Whether you live on the east or west coast of America, summer appears to finally be at our doorstep. Phew! The winter can be a hard time for people in recovery for addiction. Less sunshine, cold days and nights often makes people depressed, particularly people who have a history of mental illness. It can be difficult to muster the strength to work and be active; and idle time for addicts is most certainly the devils…
Not feeling well because of the weather can cause you to think that maybe a drink or drug will improve your state of being. One must constantly be replaying the tape of where that kind of thinking can take you. Reminding oneself of the leaps and bounds you have made in life which you owe entirely to your recovery. If you managed to make it through the winter without a relapse, we at HVRC thank you for being living proof that even in tough times, the practices and principles of recovery work.
If on the other hand, you happen to have relapsed and returned to the program despite the feelings that come with a relapse, you made the right choice. Perhaps you are still in the midst of active addiction post relapse, we implore you to seek treatment immediately.
Addiction Recovery Over The Summer
While the warmer months certainly bring more opportunities to get out of one’s own head, suck the marrow out of life, it is not always a walk in the park. Particularly for alcoholics who long associated warm weather with drinking cold beer. Going to parties on the major holidays, and barbecuing every weekend can also carry a host of triggers.
Recovery is 24/7, 365 day-a-year is a mission to live a life free from drugs and alcohol. In order to experience the gifts that the program can afford you, vigilance is a must. If you find yourself experiencing triggers, then get to a meeting, talk to someone. Call Your Sponsor. Call Your Sponsor, Again. You can never protect your program too much.
Make plans to soak up the sun with others who are working towards your common goal of recovery. It cannot be said enough, we can have fun in recovery. If you are taking trips around the country or world this summer, have a plan in place. Find meetings to go to along the way, before you depart. Going to meetings in different cities, states and countries can be a really fun experience. You never know what kind of interesting people you will meet at foreign recovery meetings. Potentially making lasting connections.
This Could Be A Life Changing Summer
If you are in the grips of active addiction currently, the summer might be the perfect opportunity to address the problem and seek treatment. Many people will tell themselves that they do not have time to go to treatment for three months, worried that it will impact schooling or their job. But the summer may provide you the time you need. Even if it doesn’t, failing to seek help will eventually result in education or career losses. Ultimately, untreated addiction takes everything.
Please contact Hemet Valley Recovery Center & Sage Retreat today, to start a new existence. One free from the stranglehold of active drug or alcohol use. Recovery is waiting for you.