Summer is full of picnics and parties and plenty of opportunities to socialize. For someone trying to remain sober, this can be the catalyst to relapse. But this doesn’t mean that people recovering from a substance use disorder have to hide all summer long. On the contrary, they can still have fun and socialize. They just need to be smart about their choices. The team at Ocean Hills Recovery is committed to helping people develop coping skills, including providing summer sobriety maintenance tips for people who have completed their treatment programs. We have compiled several ideas to help you enjoy your summer and stay sober.
Why is Maintaining Sobriety During the Summer Challenging to Some?
While many of us love the warmer weather the summer brings, it can also be challenging for people trying to remain sober for several reasons. Besides alcohol-related gatherings, the longer days that occur in the summer, compared to the fall and winter, mean a longer time each day that people have to resist temptations.
Also, many people are busy during the summer, making them feel more tired. When people are exhausted, they look to substances to give them the energy jolt they need rather than look for other alternatives.
Summer vacations, while enjoyable, can also threaten a person’s sobriety. Besides having alcohol around, being on vacation takes people off their schedules, which can be triggering for some. When you combine all of these factors, the need for summer sobriety maintenance is extremely apparent. Without strategies to remain sober, people may see months of hard work at a treatment program be compromised.
Summer Sobriety Maintenance Strategies
Have a Plan
Statistics show that approximately 90% of all people who have struggled with an alcohol addiction will have at least one relapse during their lives.[1] You can avoid becoming part of this statistic by having a plan. Think about the people and places you want to visit this summer and what environments you will be putting yourself in. Then, think about what you can bring to make you feel more comfortable and resist temptation. If you’re going to a BBQ, this may include bringing your water bottle so you always have a drink and won’t have to go near a cooler where alcohol may also be stored.
Build New Connections
If your summers used to consist of sitting around the fire and drinking, it’s time to find new connections that don’t include these activities. While you may still want to hang out with these people, you may find it challenging if they are drinking around you. Build new connections that include finding new activities that don’t involve drinking. Look to friends you may have met during your treatment program who are likely going through the same things. They can become a great resource as you try to meet new people and try new activities that don’t include alcohol.
Practice Self-Care As Summer Sobriety Maintenance
As you are trying to maintain your summer sobriety, don’t forget to practice self-care. This will help you to feel good about yourself and want to stay sober. Exercising, eating healthy, going for a massage, or simply taking a walk can all benefit and help you take care of yourself and resist temptations.
Seek Support
Just because someone has completed their treatment program doesn’t mean that they still don’t need support. If temptations become too much to bear, seek support. This can be from a family member or by attending a group meeting to discuss what is tempting your sobriety. Finding the people who can support and encourage you to remain sober will be vital to staying sober.
Plan Your Own Parties
One way to ensure there will be no temptations to your sobriety is to host an event yourself. Everyone attending will be aware that no alcohol will be served, so if they prefer to drink, they can choose not to attend. Crowd your guestlist with sober friends and those who support your efforts and will not try to tempt you. This will show everyone, including yourself, that you don’t need to have alcohol to have a good time.
Be Sympathetic to Yourself
Understanding your needs and the fact that you’re recovering is essential. Don’t beat yourself up about being tempted at a summer gathering. Instead, recognize that you are still recovering and take action to help yourself cope. This can mean taking a few moments to meditate or writing in a journal when you get home. Look for activities that allow you to better care for yourself and not put yourself down.
Try a New Activity
Summer is a great time to try a new activity and avoid triggers. Hiking, jogging, writing, and simply reading a book can all help to keep you busy and your mind off of alcohol and other triggers that can impact your sobriety.
Be Intentional in Your Summer Sobriety Maintenace Plan
Some people may be under the allusion that one drink or one hit will not impact their sobriety. Using any substance, even just one time will severely impact your sobriety and can lead to complete relapse. Stick to your sobriety plan, which means not including even one substance in your summer plans.
Set a Time Limit
Some social gatherings can drag on for hours, which may be too long for you to resist temptation. Set a time limit for yourself on how long you will stay at an event. This will allow you to still attend but not put yourself in an uncomfortable situation.
Practice Saying No
Many times, we don’t know how we’re going to react or what we’re going to say until we are put in the situation. Role-play with a trusted friend or family member so you can practice how you’re going to react. This can help you prepare if someone tries to offer you a substance.
You can also practice saying no to refusing an invitation. Some events may be too stressful to attend, but it’s okay to say no. You can say that it’s not a good idea for you to attend or that you have other plans.
Find Your Coping Strategies As Part of Your Summer Sobriety Maintenance Plan
If the demands of summer events are too much to handle, have coping strategies ready to help you overcome your triggers. Make a list of strategies that are specific to you and your needs. This can include yoga, listening to music, painting, or any other hobby that relaxes you. The goal is to know the activities that will allow you to step back and alleviate the stress that a situation may be causing you.
Seeking Help for a Substance Abuse Disorder at Ocean Hills Recovery
Ocean Hills Recovery offers a variety of treatments for people fighting a substance use disorder. We provide a detox plan as well as residential treatment, partial hospitalizations, and much more. Our team assesses each patient to develop a tailored treatment plan to help them with their recovery. Contact us today to learn how we can help you or your loved one get on the path to sobriety.
Sources:
[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1976118/
About the author:
As CEO of Ocean Hills Recovery, Robert Leigh brings forth an immense passion for helping those suffering create change in their lives. With years of experience in the addiction treatment industry, Robert’s active role at Ocean Hills helps integrate his philosophy that addiction and recovery is a personalized journey, and addiction treatment should echo the same mission. Robert’s innovation in the addiction treatment industry has involved integrating exceptional and effective treatment to those that walk into the doors of Ocean Hills, creating a truly unique and individualized treatment program – ensuring that individuals have the foundation and tools they need to live successful lives long after treatment has been completed.
