Sober Summer Fun in New Mexico
In the Land of Enchantment, Summer reigns supreme—whether we’re cooling off at the pool, hosting backyard BBQ’s, or enjoying a nice restaurant patio, there doesn’t seem to be a shortage of activities to keep us excited this season. It truly is the time of year in which we New Mexicans thrive…unless you’re someone in recovery, right?
While some have waited patiently in the last two years for the chance to leave the house again and socialize in ways we have not been allowed to (Thanks, COVID!), others may find themselves dreading the coming months, feeling anxious about how they are going to get through the summer while trying to maintain their recovery. Sure, there are plenty of activities going on, but finding those where drugs and alcohol are not present can be tricky, to say the least.
Whether you are early in recovery, years in, or are the family/friend/loved one of someone in recovery, the following list includes just a few ways you can get out there and re-join the world in social settings and have a fun, sober summer.
Visit a Local Farmer’s Market
What better way to celebrate our gorgeous state than to see and eat produce grown by hardworking, local farmers. When it comes to open-air markets, there are several to choose from. If delicious vegetation doesn’t get your motor running, keep in mind that many of these markets have a diverse selection of non-food goods for sale, art to view, and even live music.
- Downtown Growers’ Market: Saturdays at Robinson Park. 8 am-noon through November 5, 2022.
- Los Ranchos Growers’ & Art Market: Saturdays in July at Hartnett Park. 8 am-noon.
- Rail Yards Market: Sundays at the Rail Yards (1st St & Hazeldine Ave). 10am-2pm through October
Watch a Movie in the Park
Brought to you by Bernalillo County! Every Saturday for the remainder of July, movies will be shown on the big screen at various parks around the city. Family-friendly and just downright enjoyable, this activity is a great way to unwind and spend some time with friends, enjoying the sweet-smelling summer evening air. If you can’t make it to any of the scheduled showings, there might not be anything stopping us from gathering our favorite people and holding our own screening of the latest talkie while sitting on a blanket in the yard.
When was the last time you took advantage of being within reach of multiple museums? With a free hour or two, you can have an amazing time while connecting to your inner-child/historian/nerd. If you’re caught between paydays and don’t exactly have the funds for admission, local libraries have available a FamilyPass that allows the borrower free admission to various cultural and historical sites all across New Mexico!
Whatever you end up doing this summer, we here at Sage hope you can find a way to do it that keeps you safe and happy. Staying abstinent from drugs and alcohol does not have to mean staying inside and away from fun, social activities. After all, one of the most important aspects of recovery involves finding a new way to live life that feels fulfilling and enjoyable. In other words: Having fun is a necessary part of recovery. Activities sans substances might not initially feel enjoyable, but if you can be consistent and patient, this feeling will eventually become second nature again. When in doubt, start by surrounding yourself with like-minded, supportive people, and the fun is likely to follow soon.