Summer is a time for travel, lazy days at the pool, and backyard cookouts with family and friends. For many, it’s also a time for avoiding the triggers that can lead to a relapse. If you have recently completed rehab in an alcohol rehabilitation in Arizona, you may be wondering how you can enjoy summer fun and still stay sober.
Whether you are new in recovery or you’ve been sober for many years, summer can be a difficult time. You don’t have to be left out of the fun. There are ways to enjoy all the traditional activities associated with summer while keeping your health commitments.
Tips to Stay Sober This Summer From An Alcohol Rehabilitation in Arizona
The picnics, barbeques, and outdoor concerts are coming. Are you ready? More party invites and traveling to unfamiliar places may make you vulnerable to a relapse. With some preparation and a good mindset, you can enjoy the summer and every season to the fullest without risking your sobriety.
Plan Your Own Sober Activities
Don’t wait for invitations from others and worry about what the party vibe will be like. Make your own summer fun. Invite members from your 12-step support group to a family-style picnic at the park or a backyard movie night.
Remember, others are in the same boat, looking for fun summer activities that don’t include drugs or alcohol. You don’t have to spend much money or own a large home to host an event everyone will appreciate.
Try New Activities
Before recovery, summers at the lake may have included overindulging in alcohol. If lakeside get-togethers sound too risky, try some new things this summer. You might decide to pursue a new hobby or take a trip you’ve always dreamed about. Some alternatives to old, unhealthy summer activities include:
- Backpacking
- Going to outdoor concerts
- Becoming a grill master
- Buying a season pass for the pool
- Gardening
- Traveling
- Joining a summer sports league
It takes courage to break old habits, but doing something new offers many benefits. Trying new activities is also a great way to meet new people who share your interests.
Stay Connected
The worst thing you can do when feeling left out is to self-isolate. Call your sober friends. They are likely having similar concerns. Make plans with family members. Attend your peer support meetings and share what you’re going through. If needed, consider a short-term outpatient treatment program to make sure you stay on track.
Be Honest
Instead of avoiding summer get-togethers, let close friends and family know about your concerns. The people who love you want to see you succeed, and they will be glad you are sharing the real reasons why you declined an invitation to their Fourth of July bash.
Celebrating with just one or two people at a time may be easier—schedule time with loved ones in small groups in public places where you can quickly leave if needed.
Embrace the Mocktail
It may sound trivial, but sometimes, just having a delicious beverage in your hand while others are enjoying festive cocktails can make a world of difference. Bring your own fruity, sparkly ingredients if you need to.
Up Your Self-Care Game
Summer is no time to slack on your self-care. Long nights might tempt you to go to bed later than usual, and hot days can lead to eating light. To keep your resolve strong, follow a healthy regimen that includes a nutritious diet, regular exercise, and plenty of sleep.
Self-care also means attending and participating in peer support meetings. If your addiction treatment center offers an alumni program or other aftercare resources, now is an excellent time to take full advantage of them. If you don’t look after your behavioral health, no one else will.
Desert Cove Recovery Offers Alcohol Rehabilitation in Arizona
Over 70,000 people under the age of 45 die from drug overdose in the U.S. each year.[1] Avoiding relapse during stressful times takes planning. Taking the time to schedule sober activities and connect with those who support your recovery may seem inconvenient, but it is not nearly as problematic as a fatal overdose.
Desert Cove Recovery offers alcohol rehabilitation in Arizona, including a vigorous extended care program. Contact Desert Cove Recovery today to learn more about our services.
Sources:
[1] https://drugabusestatistics.org/
