Can a sober summer really be a good thing? While it is very common for people to think summer is all about having fun and relaxing with friends, it is also a time to pull away from drug and alcohol use. Focusing on your sobriety is necessary for those with addiction. Staying sober through the summer is a test of your dedication to your sobriety. At Bayview Recovery, our addiction treatment team is here to support you every step of the way.

Why Sobriety Can Seem Challenging in the Summer Months

If you have gone through drug and alcohol treatment, you value your sobriety. The summer months can prove to be challenging because you may want to be with friends doing things that they are doing. Yet, many of these social situations involve the use of alcohol or, in some groups, drugs. How can you avoid these negative situations, enjoy a sober summer, and not feel like you’ve missed out? Falling to the pressure of FOMO (Fear of missing out) can undo months or even years of progress. Take time to learn about strategies to follow to maintain your sobriety.

Strategies for Creating the Best Sober Summer Possible

There are plenty of ways you can put yourself in a good place for this summer. It may mean not spending a lot of time with people who usually use drugs and alcohol. Here are some ideas to make summer enjoyable without drugs.

• Go camping with friends who don’t use even if it just camping in the backyard.
• Make a list of National Parks in your area. Hit them all for a long hike.
• Host a small group of friends at your home for a BBQ – keep it drug- and alcohol-free.
• Do something to give back such as help with an animal shelter.
• Choose a local beach that restricts access to alcohol and drugs on the property.
• Get involved in summer festivals and activities that don’t include the use of alcohol.
• Get some ice cream.

As you can see, virtually anything you would do during the summer can still be done. You just have to know how to ensure you remain focused on your sobriety.

Work on Yourself, Too

Creating a sober summer may mean spending some time working on yourself. Because you may feel a bit more tempted right now to use, it may be best to work back into some treatment. This may include individual therapy programs if you are feeling at risk of using. This is also a good time to work in group therapy programs. Not only are you doing something for yourself, but you are also helping others reach the point of sobriety.

Work on your mental health needs on a regular basis. We offer a number of therapy programs to help you stay focused on your goals. Some of these programs include:

• Mindfulness meditation therapy
• Art therapy program
• Group therapy program
• Wilderness therapy program
• Yoga therapy program
• Cognitive-behavioral therapy program
• Dialectical behavioral therapy program

When you are working on yourself and staying the course of sobriety, you can have the sober summer you want without putting yourself at risk.

Stay on the Right Track at Bayview Recovery

Now is the best time to work on yourself. If a sober summer is something you are hoping for, but you’re facing addiction, our team can help you. Work closely with our professionals at Bayview Recovery to create a plan to move forward with your health. Call 855.478.3650 today. Do not let the fear of relapse keep you from enjoying your summer. Make the call today to learn more about how we can help.