9 Great Tips to Find Support in Recovery During Summer
Summer’s here! It means long days, sunny weather, barbecues, beach parties, and more.
But if you’re in recovery from alcohol or drugs, summer also comes with certain risks. All of those events we just mentioned tend to involve alcohol. And when you’re trying to stay clean and sober, these events are more of a minefield than they are chances to cut loose and enjoy the season. Finding support in recovery can be critical.
At Cliffside Malibu, we’ve always said that the best defense is a good offense. So, we asked our former patients to share some of the strategies they use to make sure their summer is safe, fun…and sober.
Tip #1: Speak Up About Your Sobriety
A lot of the awkward moments you may experience in recovery often come down to simple misunderstandings. That person who offers you a beer at a summer barbecue isn’t trying to make you have a relapse; they just might not know you’re in recovery.
Going public about sobriety is a great way to let people know that you’re on a journey, working hard to live your best life. Sometimes, it’s a great icebreaker when you’re talking to someone at a party.
Best of all, you might be surprised to discover who’s on the journey with you.
Tip #2: Have a Contact
Everybody feels like they’re starting to struggle from time to time. Whether it’s at a music festival or a backyard party, summer can feel tough to navigate if you’re newly sober. It doesn’t have to be – with help, you won’t have to face the struggle alone.
If you haven’t already, add that one person you really trust to your list of contacts. They can be a family member, a sponsor, or just somebody you can rely on and who knows what you’re trying to do with your life. They’ll help you step back a little and find ways to deal with the situation you’re in. Your support in recovery might be someone you know!
In a related vein…
Tip #3: Work Your Program
Like we said, the best offense is a good defense. If you think you’re going to struggle with temptation or a potential relapse, it’s wise to attend a meeting before or after your event as a way to find support in recovery. Attending a meeting before your event can help you stay focused on your goals and resist potential slips; a meeting after your event can help you talk about any difficult situations that may have come up.
Tip #4: Develop Coping Skills
One of the ways Cliffside Malibu helps our patients stay successful in life is by teaching healthy coping skills. These are strategies you can use to recognize and defeat your triggers, which don’t always occur during parties and at other events, by the way.
Some of the strategies we encourage our patients to use include:
- Keeping a journal
- Mindfulness techniques like yoga, guided breathing, and meditation
- Exercise
- Distracting yourself with music or a movie you enjoy
- Finding something creative to do, like painting
These activities help keep your mind occupied and away from negative thoughts…and keep you calm while stressed.
Tip #5: Try to Avoid Being Around Substances
There’s another great way to maintain a good defense: don’t go to events where you think you might be the only sober person. This is almost always a recipe for a relapse.
We humans tend to be influenced by what’s going on around us. If our friends are drinking or using other substances and it looks like they’re having fun, it’s much harder to resist the temptation to join in. Even if you’re just there as the designated driver, testing your sobriety this way can quickly turn bad.
This is especially true if you’re new in recovery. Recovery is a state that has to be managed carefully, and this goes double when you’re new to it. If you know the event is going to involve drinking and drug use, give it a pass.
Tip #6: Give a Little Back
If you’re searching for something to do this summer that doesn’t involve alcohol or drugs, consider volunteering your time. Volunteer work makes you feel better about yourself and increases your sense of self-worth. This feels good…and makes relapse less likely.
Don’t know where to start? Find an organization that does something you’re really passionate about and start there, like volunteering at an animal shelter.
Here’s another idea: if you’re struggling to find a sober event to have fun at over the summer, you’re probably not alone. Consider hosting your own party, your way.
Tip #7: Embrace the Journey of Recovery
Recovery isn’t a destination…it’s a state of being that has to be maintained for a lifetime. The journey to recovery isn’t a straight line, either. No matter who you are, there’s going to be times when you feel overwhelmed.
We’re not calling relapses a good thing. We do recognize that relapses are part of the journey of recovery, however, and having one doesn’t make you a failure. A relapse is an opportunity to use the experience to continue moving forward in recovery.
Tip #8: Try Something New
Summer is a great time to learn about yourself and try something new, especially when you consider that recovery is literally a second chance in life. It’s a great time to get into painting, bicycling, cooking or anything else you’ve ever been curious about.
New hobbies aren’t just fun. They healthily stimulate your brain and give you an outlet for your energy and passion. Plus, they’re great for distracting yourself from the occasional craving.
Tip #9: Celebrate You This Summer
Going through recovery from drug and alcohol abuse means you’re a survivor. Your path is a little more difficult than the one most people walk. It takes bravery and determination to seek recovery, and you’ve shown both.
Here’s another reason to celebrate yourself: all of us need to be kinder to ourselves. Recognizing that we’re flawed, worthy of forgiveness and deserve compassion is a big part of a healthy mindset.
Every time of the year can be challenging for us in recovery. It’s a reminder to take all of it a day at a time, put your recovery first and keep looking forward.
Cliffside Malibu: Effective, Evidence-Based Addiction Care & More
If you’re struggling with addiction, you’re not alone. As hopeless as addiction seems, with the right help, anyone can overcome substance abuse.
Cliffside Malibu makes use of a unique Stages of Change model that helps us meet your needs at every point during your recovery journey. Our holistic approach to drug treatment means that we’ll address your addictive behavior at the root, healing you in mind and body.
Based in sunny Malibu, Cliffside Malibu is a serene, welcoming, and nonjudgmental environment ideal for healing. You’ll be able to build the life you truly deserve.
You can make this summer a true season of change. Reach out today to learn more.