Summer is one of the most exciting seasons of the year. Everyone hangs out at the pool, grills in their backyards and hosts parties. There are many opportunities to grab a drink or find a moment away from the craziness of life. While you might want to give into your addictions, these are a few reasons why you should consider a sober summer. 

Staying away from anything that could trigger a relapse will give you more summer fun than you’ve ever had. Check out why so many people are staying sober for the next few months.

1. You’ll Remain Present and Fulfilled 

When an addiction controls someone’s mind, they can’t remain present. They’re thinking about when they’ll get their next fix and how they’ll get it. Your loved ones will notice when you’re not focused on spending time with them, resulting in hurt feelings and frustration. 

Staying present gives you greater fulfillment because you’ll get more joy from your summer activities. Think about the priceless memories you’ll make by not giving your addiction any room in your thoughts or your life.

2. You’ll Save More Money 

Legal and legal substances are both expensive when you rely on them multiple times a day. You’ll save more money by remaining sober. Adding to your savings account opens doors to new possibilities like homeownership, paying off your car or just going on vacation. 

Many people struggle with an addiction to opioids. Although they’re less expensive than heroin or cocaine, people pay over $70,000 each year to keep up with their frequent use. Have more fun this summer by using that money for healthier, more rewarding purposes.

3. You’ll Find Healthier Solutions 

Sometimes addictions begin as a way to cope with mental health challenges. Drinking will relieve the effects of depression temporarily, but it’s not a real solution. It won’t balance the brain chemistry causing the depression or serve as a healthy way to deal with the symptoms. When you have an open mind to other options, you’ll learn about potential medications and self-care techniques with assistance from your doctor.

4. You’ll Make Better Friendships 

Friendships formed around addictions rarely have substance beyond everyone’s next fix. Meeting people with other shared interests, like hobbies or careers, builds a solid foundation for generating lasting relationships. Try new community activities to meet possible friends while doing something fun to break the ice.

5. You’ll Argue Less With Loved Ones 

Coming down from a high or using an addictive substance sometimes makes people irritable. You might snap at friends or loved ones without meaning to. They could also bring up your addiction, leading to frequent fighting. 

Finding peace is one of the most important reasons why you should consider a sober summer. Relationships will likely heal from past experiences and thrive without the looming shadow of addiction.

6. You’ll Have More Energy 

When you’re not using, your body needs to recover from whatever influenced it. Hangovers will drain your energy and prevent you from entertaining summer activities like attending festivals or going to theme parks. You’ll feel like a new person when your energy remains uninfluenced by addictive substances.

7. You’ll Become a Better Planner 

Addictions steal your time. Sobriety makes more things possible so you can develop better time management skills and get more out of life. It’s a skill you’ll develop because you’ll want to do more with your schedule. Juggling phone calls from friends and personal plans gives you time to practice time management and improve every aspect of your life. 

You’ll also pick up new hobbies to keep yourself occupied when your free time becomes a tempting opportunity to fall back into addiction. Use your new interests to spend more time with people who support your sobriety, which always makes it easier to stay on the right track.

8. You’ll Feel Healthier 

No one enjoys feeling hungover or dopesick. It ruins your day and even your week, depending on the intensity of your recovery. Remaining sober will make you feel immediately healthier and capable of anything you put your mind to. You’ll have the energy and focus to try new things, attend concerts or even accept invitations to birthday parties. 

Feeling ill would normally keep you home and even make you want to go back to your addiction. Once you get through the initial detoxing experience, you’ll feel like a new person. It may even give you a confidence boost when you realize that the exhausted and sick way you felt before isn’t a permanent part of your life.

Consider a Sober Summer 

There are so many reasons why you should consider a sober summer. They all add up to a healthier, happier and more fulfilling life. Think about what you’d love to do while the weather’s warm and who you’d like to hang out with. You’ll find your strongest motivators and power through any temptations that might arise.