For those in recovery, you may feel overwhelmed as summer approaches. Many people correlate the summer months with festivities and parties, which can be problematic for a person that is working to achieve and maintain sobriety. There are still so many reasons to be excited about summer, especially if you are struggling with your sobriety.
Colorado offers many different sober activities for individuals in recovery. Whether you reside in Colorado or are considering taking a trip out that way, it may be helpful to be aware of what activities are available. These activities can help you find a sense of belonging and renew your excitement for nature, while also bringing a positive perspective to your recovery journey.
Will Sober Activities Treat My Addiction?
Like any state, Colorado has several different treatment centers and specific programs for individuals who are actively struggling with their sobriety and recovery. If you have not yet worked through your substance use triggers, get help before you find yourself in a situation this summer that will jeopardize your recovery.
These sober activities can help people to find enjoyment in adventure, but these are merely activities, not treatment. However, sober activities can and do effectively complement the treatment process. It is important to always honor where you are at in your recovery journey. If you are still struggling after completing a treatment program, or are hesitant about treatment, contact a local treatment facility to learn more about their programs.
General Sober Activities to Engage With This Summer
No matter where you live, it is important to have a list of sober activities you can engage in this summer. For some of the following activities, you may need to access a large body of water, although for the most part these activities can be done just about anywhere.
Go Camping or Glamping
Camping can be a good sober activity. Pack up some hot dogs, s’mores, some camping gear, and your closest pals, and pick a camping spot. Allow your group of friends to be fully immersed in nature for an evening or two. Interacting with nature, to any extent, can have healing properties for your recovery.
Set Up an Outdoor Movie
This activity can be done in a group, with a few close friends, or solo. All you will need is a projector and a mobile projector screen, although a wall works just as well. You can blow up air mattresses or use camping chairs as seating. Use the extra energy that sobriety has gifted you to design the ultimate outdoor movie setup!
Have a Boat Day
If a boat day by itself is too triggering, you can plan a boat day with water activities. You could go fishing, wakeboarding, water skiing, or even tubing. If you do not have access to a boat, you could also consider tubing down a lake or river, renting a kayak, or canoeing on a lake.
Specific Sober Activities in Colorado
Colorado is home to hundreds of unique, sober activities, especially during the summer months. The state has always been a destination for avid outdoor enthusiasts no matter the season; however, spring and summer produce the best and finest climate for being outdoors.
Exploring the Terrain
Colorado has a multitude of hiking trails and rock-climbing opportunities. National and state parks, as well as a surplus of mountain ranges, make Colorado a great place to explore during the summer. Luckily, there are hiking trails that range in all levels of difficulty. Consider checking out Chautauqua Park, Flagstaff Mountain, the Boulder Creek Path, or even the picturesque Flatirons.
Immersing yourself in nature offers significant physical and emotional support for your sobriety and long-term recovery. Nature can decrease stress and anxiety, improve mood, encourage gratitude, and provide a wealth of positive physiological responses.
Experiencing Summer Concerts
Colorado is home to the spectacular Red Rocks Amphitheatre venue that features live music concerts during the spring, summer, and fall months. It is considered one of the most beautiful music venues in the country as the stage lies deep within bright red sandstone rocks, creating a natural amphitheater. You have the opportunity to engage with the beauty of nature alongside the beauty of music all in one place.
Boulder, CO also provides a regular, weekly series of outdoor concerts during the summer months. These family-friendly events take place in several different locations in the city.
Join a Sports League
Whether you find yourself in Colorado for a few months or a long while, it is a wonderful opportunity to play in a sports program. There are a variety of different sports and competition levels for all ages. Some leagues include:
- Basketball
- Dodgeball
- Kickball
- Pickleball
- Softball
- Soccer
- Volleyball
If you don’t see yourself as a player, take on a spectator role. There are always sports games to attend, especially during the summer months.
Summer in Colorado provides plenty of fun and engaging activities for you to explore as you focus on your recovery. You can also consider joining community programs specifically for sobriety and recovery that will help hold you accountable if there are any substance use triggers in a given environment.
The summer months can make an individual in recovery feel as if their sobriety as unmanageable. It is important to understand that your sobriety does not need to hold you back from fully experiencing your life, especially during the beautiful summer months. It is vital that you seek out treatment before trying to become sober so you can increase your chances of lifelong recovery. Colorado is home to incredible terrain and sober events for individuals in recovery. Spero Recovery is a residential treatment center that believes that recovery is possible for anyone and everyone willing to take a leap of faith. We can get you connected with local treatment resources and events so that you can prioritize your sobriety this summer. To learn more about our treatment center, or for more sober events in Colorado, give us a call today at (303) 351-7888.
