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Staying Cool (and Sober) in the Dog Days of Summer

Writer's picture: Ross MillerRoss Miller

Updated: Jul 23, 2024

Written by:

Ana Krasuski

Peer Recovery Support Specialist


For individuals in recovery, it often feels like each season of the year brings a unique set of challenges that prove tempting to our sobriety. The holiday season is historically difficult for many - being around family can bring up traumatic memories from the past, consumerism puts people into financial strain, and cheerful gatherings are usually booze-fueled. The colder, darker months tend to bring out the blues in everyone, which in turn causes a lot of isolation and self-medicating. 


When the weather warms up and the days get longer, the icy blues start to melt away and the sun brings a certain optimism that was almost forgotten. While summertime can be a season of joy and renewed spirit, it can also be hard to prioritize recovery. Pool parties, weddings, concerts and BBQ’s usually have one thing in common: substances. Summer holidays almost always revolve around drugs and alcohol, and for a person in recovery, staying sober during these events can feel insurmountable. For those experiencing homelessness, summer can be a time when less people seek help, because the immediate need for shelter from the frigid winter is less of a concern. Denver, however, has recently broken record high temperatures with three consecutive days of temps over 100. We are officially entering the dog days of summer - when everyone is in need of refuge from the heat. 


Here are some ways to stay cool, and sober, during the hottest days of the year. 


  • Visit one of Denver’s designated cooling centers.  Not everyone has the privilege of cooling off at home, check out this list of public spaces the city has opened up to cool down. 


  • Take an indoor workout class with The Phoenix.  The Phoenix is a nationwide sober active community with two gym locations in the Denver metro area and many group class options all over Colorado. The only requirements for participation are 48 hours of sobriety. Explore a list of classes here. 


  • Participate in a free workshop with Colorado Artists in Recovery.  CAR has created a safe space for those in recovery from substances or mental illness to express themselves freely. They hold art workshops, open mic nights, meditation classes and more. Check out their list of events here. 

  • Attend a SoberAF event.  Sober AF entertainment seeks to provide safe spaces at concerts and sporting events for those who want to abstain from substances. Check out their list of events here. 


  • Cool off at the SafeSide Recovery drop in center. 


SafeSide’s drop in center in Englewood is equipped with water, air conditioning and peer support coaches to assist individuals with finding housing, addiction and recovery support resources, life skills, resume building and job readiness, judicial advocacy and more. Learn more about the drop in center here.  



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