Whether this is your first sober summer or your twentieth, congratulations! Here at Liberty Bay Recovery, we’ll arm you with the tools to stay sober this summer (and all year long).
Reach out to our experienced addiction specialists today by calling (855) 607-8758 for more information about how to enroll in one of our addiction therapy programs. We will get you on the road to lifelong recovery.
How to Have a Sober Summer
Yes, it is possible to have a sober summer, which might be easier than you think. Here are some tips to have a (great) sober summer this year:
Prioritize Your Sobriety
Sobriety should be at the top of your self-care list. You’ve made it this far, and you can keep going! Offer yourself positive reinforcement and be prepared for temptations that may arise. You are stronger than those temptations, and you can stay sober if you keep your mind in the right place.
Choose Social Events Wisely
To stay sober, it’s crucial to avoid temptation whenever possible. This means you should steer clear of the source of your addiction (i.e., your drug of choice). For example, if you’re a recovering alcoholic, it would be wise to decline an invitation to a liquor-filled/liquor-focused event.
However, not all social situations can be avoided. Should you find yourself at a party where alcohol is being served, get yourself an ice-cold glass of lemonade or water. If, for whatever reason, you put your beverage down and walk away from it, be sure to get a new one. Alcohol is dehydrating, especially in the summertime. You’ll feel good about picking a non-alcoholic beverage, plus you’ll stay hydrated!
Explore the Great Outdoors
Healthy habits like hiking, biking, and jogging help you maintain a good, positive mindset. When you’re all sweaty and tired after a three-mile run, the first thing you’ll want is to grab a cold bottle of water.
Being outside in the sunshine is also a natural remedy for depression. If you’re feeling your best, you won’t want to reach for a drink or a drug, which once robbed you of your well-being.
Enjoy Frozen Treats
Just because you’re not having a cocktail doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy a delicious drink. Virgin mojitos, daiquiris, and other “mocktails” can be just as delicious as their boozy counterparts. You can also check out your local ice cream shop for an even sweeter treat. Give yourself permission to indulge in these non-alcoholic pleasures once in a while.
Sharpen the Skills You Learned in Rehab
If you’ve participated in an alcohol treatment program, then you’ve learned some valuable skills and techniques for staying sober. You also may have participated in healthy activities in your rehabilitation program. Liberty Bay Recovery offers the following experiences that you should try to incorporate into your everyday life:
- Yoga, meditation, and deep breathing
- One-on-one counseling sessions
- Music or art therapy
- 12-step support
- Group therapy
Healthy, constructive activities can keep your mind off alcohol and help you focus on something positive. Try to remember that sober living is a marathon, not a sprint.
Just because staying sober is a lifelong commitment doesn’t mean it has to be difficult. You’ve already overcome the biggest hurdle in conquering your addiction: Getting sober. Now, you just need to put the tools you learned in rehab and therapy to use.
Sober Living Options at Liberty Bay Recovery
You can enjoy all the fun and activities that summer brings while sticking with your plan for sobriety. The journey to sober living does not end with addiction therapy programs; rather, it is just the beginning.
If you need support and guidance to help you stay sober, the experienced addiction therapists at Liberty Bay Recovery are here to lend a kind, welcoming hand. Contact out team today at (855) 607-8758 for more information about our personalized treatment options.
