The summer is usually a time of parties, late nights, barbecues, vacations, and time with friends. For many, it offers some relaxing breaks from the normal hustle and bustle of everyday life. For those in recovery, especially those who are newly sober, the summer can be a bit intimidating. While parties and vacations are plentiful, it can take some extra consideration to maintain one’s recovery. Banyan Palm Springs is going over tips for staying sober over the summer and what you should do in the case of a relapse.
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How to Stay Sober During the Summer
As a Palm Springs drug rehab, we know that sobriety is a choice you need to make every day, and some days are more challenging than others. In the summer, when people are more free-spirited or have more time on their hands, this can be especially tough, but we want to help. If you are uncertain about how to stay committed to sobriety in the summer months, we have tips that can help.
Don’t Get Complacent in Recovery
It is not uncommon for people to get complacent about their recovery, especially if they start to adopt a more laissez-faire attitude that sometimes comes with the summer months. Instead of letting this complacency cost you your sobriety, stay active in your recovery. Continue to attend recovery meetings regularly and make them a priority in your schedule. If you miss one due to a vacation or another event, go to an extra one the following week. Stay connected with your sponsor as well, and continue to practice the addiction treatment therapies that you learned in rehab.
Stay Busy
If you are in school or depending on your job, you may have more free time in the summer than you are used to. Boredom can sometimes lead to relapse, so it is important to stay busy. If you have a lot of extra time in the summer, find a part-time job, pick up a new hobby, or volunteer. Staying busy in the summer can keep you from falling back into bad habits.
Find Good Company
One of the ways to make staying sober in the summer easier is to spend time with the right people. It may be tempting to go back to old friends who are around more during the summer, but doing so could cost you your sobriety. Instead, be more particular about who you are with. Choose to spend your time with people who are going to support you in your recovery journey over the summer. A good option is also to connect with people in your rehab alumni program as well.
Have a Party
Yes, that’s right, a party. If you’re in early recovery, this might make you laugh. A summer party without alcohol? Yes! Having fun in recovery is crucial to maintain it. Get together with a bunch of sober friends and have a cookout or a pool party. You’ll be amazed at how much fun you’ll have. Being sober enables you to better appreciate what’s going on around you without waking up and wondering where your car keys went.
Avoid Triggers
While a party with your old friends may be tempting, it can also come with many triggers. Be mindful of the situations you put yourself in during the summer and what addiction triggers may be present. Try to avoid anything with many triggers that might be too overwhelming. If you do decide to go, at least have an exit plan in place and someone who can help keep you accountable.
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Remember That Relapse Is Part of Recovery
Unfortunately, not everyone may make it through the summer sober, but that is okay. If you do relapse, get help immediately to keep it from snowballing into a major problem. The doors of our Palm Springs rehab are always open to those who need them. Whether someone needs a full-fledged detox program or would benefit from more therapy sessions, we have the resources to help. All it takes is a phone call to start taking the necessary steps to get back on track.
At Banyan Treatment Center Palm Springs, we are here to help people find long-term sobriety. If you or a loved one needs help, call us today at 888-280-4763.
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