With COVID-19 restrictions changing, this summer is likely to be more fun than last year’s socially distanced one. There will likely be a lot more social gatherings, and with those social gatherings come chances for relapse. A constant “threat” of relapse doesn’t have to control your summer, however. It is possible to have a great summer, socialize, and stay sober. You can make this a summer of sobriety.
Here are ten ideas to get you started. You can make it fun without substances and spend plenty of time with friends in recovery.
1. Get Outdoors
Plan your exercise around outdoor activities such as yoga, walking, hiking, running, etc. You will be doing something for your recovery and making it more enjoyable. The fresh air is also great for your mind and spirit.
2. Plan Your Own Party
Host your own barbecue, party, or get-together. If you don’t have space at your place, find a sober friend who does, or go to a park, the beach, or another venue. Invite friends from recovery, and bring everything but the alcohol.
3. Socialize With Others in Recovery
Rather than risk a relapse, find friends from treatment, sober living, or group meetings who are also in recovery. Put them in your phone and call them first when it’s time to have some fun. Call them when you want to see a movie, get some ice cream, or whatever. Just call them. They need you as much as you need them.
4. Plan a Trip with Friends
Depending on your circumstances, you can plan a trip out of the country, out of state, to a nearby city, or even just go camping. Getting out of your routine and your environment, even just overnight, will help you recharge and recommit to your recovery. Bring friends who are also in recovery, and everyone benefits.
5. Host a Game Night
There is no need to think about going out on a Friday or Saturday night; you or a sober friend could host a game night and play board games and hang out. Maybe it doesn’t sound as fun as going out, but it may surprise you how much you can laugh in a single night. By hosting the get-together without substances, you can be sure to stay in your recovery and help your friends do the same.
6. Create Your Own Sports Night
A five-on-five soccer match every Wednesday night? Getting together with your friends for some basketball on Mondays? Or maybe a friendly bowling league on Thursday nights is more your style? Find a sport you love, invite your friends who are in recovery, and make the commitment to play all summer long. That is one less night that you have to sit at home and manage cravings alone.
7. Bring Your Emotional Support Friend
If you are invited to a wedding or other event where you think there will be alcohol or other substances, bring a friend with you who is also in recovery. You guys can keep each other honest and drive home safely, too. An additional bonus is that you will remember all of the things everyone else said and did, and have a friend to laugh with, too.
8. Outdoor Movie Night
Summer is a great time to watch a movie outdoors. If you do not have a local drive-in, find someone with a projector or a large screen that can be outdoors. Pick a good movie, invite your sober friends, pop some popcorn, and your evening is sorted.
9. Make Your Own Dance Club
Find a place, either at your home, a friend, or somewhere you have access to and invite plenty of people from recovery. Your phone and some speakers can provide the sound; you can be the DJ or invite someone else to. Lower the lights, maybe string some Christmas lights, or even rent some proper lights, and you have a substance-free dance club to enjoy all night long. You can even count the dancing as part of your exercise.
10. Get in the Water
Find a pool, a lake, a stream, a beach, a sprinkler on the lawn, whatever. Enjoy some time in the sun and the water. Make it an afternoon, a whole day, a trip to get away, but just relax. Every fun thing that you do that does not include substances is a win for your recovery. Make a splash, get some sun, and stay sober!
Be gentle with yourself. Use your support network. But above all else, stay sober and have fun.
There is a stigma around the word “sobriety” that says you cannot be sober and also have fun, but that’s not true. You can have fun without touching substances once. Recovery is the most fun when spent with others in recovery and has the advantage of mutual support as well. Take charge of your summer and plan plenty of fun things with like-minded friends. Rancho Milagro Recovery is the perfect place to start your recovery, and we have alumni groups, too. Our beautiful Southern California ranch embraces treatment in a natural setting for healing and calm. Call us at (951) 526-4582 to find out more about our programs and how to begin your recovery. Also, ask us about our rescue animals. They would love to meet you too. We believe in wellness and healing, but we also know that sobriety can be fun. Kick off your summer by getting treatment for addiction.