As summer approaches, making plans for fun activities with friends and family can be challenging for those struggling with alcohol or substance abuse. So many gatherings are prone to have drinking as a component, and it can be difficult to say no when offering a chilled beer on a hot day. Maintaining sobriety can be hard no matter what time of year it is, and during the summer, it can be especially difficult when it’s time to take a vacation and try to enjoy yourself. If you find yourself picking up a drink or turning to your drug of choice for recreation, there’s no need to write off your sobriety and give in to addiction all over again. Each day provides a new opportunity for changes in behavior and environment.
If you are feeling down because you’re worried that you or a loved one won’t be able to get through the summer without relapse, you should know that you aren’t alone, and it’s okay to ask for help. Oceanfront Recovery offers a wide variety of treatment and therapy options, with inclusion and high-quality accommodations to help make a recovery as comfortable and easy as possible. Don’t wait to find the support you need. Talk to us online or call 877.296.7477, and Oceanfront Recovery will be ready to help.
4 Healthy Sober Living Yips
Depending on how long it has been since your quit date, you will have different needs regarding what you are doing to maintain sobriety. There may be co-occurring conditions that make it even more difficult but don’t forget to focus on the progress you have made already and the progress you are capable of making. There’s no need to strive for perfection, and even though you may slip up once, it doesn’t mean you have failed. Having a plan for sobriety will help, and several strategies can help you to continue to move forward:
- Know what your triggers are, and communicate them as best you can to those closest to you. This will enable you to plan for when triggers arise so that you can cope with them and avoid them if possible.
- Take your time, and be patient and kind with yourself. You can focus on one day at a time, one hour, even one minute at a time, to make it through cravings or triggers.
- Confide in your close family and friends, and allow them to understand if you are having trouble staying positive and motivated. It’s much easier to get through the more difficult moments when you’re not alone.
- Find community support. You may join a club or group of people who have similar interests and aren’t using drugs or alcohol. Having fun doesn’t have to mean getting drunk or high, and if your social circle includes more people who don’t drink, it’s easier to discover good times while sober.
Summer Tips for Sobriety
Pool parties, karaoke nights, dance parties, and more are all places that may invite drinking or drug use. Of course, these are also all great activities for summer, and you don’t have to exclude yourself from the fun to stay sober. It may be even harder to stay sober if you’re stuck at home while others enjoy themselves at a gathering. With some planning, you can make the most of your summer and remain free from your addiction:
- Practice saying ‘no.’ You don’t have to come up with any silly excuse like, ‘I’m trying to lose weight — if your friends and family respect you and care about you, they’ll take a simple ‘no thank you as an answer. But if you’re not as comfortable with or don’t know the people you’re around as well, there’s nothing wrong with giving an excuse, as long as you stick to it.
- Identify when you are feeling low – you may be tired, hungry, or emotional. Self-care and rest are key to helping us maintain motivation and focus on staying sober. If you need to take a break – take a break, you will thank yourself later.
- Enjoy nature and sensory experiences that come with summer. Going for a swim allows you to get exercise while also cooling off from the summer heat. Don’t be afraid to try a new hobby or travel to a new place and discover nature’s beauty. At Oceanfront Recovery, you can enjoy the beachfront location and even go surfing regularly!
- Try a different therapy if you think it will benefit you. You may find that yoga, acupuncture, or group therapy support you in ways you hadn’t anticipated. Oceanfront Recovery can help you access a wide variety of therapies in a relaxed, serene environment.
Stay Sober with Oceanfront Recovery
Nobody is perfect, and recovery takes time. At Oceanfront Recovery, no matter where you are in your sobriety journey, we’ve got you covered. Our sober living homes can provide a soft landing pad for recently completed treatment programs. Our expert staff is welcoming and accepting of all, regardless of what unique factors may provide you with personal challenges. Reach out to our caring and experienced staff today online, or call us at 877.296.7477.
