I’ve always said individuals need to be mindful of seasonal triggers in recovery. Each season brings forth its own unique challenges to staying sober.
For example, because of the colder wintertime temperatures you may find yourself spending more time indoors, being less active and having periods of isolation which may contribute to feelings of depression.
In the summertime, warmer temperatures are often associated with being outdoors, being active and attending social events involving alcohol. For many, the summer months are associated with substance use which makes staying sober very challenging.
Below are six ideas to help you enjoy a summer of sobriety.
Disconnect and Reconnect
You need to disconnect from substance use being the thing you look forward to, and reconnect with the memories, activities and things you historically enjoyed.
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- As you reflect on summertime memories that didn’t involve any substance use, identify the activities that you enjoyed and looked forward to.
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- Then begin considering those as activities to reengage in and look forward to.
Reflect on What You Won’t Miss
It is easy to get caught up in thinking “If I stay sober, I won’t have as much fun” or “I’m going to miss out on things.” Instead, focus on the situations you won’t miss. For example, individuals have shared with me that they don’t miss waking up with hangover symptoms or waking up with worry that they might have said or done something the previous night that they can’t remember … and the guilt and shame that come from that.
Focus on The Opportunities Sobriety Provides
As you close the door to past substance use behaviors, it opens the door for new opportunities and experiences. Maybe the opportunity is found in being completely present to enjoy the company of your loved ones. Maybe you have always wanted to do some summer traveling or take up a new hobby. As we focus away from what we won’t miss and focus on the opportunity’s sobriety brings, we can start to get excited about the summertime being sober.
Protect Your Sobriety vs. Challenge It
Years ago, someone shared with me that there are two types of boating experiences. The first type is boating with individuals that are out on the water to party and be intoxicated. With the second type, the individuals are on the boat to enjoy the weather, the water, snacks and good conversation.
The best way to keep staying sober is to protect yourself by avoiding high risk situations where the primary activity centers around substance use.
Share Your Commitment to Sobriety with Others
I always tell individuals to feel proud about making the decision to stay sober. Part of feeling proud is taking on the identity as a non-drinker or non-user. If others get curious about why you are not partaking, you can say you decided to optimize your health and alcohol/drugs is one thing you have committed to abstaining from. Sharing with others helps hold you accountable and gives other people the opportunity to support you.
Ask Others in Recovery What Helped Them
As you consider the above suggestions for having a sober summer, I also encourage you to ask others in recovery what’s worked for them. Talking to those who’ve stayed sober through past summers can offer practical ideas, provide reassurance that staying sober is possible, and remind you that you’re not alone in this. Their experiences can inspire new ways to protect your sobriety.
The first year being sober can be the most challenging, but when we utilize support and become willing to make the necessary changes then we can have a sober summer filled with positive experiences, healthy connections and long-lasting memories.
