Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial kickoff to summer. And how do people celebrate? With cookouts, swimming, boating, and oftentimes, alcohol. When you’re recovering from an alcohol use disorder, summer holidays like Memorial Day can be difficult to get through. So how can you navigate summer gatherings while protecting your sobriety?
Fortunately, there are ways to have fun, embrace summer and still stay on track with your recovery. Below are some tips that will help you build a healthy summer following alcohol rehab in Arizona.
Avoid Boredom
One of the most important steps is to create a healthy schedule for summer break. You might have more free time, so you’ll want to make sure that you’re staying busy. You don’t have to be busy every moment, but you should avoid having large chunks of time with nothing to do.
Luckily, there are plenty of activities to keep you busy during the summer. Some ways you can fill your time are:
- Waterparks and swimming pools
- Amusement parks
- Attending local fairs and festivals
- Hiking or bike rides
- Gardening and cooking
- Camping and stargazing
- Volunteering your time
- Working at a summer camp
Stay Connected
As you head into summer, make sure that your support circle is strong. Spending time with people who support your recovery is an important part of staying sober. Find activities that you and your friends will enjoy, and avoid places where alcohol is going to be served.
You can also find support in your sober peers when it comes to the summer holidays – Memorial Day, 4th of July and Labor Day. Get together and throw your own parties. This way, you can still celebrate without being surrounded by triggers.
Set Boundaries
It’s important to know what your triggers are and how you will face difficult situations. What happens if someone offers you a drink? How will you handle yourself if alcohol turns up at a party?
An effective way to protect your sobriety is by making smart choices about where you go and who you spend time with. But if you happen to end up in an uncomfortable situation, you’ll need to know what to do. Practice what you will say to someone who offers you a drink, and have an escape plan in place.
Start New Traditions
Don’t be afraid to start new traditions now that you’ve completed Arizona alcohol rehab. If you normally spend Memorial Day on the lake, drinking alcohol, find a new way to celebrate. You can start by going to your AA meetings and connecting with friends and then having a sober get-together at your place.
You can also volunteer your time, plan a camping trip or pick a place to visit, such as a museum or zoo. There are plenty of ways to have fun and celebrate the summer, but they will likely involve new traditions.
For Summer Support, Our Alcohol Rehab in AZ is Here for You!
The summer holidays can be particularly challenging because they often involve alcohol. By staying connected to your support circle, establishing boundaries and starting new traditions, you can have a healthy and fun summer season. For support along the way, don’t hesitate to reach out to Wolf Creek Recovery in Prescott AZ.
Finding purpose in pain is what Jonathon does best. He is a strong advocate for those suffering from substance use disorders. As a person in recovery, Jonathon knows how important it is to receive empathy and compassion. He recognizes that each person comes from a different set of circumstances and deserves to be valued and respected.
With a fresh perspective and compassionate attitude, Jonathon works closely with clients to help them let go of the past and know when to take necessary risks. The recovery process is ongoing, which means people need to move forward while applying the skills learned in treatment. Jonathon is a great motivator when it comes time for this!
Jonathon also places emphasis on the family unit and how it can make or break the recovery experience. Individuals with active, supportive families have far better outcomes. Jonathon realizes that it’s impossible to move mountains overnight, but with the right support team and positive attitude, anything is possible.
