Summer activities like beach parties and barbecues might be fun, but they can also be difficult for recovering addicts. If you think you might encounter drugs or alcohol during the summer, here are some tips that will help you avoid relapsing.
Know Your Triggers
If you know what kinds of activities and situations can cause you to relapse, avoid them as much as you can. This of course means staying away from events if you know there will be drugs and alcohol, but it also means staying away from people who might encourage you to use. There are plenty of fun sober events out there for you during the summer, so try to stick to them as much as possible.
Make a Plan
Since there is no guarantee that you will be able to completely avoid events with drugs and alcohol, you need to come up with a plan to maintain your sobriety. The best way to go about this is to attend events with a sober friend or family member to hold you accountable and help you feel more comfortable. It will also help to have a way to leave the event early if you feel like things are getting out of hand. If you didn’t drive to the event or you otherwise can’t leave under your own power, make sure that someone you trust can either pick you up or drive you home if you feel like you need to leave.
Start a Summer Project
If there are no sober events near you or you just don’t feel comfortable going to a place where there could be drugs and alcohol, you can always start a summer project of your own to keep yourself busy. Start a workout plan, learn a new craft, take a class, or do anything else you want that will help keep you busy while ensuring you enjoy your summer.
Get a Summer Job
If you don’t want to start a summer project, a job will keep you just as busy. You’ll need to find something that will keep you away from drugs and alcohol of course, so you should avoid restaurants and bars that serve alcohol or working any events that might have drugs. Still, picking the right summer job can earn you some extra money and even help you if you plan to switch careers.