Summertime: the days are long, skies are blue, and fun is in the air. Summer is a time of socialization full of parties, barbecues, concerts, vacations, and hanging out at the lake, pool, or ocean. For most people, alcohol is a central part of summertime activities. For those in recovery from alcohol or drug abuse, or those who are still struggling, summer can be an incredibly challenging time to maintain sobriety. With temptation all around, it is easy to let your guard down. At Spokane Falls Recovery Center in Washington, our intensive outpatient program offers numerous supports to help you get or stay sober this summer. Call us at 844.962.2775 to learn more.
How to Maintain Your Sobriety This Summer
A significant part of maintaining sobriety is learning how to navigate situations where alcohol is present. Another aspect is learning how to separate having fun from feeling like you are having fun because you are drinking. If you are in the early stages of alcohol addiction recovery or are trying to get sober, it might be best to avoid activities where you know there will be alcohol this summer. That said, you cannot avoid alcohol forever. As you progress in your sobriety, you should become more adept at avoiding the temptation to use.
It is easy for people who suffer from substance abuse or addiction to romanticize “the good old days” when they were using. This is especially true at summer social gatherings where alcohol or drugs are present. It is essential to remind yourself about the negative consequences of your substance use disorder. Remember that recovery allows you to create new, sober memories. You can also consider some of these tips:
- Stay in touch with other people in recovery
- Maintain your meeting schedule and connection with your sponsor
- Bring a sober friend to events that you know will involve alcohol
- Practice techniques to reduce stress, such as yoga or meditation
- Plan sober activities with friends in recovery
- Be open and honest with friends and family about your fears or concerns
- Always have a plan and a backup plan
Above all else, be kind to yourself and celebrate your sobriety. Maintaining your sobriety is hard work, and you should recognize your accomplishments. Remember that recovery is a journey and that you will face obstacles along the way. If you are prepared and have solid supports in place, you can overcome any obstacle that comes your way.
How to Plan a Sober Vacation
Summer is a popular time for weekend getaways and more extended vacations. Vacation is often an excuse for people to go overboard with eating, drinking, or other vices. For someone in recovery, being on vacation with others who are not can be very triggering and make you more vulnerable to relapse. However, with some preplanning, you can enjoy your vacation without sacrificing your sobriety.
Before leaving for your vacation, talk to your friends and family about your desire to stay sober. If they are aware of your concerns, they will be more tuned in to your needs. You can also talk with your sober community and arrange to have a few people lined up that you can call if you find yourself needing extra support. Luckily, 12-step programs are available just about everywhere, so you can research your vacation destination to find out where and when meetings are held in that area.
With sober living becoming a choice for more and more people these days, a quick internet search makes it easy to find various organized sober vacation packages and sober travel groups. These options offer several benefits, including peer support, built-in meetings, and the opportunity to expand your sober community.
Contact Spokane Falls Recovery Center for Support
Summer can be a challenging time for many who are trying to maintain their sobriety. By planning ahead and maintaining contact with those in your sober community, you can avoid triggers and be better prepared to prevent relapse. Whether you are ready to begin your recovery today, have relapsed, or just need a little extra support, contact Spokane Falls Recovery Center by calling 844.962.2775. We are here to help.
