When you think of summer, the first thoughts that come to mind probably involve parties and outings with friends. For many addicts, those good times usually involve generous amounts of alcohol.
If you have an alcohol addiction and are new to recovery, the summer months might be met with a bit of fear and even some anger. How are you going to get through an entire summer without drinking? Fortunately, there are people in recovery doing this every day, year after year with ease.
Living successfully in recovery means that you have made a commitment to change everything about your life, but that does not mean that your life is over. Quite the opposite is true. Recovery from alcohol addiction provides you with new coping skills and tools to deal with uncomfortable situations as well as the resources to enjoy life like never before. Now that the temperatures are rising, here are five ways that you can enjoy summer without drinking alcohol.
1. Have a Barbecue
It is tough to work a recovery program by yourself. Having a support group is important and these people can become lifelong friends if you let them. One way to get to know people better is to create opportunities to socialize. Try having a barbecue this summer with some of your sober friends.
2. Start an Exercise Program
Exercising is something that everybody needs. The great thing about exercise is that you can do it alone, with a friend, or through an organized class where you might make some new friends. Start running, join a yoga class, or attend a local boot camp. The choice is yours.
3. Explore Your State and National Parks
When you are drinking, you do not get out much to explore the world and appreciate nature. Now is your chance. Find out where your county, state, and national parks are located and make some plans for day trips or even a weekend away.
4. Go on a Sober Vacation
The idea of vacationing sober might seem foreign to a recovering alcoholic. The great thing is that an entire industry has sprung up around traveling sober. You can find a variety of sober vacations online such as cruises, group tours, and even Club Med trips, all with other people in recovery.
5. Give Back
There are many ways to volunteer and give back to others. If you are a member of a 12-step program, now might be a good time to get involved in service work. Begin sponsoring others or find a service position. Otherwise, find a local charity or youth organization that could use some support.
If you really think about it, living a sober life is much more enjoyable than an existence tied to alcohol addiction. If you spent the summer drinking, you would also spend plenty of time hung over, looking for lost items, and apologizing to friends and family. Now, you can enjoy all of the gifts that life has to offer, meet new friends, and remember every second of your glorious summer.
If alcohol addiction is a problem in your life or is affecting a loved one, find out how The Recovery Village can help. Contact us to learn more about our comprehensive drug and alcohol treatment program or to discuss admissions options.
The Recovery Village aims to improve the quality of life for people struggling with substance use or mental health disorder with fact-based content about the nature of behavioral health conditions, treatment options and their related outcomes. We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals. The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers.