Living in Recovery: Coping with Summer Celebrations

Summertime can be a challenging time of the year for folks in recovery from a substance use disorder. Everywhere we go we see ads conditioning us to believe that alcohol will make our lives more fun. We see ads of people partying at the pool, at the lake, and on the beach with coolers full of beer. What these advertisers won’t tell you is that 1 in 10 American adults meet criteria for alcohol use disorder. They don’t show what happens when the party is over -- how people and their loved ones are affected by alcohol abuse. Here are some tips to help you or a loved one in recovery navigate summertime celebrations.

·         Have your own ride to events/celebrations. You can leave if you feel unsafe or triggered.

·         Use the buddy system! Take a sober/supportive person with you.

·         Know who is safe/unsafe/unsure when it comes to your recovery. Spend time with supportive family/friends and avoid people you used/drank with. Adults experience peer pressure too!

·         Start your own celebrations! Just because something has always been done a certain way doesn’t mean it has to be that way. Instead of drinking beer at the lake, do something new! Go watch fireworks in the park, go for a swim at your local pool, or host your own sober party/cook-out. Many recovery organizations host holiday meeting marathons as well as holiday celebrations. Check the local news, Facebook, and other social media for summertime events in your community.

·         Stick to a routine and practice self-care: Keep taking your medication, going to meetings, and talking to those in your support system. Our routines get thrown off during the summer/holidays so being intentional about maintaining your recovery is very important during this time.

·         Be kind to yourself. Remember that feeling a lack of enthusiasm can be a normal part of early recovery. You are not broken; your brain is just healing. Try new things and keep trying! Your brain is working hard to return to its normal state, and you WILL feel joy and enthusiasm again.

·         Smash the stigma! Being in recovery is of nothing to be ashamed. You are making many positive changes to yourself and your life that others may not understand. It’s okay to tell people that you’re in recovery or even just that you’re not drinking/using today. What you share is up to you.

Online recovery support meetings and the 988 mental health and substance use crisis number are available 24/7.