With lifted mandates and restrictions, the country is slowly opening back up and just in time for summer. Have you thought about how you’ll fill your free time now that you’ve committed to sobriety? Whether you’ve completed residential in-patient treatment, an outpatient program, or have done the hard work on your own, plan to leave old habits and negative influences behind. If you previously thought it was impossible to have fun in an environment that didn’t include alcohol or drugs, it’s important to reframe your thinking. Be open to discovering a new hobby or revisiting a passion—there are so many ways to stay sober this summer and still have a great time.

1. Stay Sober this Summer by Beginning an Exercise Program

Whether it’s yoga, running, biking, or walking, exercise can improve both your physical and mental health. A recent study revealed that regular activity could help you find a sense of purpose.^[1] One of the study authors stated that people who begin and stick to an exercise program develop a stronger belief that they can set goals and follow through. Summer is the perfect season to increase your physical activity and a great excuse to get outdoors.

2. It’s Safe to Travel Again

Explore your own neighborhood by checking out a local farmer’s market or take a trip to a nearby city to visit the local attractions. And, if your budget allows, travel even further to learn about different cultures. Experiencing new things can improve your mental health, and travel has been found to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression.^[2] Go solo or travel with a trusted friend or family member to deepen your relationship.

3. Volunteering Can Help You as Well as Others

Giving to others is a powerful way to create meaning in your life. It’s also a great way to make new friends and expand your support network. Look for opportunities that align with your passions or skills. Do you know anything about building and construction? Volunteer at your local Habitat for Humanity. Want to support and mentor a child? Find out how to become a Big Brother or Big Sister. When you spend time working to support another person or impact your local community, it helps you recognize your sense of worth and value to the world around you.

4. Connect with Nature

Spending time outdoors can improve your well-being by reducing anger, fear, and stress.^[3] Nature also increases pleasant feelings. Create a backyard garden, go on a hike, or walk on the beach at an early hour. Quiet the noise in your head and simply take in your environment. It’s a healing and refreshing activity.

5. Redefine your Definition of Being Social

Summer is known for picnics, backyard barbecues, and social gatherings that often include alcohol. It’s a big risk to your recovery to spend time in these types of environments. Establish or join a support group that plans activities excluding harmful and addictive substances, or host your own party and serve these delicious “mocktails.” You’ll soon learn that you can have fun and make connections without falling back into old habits. It’s all about creating new patterns in your life.

Do you Want to Stay Sober this Summer but Need Support?

If you’re still struggling with addiction and don’t feel ready to navigate your summer without help, Ocean Hills Recovery can provide the tools you need to succeed. Our caring staff has the knowledge and expertise to guide your journey to sobriety and teach you how to avoid relapse. We have helped so many people learn how to find joy and purpose in their lives, and we can do the same for you. Get in touch with us to schedule a consultation, and we’ll design a customized program for you.

Sources:

[1] Yemiscigil, A., Vlaev, I. The bidirectional relationship between sense of purpose in life and physical activity: a longitudinal study. J Behav Med (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10865-021-00220-2

[2] Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2018, 15(1), 130; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph15010130

[3] https://www.takingcharge.csh.umn.edu/how-does-nature-impact-our-wellbeing

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long does drug and alcohol rehab last?

The length of your stay at drug and alcohol rehab will vary for each person attending rehab and from treatment center to treatment center. Most inpatient programs are at least 30 days long; however, some programs may incorporate a shorter inpatient stay with a more extended outpatient stay. The best rehab centers will provide a more custom treatment plan for each person that takes into account the individual’s needs before determining the length of treatment. Ocean Hills Recovery offers a variety of options for addiction treatment. A typical stay at our inpatient drug and alcohol rehab programs last between 30 to 45 days.

Do I need inpatient or outpatient treatment?

Outpatient is an excellent option for people who are unable to take time away from work or their families while receiving addiction treatment. Inpatient treatment is an excellent option for people who can be away from their work or families for at least several weeks for treatment. We recommend that you contact a reliable treatment center, like Ocean Hills Recovery, for a complete assessment before you decide whether inpatient or outpatient treatment for addiction is best for you.

Should I get addiction treatment locally or away?

The answer to whether you should go away or stay local for addiction treatment is very individual. Many people need to get away from their everyday life for them to fully submerge themselves in their addiction recovery process. For these individuals, going to an out of state treatment center is the best option to be able to commit fully and concentrate on their recovery. For others, this is not an option because of work or family obligations.

What do I do if I don’t have insurance for drug rehab?

There are options for drug rehab, even if you don’t have insurance. When you decide to get help, the best thing to do is to find a treatment philosophy that you believe may help and contact them for assistance. Rehab professionals can help you determine if you have insurance coverage for addiction treatment, and what options are best for you. Many drug rehabs accept insurance but also have private pay, or financing options available. Contact our rehab admissions specialist today, and we can help you navigate insurance questions, payment options, and treatment plans.

How to find a drug and alcohol rehabilitation center?

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website is a great place to start when you are looking for a drug and alcohol rehabilitation center. We recommend that you make a list of a few different centers to contact and speak with them to get a feel for their programs, therapies, and staff and find the center that you feel most comfortable with. Have a list of questions that you can ask each center to help you through the process. One of the most important questions to ask is if the rehab holds accreditation by CARF. Having a state license is no longer enough to ensure that a rehab center is reputable. If the rehab holds CARF accreditation, they have had to meet a more strict set of guidelines and procedures.

Do I need detox before addiction treatment?

Many people require detox to help manage withdrawal from alcohol and other drugs. There are several factors that we take into consideration to determine if you will need detox before addiction treatment. Our admissions professionals work with each person to obtain a thorough history of substance use and other medical conditions to help make the appropriate recommendations for care. You must give accurate information so that we can keep you as comfortable as possible if you are experiencing withdrawal symptoms. However, detox is only the first step in addiction recovery. For long-lasting addiction recovery, a person must deal with the underlying issues that lead to substance use in the first place. Contact us today for a confidential assessment.

How to Have Fun and Stay Sober this Summer