Relapse prevention can be particularly difficult during the summer months when we may feel more relaxed and less rigid about our behavior and routines. It is tempting to let your hair down over the summer, but remember preventing relapse requires your constant attention!
Summer is the famous season for backyard bar-b-ques and parties. Often these celebrations include tempting substances. Part of relapse prevention is learning to avoid the temptation altogether. Remember, preventing relapse and taking care of yourself should be your first priority, so remain true to yourself and learn to say “No, thanks.” If you can’t avoid a situation with drugs or alcohol, bring a sober friend, a sober snack or a specialty non-alcoholic drink. You can be the life of the party without the substances.
Relapse Prevention Strategies: Sober Activities for the Summer
If you’ve spent your previous summers under the influence of drugs or alcohol, a sober summer is a daunting task. Fortunately, there are fabulous relapse prevention strategies and sober things to do in your own backyard that will keep you feeling happy and healthy.
Here are a few sober activity ideas:
- Explore local festivals and fairs. Summer is the time for local food and heritage festivals. You may discover a passion for a new type of food or a new type of dance, even better check out your local county fair. Festivals usually have live music, interesting performances and lots of fun activities. Bring your sober friends for a guaranteed fun day.
- Check out a local historical site. Monuments, museums and historical parks often have fun activities or demonstrations over the summer. Who knows, you may even learn a thing or two!
- Culture under the stars. Summer outdoor film festivals or free music concerts attract a big crowd and can be a lot of fun. Bring a picnic and some sober friends and enjoy your local performing arts. Relapse prevention doesn’t mean you have to stay in on a Friday or Saturday night!
- Volunteer. Summer is a great time to fill your extra time with volunteer work. Join a local clean up group, an animal shelter’s volunteer corps or find a group that interests you.
- Join a recreational team. Summer softball leagues, kickball clubs and exercise groups are a great way to keep you feeling good and safe from using drugs or alcohol. Your local recovery group may even have a team. Relapse prevention doesn’t mean you can’t have a good time!
Looking for more ideas? Contact your local tourism board and get a list of local events and activities for the summer.
You may be dreading the temptations of summer but you don’t have to. Recovery prevention is easier with the right tools and a clear strategy. Don’t skip your meetings over the summer and stay strict with your own behavior.
Many people relapse during the course of recovery, so do not despair if you’ve stumbled. It is never too late to seek treatment. Destination Hope is a full-service drug and alcohol addiction and women’s health treatment facility in Florida for women who suffer from alcoholism, substance abuse and behavioral health issues.
