Summer is finally here. Schools are letting out for the year, and perhaps you are making travel plans, getting ready for cookouts, and preparing for family gatherings. This time of year is often associated with celebration, relaxation, and lots of time outside. 

While this can be a very joyful time of year, it can also be a difficult time if you are in recovery, or are new to your recovery journey. This is due to summer often being a time of increased socialization. You may find that those around you engage in alcohol use more frequently during this time of year. 

Whether at a pool party, backyard barbeque, or Fourth of July gathering, there is a good chance that alcohol will be present. This is why it is crucial to be prepared and ensure you are managing your sobriety. There are still many ways to enjoy a sober summer by taking careful preparations and surrounding yourself with supportive people. 

Being Prepared to Say ‘No’ to a Drink 

While attending social gatherings over the summer, there is a good chance that you may spend time with people that are not aware that you are on your recovery journey. Without intending to be disrespectful, they may offer you a drink that can be quite triggering to your sobriety. 

This is why it is vital to know how to say “no”  and refuse these offers ahead of time. Depending on how close you are to this person, you may be comfortable confiding in them the real reason you are not drinking by simply saying, “I’m in recovery.” If you are not comfortable getting into this subject, consider the following responses:

• I’m not drinking due to health reasons. 
• I’m not drinking because I have to drive later. 
• I’m not drinking because of how it makes me feel. 
• I’m not drinking because I’m on medication. 
• I’m not drinking because I have to wake up early tomorrow and don’t want a hangover. 

Remember that turning down a drink when offered is not rude; it is simply what you must do to commit to your recovery. 

Surround Yourself With Supportive People

One of the greatest parts of spending summer sober is surrounding yourself with people who support you and respect your recovery journey. If you are new to recovery, it is probably not a good idea to spend time with people who engage in substance use frequently, especially in front of you, as this can be quite triggering. It is also not a good idea to spend time with people who peer pressure you or encourage you to break your sobriety. Instead, surround yourself with people who enjoy celebrating and hanging out in ways that do not involve substance use. 

Perhaps these individuals are people you met through your recovery journey and are sober as well. Or maybe they are people you met through a club or group that share the same interests as you. Together you can enjoy a summer free of substance use. 

You will also want to ensure that you are not neglecting extended treatment. This involves attending peer support group meetings regularly or speaking with your therapist. If you are going into a situation where you think there may be even the slightest chance of temptation, consider speaking with your therapist ahead of time. 

Sober Summer Activities 

A sober summer does not have to be boring. There are many ways you can spend this time of year that do not involve substance use. Some fun-filled ideas include: 

#1. Try out a new hobby. Summer is often a time of year when you may get some time off from work or have a little bit more free time than you do during the rest of the year. Consider spending this extra time trying out a new hobby that you have always wanted to do but never had the time for. This could be learning a skill like how to play an instrument or taking a cooking class. You can teach yourself by watching videos online for free or you could consider taking a class. This is a great way to meet other people who share similar interests as you. 

#2. Volunteer for a cause that means a lot to you, such as an animal shelter or a soup kitchen. Volunteering is beneficial to mental health and can be very rewarding. 

#3. Take a road trip with a group of friends or loved ones. 

#4. Work on your fitness by going to the gym or working with a trainer. 

#5. Enjoy a picnic in the park. 

#6. Spend some time out on the water, such as boating, kayaking, canoeing, or swimming. 

#7. Go hiking through a scenic route. 

Summer is often associated with increased socialization and increased substance use in some cases. If you are currently on your recovery journey, you may be concerned about surviving summer sober. In reality, a sober summer doesn’t have to be boring, and there are countless ways to have fun without engaging in substance use. Make sure you surround yourself with positive, supportive people who don’t peer pressure you and are respectful of your recovery journey. You’ll also want to be sure you’re regularly attending your peer support group meetings or speaking with your therapist. Some ideas of sober summer activities include trying out a new hobby, learning a skill, volunteering for a charity organization, taking a road trip, having a picnic, or spending time out on the water. At The Kimberly Center, we have helped countless people take their lives back from substance use disorder. Call (855) 452-3683 to learn more.