It is that time of year again when people are taking some time away from work or school to enjoy spring break. Throughout the years, spring break has come to be associated with wild beach vacations and heavy substance use, especially for college students and younger individuals. 

If you are currently on your recovery journey, this type of party scene is not an option. This does not mean that you cannot still celebrate spring break and have a great time. It is just a matter of making sure you are spending time with the right people and planning ahead. 

Gathering With the Right People 

Whether you are going on vacation this spring break or staying home, you will want to make sure you are surrounding yourself with the right people. These are people you know are supportive of your recovery journey and are not going to try to pressure you to engage in substance use. If the friends you are planning to spend time with are not currently sober, it can be helpful to have a discussion with these individuals ahead of time regarding what you are and are not comfortable with. 

For example, you may not be comfortable with them engaging in substance use in front of you because it could lead to temptation. Make sure that everyone within the group is on the same page and aware of your boundaries.   

Making a Plan

Being sure to plan is vital for every vacation, especially when you are on your recovery journey. When planning out activities, be sure to check them out online ahead of time so you know what to expect. Try to avoid locations that may be crowded or overwhelming. For example, consider finding a lesser-known or private beach instead of one that will likely be packed with partygoers. When choosing a restaurant, make sure that you will be able to get a seat not located in the bar. 

You will also want to plan ahead for the possibility that you will experience an urge to engage in substance use while you are on vacation. Determine who you are going to call if you do find yourself in this sort of emergency situation, such as a therapist or a trusted friend. 

You can even let them know ahead of time that you will be going on a trip so that they can be prepared to assist you if necessary. It can also be helpful to attend 12-Step groups that meet locally where you will be staying just in case. 

Sober Spring Break Activities  

Even if you are not going on a trip this spring break, there are still countless ways you can enjoy your time off while staying sober. Some examples include:

#1. Volunteering: While it might not sound very relaxing, volunteering for a cause that you are passionate about can be extremely rewarding. It can even help boost your mental health and reduce anxiety and depression. This is because it can lead to a deep sense of purpose and fulfillment and help you to connect with others who share the same passions that you do. 

When choosing what organization to volunteer for, think about a cause that means a lot to you. If you are passionate about animals, you may consider volunteering for your local humane shelter. Not only is this a great help to the often overworked staff at these shelters, but it is an opportunity for you to do something you enjoy. 

Other ways of volunteering could include helping to tutor a student, visiting someone in a nursing home, serving a meal at a soup kitchen, or picking up litter on the side of the road. 

#2. Getting out into nature: There are many mental health benefits to spending time outside in nature. It is a great way to get away from the distractions of everyday life and refocus. It can be a great way to eliminate stress, and you may find yourself coming back with a renewed sense of energy. Consider going on an overnight camping trip, taking a hike, or having a picnic with a friend. 

#3. Taking a class: Taking a class may sound like the last thing you want to do during spring break, but it can be fun if you pick the right one. Consider something you have always wanted to learn how to do but never had time for, or perhaps something you want to improve. With a quick Google search, you can find plenty of cheap local classes for various things, whether it be cooking, painting, or even playing a musical instrument. 

Even though spring break is often associated with heavy substance use, especially for younger people, it does not mean that you cannot spend this time sober and still have fun. You just need to make sure you are spending it with people who are supportive of your recovery journey and will not try to tempt you to engage in substance use. You will also want to plan ahead to ensure that you will be comfortable with the places you visit and that they will not cause any temptation. You should also prepare for who you are going to call if you experience any urges. There are plenty of ways to celebrate spring break sober, whether by getting out into nature, taking a class to learn a new skill, or volunteering. If you are currently struggling with a substance use disorder, our team at Kimberly Center can help. Call (855) 452-3683 to learn more.