you’ll save, how you will remember things clearly, or how you will not have hangovers the next day. Whatever your reasons for recovery, remembering them every day can help you stay committed to it.
Sober Activities For Summer
There are so many things you can do during the summer that do not involve drinking. It is still possible to enjoy the outdoors and hang out with friends. Some sober summer fun activities include:
- Hiking
- Biking
- Hosting a sober BBQ
- Exploring your city’s music scene with a sober buddy
- Weekend getaways or road trips
- Days at the beach
- Taking up a new hobby, such as crafting, building, writing, singing, or anything else you’ve been curious about
- Learning something new, like a language, cooking, skill, or craft
- Volunteering for a cause you love
- Reading
- Exercising
- Plant a garden or grow herbs and veggies in containers
Invite supportive friends or people from your sober living program to join you. Stay active, find your passion or purpose, and make the most of the warm summer months.
Maintaining Sobriety Without Losing Connection
People in recovery might worry that they may lose friendships or connections with their loved ones if they don’t drink anymore. Part of being in recovery is evaluating which relationships are based on drinking and real, more meaningful relationships. Spending time with supportive friends and family members can be vital to staying sober and having fun over the summer. Nurturing these relationships can let you have fun and feel connected while reaching your goals.
Plan fun activities and spend time with supportive people. Be honest with them about the challenges you’re facing. Focus on why you’re staying sober and avoid people who do not understand or support your recovery. Most importantly, if you are struggling with recovery, seek out extra professional support so that you can stay on track during the summer and all year.
Learn More About Maintaining Sobriety at Women’s Recovery
If you or a woman you love need support during recovery, you are not alone. At Women’s Recovery, we offer various programs designed to empower you to embrace a sober, healthy lifestyle no matter the season. Our programs include:
- Alcohol addiction treatment
- Heroin addiction treatment
- Cocaine addiction treatment
- Opioid addiction treatment
- Prescription drug addiction treatment
If you are ready to thrive in recovery, reach out to our staff today. Call 833.754.0554 or fill out an online intake form here.
