The summer months are filled with relaxed vibes, fun in the sun and barbeques with your friends and family; however, these months can be a struggle for all recovering addicts.

For those who are new to recovery, this transition back into reality can be difficult because of all the new changes that are occurring. While the summer months may be less stressful in terms of work or school life, this season can bring unwanted temptations that could truly test your sobriety. Banyan Treatment Center provides drug and alcohol treatment in Chicago and we want to help you stay sober this summer. Becoming aware of the risks of relapse is important especially if you are new to sobriety. Our treatment experts explain what it takes to enjoy a sober summer.

Living a life in recovery comes with ups and downs, and you will face difficult times that could cause you to relapse if you don’t know how to navigate the situation properly. Some common risks of relapse during the summer include:

1. Attending a party that will have alcohol or potentially drugs present. If you are surrounded by these substances you can easily become tempted to use again. Even though you learn how to handle these tough situations in treatment, you never know how you will truly react when you are in the moment. It can be hard to witness your friends and family members enjoying a drink or two. However, it’s important to remember all the turmoil and pain that you experienced from your addiction.
2. Summer vacations with your family. Vacations are a great way to unwind and relax. However, there could be a risk for relapse in this scenario. Traveling with family can bring stress when it comes to living in close quarters and pleasing everyone with the plans. It’s important to understand how to deal with this stress so that you don’t turn to alcohol or drugs to cope. You also may feel tempted to drink with your family members at dinner or at the beach in this situation.
3. Summer holidays. The Fourth of July and Labor Day are examples of summer holidays that can be filled with outdoor barbeques and lot of drinking. Many recovering addicts can tense up just thinking about their summer holiday plans and these days can bring about triggers. Banyan Treatment Center suggests that you surround yourself with people who are supportive of your recovery efforts during these celebrations.