The 4th of July is synonymous with days spent with feet in the cool sand of a beach, pool parties, music festivals, and having memorable fun in the sun. For people in a relapse prevention program, having a sober summer is essential to continued success in their recovery. A sober Fourth of July can be challenging because the holiday is antithetical to sober living. Independence Day festivities are usually built around drinking alcohol, meaning temptations are more likely around fireworks. The relapse prevention program at Gulf Breeze Recovery can help you maintain a sober summer. Reach out to us online or call 833.551.2304 today to learn how our team of professionals can help you have a great 4th of July without upsetting your recovery efforts.
Having a Sober Fourth of July
Working on relapse prevention and having a sober summer doesn’t mean you need to shut yourself off from the world during the summer holiday. Your sober Fourth of July can still be full of BBQ parties and trips to the beach.
Because alcohol and drugs play a role in celebrating the 4th of July in America, you will want to focus on positive things to do with a supportive, loving circle of close friends and supportive family members. A healthy mix of sober Fourth of July activities and caring people will help you make choices that will make enjoying a sober summer as guaranteed as a firework show in the sky. Here are ways to still have a memorable 4th of July without drugs or alcohol:
Be True to Yourself
You know yourself better than anyone, so you know the activities, situations, and types of people you should avoid while having a sober summer. It is a good idea to remove these things and people from your life as you move forward happy and healthy into a sober Fourth of July and beyond in relapse prevention.
Surround Yourself with Supportive People
It takes a village to achieve a sober lifestyle and prevent relapse. First, you will have the doctors, therapists, and caring medical staff of Gulf Breeze Recovery. These are the people who know your struggle firsthand and have seen your success in recovery. Second, you will work to assemble a reliable team of supportive friends and family. This is your sober Fourth of July crew, the understanding and caring people who will meet up for coffee, head to the beach, and enjoy summertime fun without doing anything to throw you and your relapse prevention program off track.
Sober Summer Activities
When it is time to unwind during a sober Fourth of July, relax by creating a musical playlist for dancing or relaxation while hanging out with friends by a pool. Alternatively, game nights with card games, board games, or computer games can be an enjoyable holiday activity before attending local fireworks shows. Knowing that it is dry and that there is no temptation to drink or do drugs will enable you to enjoy music, games, sunshine, and fireworks.
Finding Sober Ways to Celebrate the 4th
Binge-drinking and partying are glamorized on social media, movies, and television. For individuals in relapse prevention programs, a sober summer may seem like you are missing out on all the fun, but you can stay sober and still have the best 4th of July. There might be the need to find different activities if your usual summertime rituals are incompatible with sober living. Be a positive agent of change in the lives of your family and friends by seeking out and suggesting alternative activities during a sober summer, like:
- Riding bikes
- Taking hikes
- Having dinner at a BYOB and NOT bringing a bottle
- Host a July 4th game night
- Go camping on the 4th of July
- Find a dark sky site for a night of stargazing or fireworks watching
- Play paintball
- Go on a photography walk
Learn More at Gulf Breeze Recovery
Learn how the relapse prevention program at Gulf Breeze Recovery can be the sober summer support group you need to stay on the straight and narrow and have a sober Fourth of July. Contact us using our secure online form or call us confidentially at 833.551.2304 today.