If you’re planning for summer vacation, you may notice that many events, venues or parties involve alcoholic beverages. It can be challenging to be in these environments when recovering from alcohol addiction. Rather than trying to find alcohol-free activities, you can host your https://ecosoberhouse.com/ own event with sober friends and family members. The most important thing to remember when trying to stay sober at summer BBQs is that you can always opt-out. If it sounds like things will be getting out of hand, feel free to decide in advance that it won’t be a good fit for you.
Stay Connected to Your Support Network
Avoid being the designated driver for others, because you might then feel pressured to stay until the end of the party for your friends. Have your own plan for transportation or have a friend or family member available to pick you up if needed. Be aware of supports you can contact by phone including positive supports or a sponsor. Ask yourself if you are able to handle being around alcohol or other substances that may be present at summer events.
Encore Alumni Activities
We also provide support for those on their sobriety journey through our memberships including support meetings and coaching sessions. We cannot take any responsibility for the results or consequences of any attempt to use or adopt any of the Content on our Website. You should not interpret anything on our Website or in our Content or Services as an attempt to offer or render a medical or healthcare opinion or otherwise engage in the practice of medicine or therapy. By using our Website, you acknowledge and agree to our Terms of Use, Subscription Agreement, Privacy Policy, Intellectual Property Policy and Medical Disclaimer. “Failing to plan is planning to fail.” As with everything else, preparation is key.
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- It’s crucial to develop strategies to manage stress without resorting to substances.
- Plenty of people enjoy the summer without a drop of alcohol, and so can you.
- If you’re in need of a more introverted, self-care kind of evening, a sound bath at one of the city’s many yoga or meditation studios is just the thing.
- When it comes time to participate in summer festivities, you should avoid the things that might tempt you.
- Whatever it is you need of them to help with your sobriety — whether it’s asking them to not drink as well, or to keep you away from getting swept into activities like beer pong — don’t be afraid to ask.
Otherwise, attend an event you are comfortable attending and consider bringing a sober friend with you to stay on track. If you encounter challenges or temptations while on vacation, communicate these feelings with someone you can trust, such as a friend, sponsor or support group member. You’d be surprised just how many people can relate to what you’re going through. Be honest about your thoughts and feelings when encountering a challenging situation.
- At some point, you might start to feel uncomfortable about the escalation of the event or party.
- As summer officially kicks into “party” mode, I thought I would share some tips and tricks to navigating the sober life in a world of booze.
- At Greenbriar, we stand ready to support you every step of the way.
- Our programs aim to support clients in their commitment to sobriety while helping them enjoy a substance-free life.
- It’s likely to push them into thinking they want or have to go.
Surround Yourself With Sober Friends and Support Resources
It means ensuring you have the resources and support you need to navigate an environment safely – and that means “while staying sober”. If you experience triggers or experience cravings, you should acknowledge them, take time out, work through them, and then move on. Knowing your limits means understanding when things impact you, how to survive summer parties and boozy bbqs how much they are likely to impact you, and having tools and resources on hand to help you cope with those. You can support your loved one in navigating a summer social events by being a trusted resource. First, don’t tell your loved one in recovery not to go to a party or other event where alcohol/drugs will be present.
Set Event Participation Time Limits
Just because you’re not drinking doesn’t mean you can’t party with the best of them. New York’s conscious clubbing scene encourages unrestrained gyrations on the dance floor, minus the inebriation. “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” By informing your support resources about your intention to enjoy specific summer events, they can prepare themselves to support you. A couple of “check-in” calls from a support resource could be all you need to stay aware of what and who you are as a recovering addiction sufferer. Your sobriety doesn’t have to be something you feel like you need to justify if you do choose to attend drink-filled occasions. Here are five key tips from alcohol abuse experts on how to effectively navigate the summer if cocktails aren’t in the cards for you.
Look at your progress, celebrate your achievements, and remind yourself of the many reasons you chose sobriety. Journaling can be a very helpful tool to track your thoughts and feelings, providing both insight and motivation. Don’t be shy to ask your host for the lowdown on other guests. Creating a quick connection with these guests at the beginning of the evening can help you find a community of support if you feel yourself weakening throughout the night. Check-in with them throughout the party to offer and/or receive a quick word of support. Summer is the perfect time to enjoy the outdoors, but you don’t need a family event or community festival to do so.
Treatment & Recovery
- E.g., even work parties can largely end up being nothing but an excuse to get drunk.
- Because in recovery, you are truly yourself, without the need for substances to have fun.
- First, don’t tell your loved one in recovery not to go to a party or other event where alcohol/drugs will be present.
- When you try out a new activity or hobby, try to build connections with the people you meet and create new memories.
Using the simple steps listed above you can start enjoying your summer with less worry about peer pressure. By preparing ahead, staying engaged with activities, and leaning on your support network, you can navigate social gatherings with confidence and grace. Remember, sobriety is not just about avoiding substances; it’s about embracing a healthier, more fulfilling way of life. Take control of your summer, and let your commitment to sobriety shine.
I used to love going to boozy BBQs and picnics – they were the perfect excuse to day drink.
