Tips for Staying Sober at a Summer Music Festival

Music festivals are fun and exciting events that people, especially young adults, look forward to every year. The live music, the energy, and the sense of community can be an incredible experience. However, for those who are trying to maintain their sobriety, these festivals can also bring challenges and temptations.

Many music festivals are notorious for alcohol, weed, and even the use of illicit drugs like shrooms and MDMA. Sadly, this becomes a space that can trigger a relapse for people who are trying to get clean from alcohol and drugs. But does that mean you have to skip music festivals altogether? Absolutely not. Here are some practical tips to help you stay sober at a summer music festival.

Be honest and open with your friends

We get it - you want to look cool and fit in with your group of friends. But hiding your struggles with sobriety can do more harm than good. Imagine always trying to dodge drinks or making up excuses to avoid taking drugs. The constant stress can be overwhelming and may lead you to give in to the temptation.

Instead, be honest with your friends about your decision to stay sober and ask for their support. True friends will understand and help you stay accountable during the festival. You might be surprised how supportive and encouraging your friends can be.

Consider traveling with a sober crew

If you feel that there's just no way you can avoid alcohol with the friends you use to party with, consider going to the festival with a sober buddy or groups. There are many sober music festival groups and communities that you can join.

Traveling with like-minded individuals who share similar goals will not only help you stay strong but also create new friendships and memories. You'll even discover how being sober and present all the time can  enhance your festival experience.

Get yourself a refreshing non-alcoholic beverage

Just because everyone is drinking alcohol doesn't mean you have to too. Keep yourself hydrated and refreshed with non-alcoholic options like lemonade, iced tea or soda. Many music festivals now offer alcohol-free zones and mocktail bars, so make sure to take advantage of them.

When you have a drink in your hand, it lessens the chances of people forcing alcohol on you. For instance, mixing cranberry juice with club soda is a good way to mimic a vodka cranberry without actually drinking alcohol.

Stay high on the music

One of the best things about music festivals is the incredible energy and atmosphere. Instead of relying on drugs or alcohol to enhance your experience, let the music and positive vibes be your natural high. Dance, sing, and connect with others who are also there for the same reason - a love for music.

Being fully present and in the moment will allow you to fully immerse yourself in the festival experience without any chemical distractions. It also gives you the chance to truly appreciate the music and creates unforgettable memories.

Avoid situations that may trigger cravings

A lot of times, getting yourself out of risky situations is the logical way to stay sober. If the temptation of alcohol or drugs is too strong, it's best to avoid certain situations and environments that may trigger cravings. Don't test your  willpower unnecessarily and instead, focus on enjoying the festival without any external influences.

For example, if a tequila brand is sponsoring an afterparty, better skip that and look for other activities or performances to attend. If you know that hanging out with your old party crew will lead to relapse, try to make new friends at the festival or enjoy the event with a sober companion.

Best drug and alcohol rehab in Anaheim, CA

Relapse, many people say, is part of recovery. However, this doesn't mean that it is not preventable. By being mindful and intentional with your actions, you can successfully stay sober at a music festival and continue on your journey towards recovery.

If you feel that you need help, reach out to the best drug and alcohol rehab in Anaheim, California. Anaheim Lighthouse offers top-notch substance abuse treatment programs, including detoxification, therapy sessions, and aftercare support. Our personalized programs are designed to create long-term recovery and equip individuals with the tools they need to maintain sobriety even in tempting environments.