Summer tends to be a social time with extra events, changes in routines, and other shifts in life that shake things up. If it’s your first summer in addiction recovery–for example, your first summer after going to drug and alcohol rehab–you might be wondering how to navigate it. The top-rated programs at Align Recovery Centers will teach you how to have fun in addiction recovery and get through the triggers that might show up along the way.
A Guide to Enjoying a Sober Summer
Align Recovery Centers welcomes people from a wide variety of areas, whether you’re local or travel to rehab from a distance. This guide to enjoying a sober Summer is geared toward anyone in recovery or who is considering recovery, no matter where you live.
Sober Summer Activities
Whether you’re looking for solo substance-free activities or something to enjoy with friends and family, there are extensive options to choose from. Sober Summer activities to consider include but aren’t limited to the following.
- Hiking and nature walks.
- Indoor and outdoor swimming.
- Local zoos, museums, and aquariums.
- Art classes (e.g., painting, woodworking).
- National parks and landmarks.
- Barbeques and picnics.
- Rock climbing.
- Biking.
- Escape rooms.
- Bowling.
- Yoga and tai chi.
- Dance classes.
- Gardening.
- Boxing.
- Music lessons.
Finding a sober community in your local area can be incredibly helpful. Consider local Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Narcotics Anonymous (NA), or SMART Recovery meetings for free addiction recovery support and a way to meet others in recovery near you.
Healthy Routines
At Align Recovery, we help clients implement healthy routines for the mind, body, and soul. Keeping up with routines that support your well-being can be vital during the Summer and in seasons of change in your life. Here are some general guidelines to follow.
- Get enough sleep.
- Eat regular meals and snacks.
- Implement healthy outlets and coping skills.
- Exercise regularly and explore joyful movement.
- Keep up with therapy sessions, even if you are in a good place.
You might have your own routines and practices–like a meditation or journaling practice–to include in this list.
Support for Drug and Alcohol Addiction
With integrated and deeply personalized addiction treatment programs, we know better than anyone that getting to know yourself well is a vital part of recovery. Treatment can help you get to know your relapse warning signs, triggers, and the unique coping skills that work for you as an individual. If you are actively using substances or have a history of substance abuse, getting support for drug and alcohol addiction can be integral. Whether it’s in-person or virtual care, having someone to talk to and check in with matters during the recovery process.
Reducing Triggers
Reducing triggers can be necessary at times. If there is a situation that tempts you to use drugs and alcohol this Summer, like a party where substances are offered, it’s important to set boundaries and protect your recovery. Take the time to think about your values on a regular basis and how addiction recovery supports them. Spend time on the hobbies, activities, and people who support your recovery, and again, make sure that you seek professional help if you need it.
Align Recovery’s California Drug Rehab Programs
Align Recovery’s California drug rehab programs are here to help you enjoy a sober summer, not just this year, but in years to come. Here’s a little bit about how our programs can help you or a loved one who is in active addiction.
Drug & Alcohol Detox
Often, drug and alcohol detox is an important first step in treatment. While the acute withdrawal process is usually short-lived, lasting for about 1-2 weeks, it can come with withdrawal symptoms that require medical attention. Align Recovery Centers provides effective Drug & Alcohol Detox in Northern California with high-end technology that allows our team to monitor your vitals without waking you up at night. Detox can also help you avoid relapse during the early stages of sobriety.
Residential Treatment
The Residential Treatment program at Align Recovery Centers is an immersive and transformative experience. Our residential program lasts for 30 days. During that time, you’ll participate in 3-5 outings per week (including walks, activities, and 12-step meetings), daily group sessions, meals, individual therapy, and family therapy. Clients in residential treatment at Align Recovery stay at our facility for the duration of the program, which is located on 2+ acres of land. We have comfortable living spaces, amenities, indoor and outdoor meeting spaces, a vegetable garden, and everything else needed to make your time in treatment special.
Dual Diagnosis Treatment
A significant portion of people with drug and alcohol use disorders have a co-occuring mental health condition. If you or your loved one in need of treatment has a co-occurring disorder, like depression or anxiety, dual-diagnosis treatment is strongly recommended. Align Recovery Centers provides Dual Diagnosis Treatment in Northern California, helping individuals achieve positive outcomes such as a greater chance of recovery from (or successful treatment of) both disorders and a better quality of life.
Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)
Our partial hospitalization program (PHP) meets on an outpatient basis. In some instances, PHP can serve as an alternative to residential treatment. Alternatively, many clients enter PHP for continued care following residential treatment.
Virtual Care
Virtual Care options are deeply important for many people in addiction recovery. We provide virtual care so that you can get the continued care and support you need from the privacy of your own home.
Medication-Assisted Treatment
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) refers to the use of FDA-approved medications for some types of substance use disorders, such as opioid use disorder and alcohol use disorder. Align Recovery provides MAT for clients who benefit from it as part of their treatment plan.
Call Align Recovery Centers for Help Enjoying a Sober Summer
Align Recovery is an addiction and dual-diagnosis treatment center in Sonoma, California. We help people like you or your loved one build healthy routines, community, and lasting skills for long-term sober living. Call Align Recovery Centers for help enjoying a sober Summer–and all of the seasons to come–today at (707) 659-0383.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Enjoying a Sober Summer
What are some sober Summer activities in Sonoma, CA?
Sonoma, CA, where Align is located, is a great place to have an enjoyable sober Summer. In Sonoma, you can explore local sober activities such as:
- Farmers markets, like the Santa Rosa Original Certified Farmers Market.
- Parks and hiking trails, like the Sonoma Valley Regional Park, Sugarloaf Ridge State Park, and Montini Open Space Preserve trailhead.
- Local beaches, like Schoolhouse Beach, Goat Rock State Beach, and Salmon Creek State Beach.
- A walk through downtown Sonoma.
- Historic sites and museums.
- Performing arts performances.
- Indoor and outdoor swimming pools.
- Local adult sports teams.
- Art galleries.
- Ballooning tours.
- Ziplining.
Non-credit classes at local community colleges are also widely available in the Summer.