Last Updated on June 18, 2015 by Morris Green

It’s summer; the season we’ve been waiting for all year long. It’s time to kick back, relax and have some fun, creating memories that will last forever. But you don’t want your memories to include a DUI, or being arrested for drug possession. While it may be tempting to take this time away from school to dabble in alcohol and drugs, there are so many other productive and enjoyable activities in which you can participate. There’s no need to lose yourself to substance abuse. If you’re stuck without a clue what to do this summer, let Absolute Advocacy be your guide to fun in the sun!

Fun Activities All Can Enjoy

Not sure what to do this summer? It’s the perfect time of year to be active! By engaging in physical activities, such as tennis, running, rock climbing, and so forth, you can experience a natural high.

New hobbies can be a wonderful way to occupy your spare time. Not only will your time be invested in learning the ins, outs, and skills involved in picking up new activities (i.e. learning the piano, seeking out good niche shops for collecting), but you just may find yourself “addicted” to something safe, healthy, and fun! You can even add a personal touch to your hobbies.

Take a road trip. There is so much to explore, even in your own backyard. Make it a day trip, or visit friends or family in another state. Nothing more freeing than being out on the open road!

Maybe your issue isn’t so much in finding enjoyable activities as it is in discovering the right group of people. If this is your dilemma, you can always go to MeetUp.com to see what exciting, diverse, and drug/alcohol-free activities are taking place in your community. You never know what you might discover!

Drink Responsibly

No one under the age of 21 should feel a need to consume alcohol. Drinking can be dangerous for anyone who is not responsible in their habits. It’s even more dangerous for those who are underage.

If you are 21 years or older, you may indulge in the occasional drink so long as you follow some guidelines. Consider setting limits for yourself, such as only drinking once or twice a week. Limit yourself to a healthy amount of alcohol intake and jot down your goals on a piece of paper.

Buy a cheap notebook and keep a diary – one in which you can record your drinking habits throughout the week. Track everything from time and location to the people you’re with and the situations/side effects you want to evade.

Keep a strict limit on how many alcoholic products you purchase. There’s no need to buy more than the reasonable amount you’ve committed to drinking. It’s easy to say “just one more,” if you have easy access to that “one more.”

Your group of friends is very important to your success in drinking responsibly and avoiding drug use. Never let others pressure you into drinking beyond your comfortable limit or sampling a substance. If peer pressure becomes a problem, it may be time to find a new group of friends. And don’t forget, never, ever drive home under the influence – of anything! Plan ahead by calling a taxi, or find a designated driver you can count on.

Follow these tips and you can have a rich, fulfilling, drug and alcohol-free summer!