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Substance Abuse: Addiction Doesn’t Take the Summer Off
Jun 18, 2025
Summer in Minnesota is a time for patio dinners, weekend BBQs, lake days, and late-night gatherings. For many, it’s a season filled with freedom and fun. But for those in recovery—or those considering it—summer can also bring a unique set of challenges.
With alcohol flowing freely at social events, relaxed routines, and more opportunities for unstructured time, it’s not uncommon to feel your recovery tools being tested. If you’re navigating sobriety or struggling with substance use, you’re not alone—and you don’t have to face summer’s temptations without support.
At Mental Health Systems (MHS), we understand that addiction doesn’t take the summer off. That’s why we offer Waypoint, our specialized Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) program designed to support individuals facing addiction and co-occurring mental health concerns.
Summer’s Hidden Pressures
While summer is often painted as carefree and lighthearted, research tells a more complicated story. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), relapse rates for substance use disorders can reach as high as 40% to 60%, and seasonal factors can play a significant role. During summer months, individuals often face:
- More social pressure to drink or use substances at events like festivals, BBQs, and vacations.
- Fewer structured routines, which can destabilize recovery efforts.
- Increased isolation when friends and family are away or when regular therapy schedules are disrupted.
- Mental health challenges, such as anxiety or depression, that become more noticeable in unstructured downtime.
These triggers are real—but so are the resources available to help you manage them.
What Is Waypoint?
Waypoint is an evidence-based outpatient treatment program at MHS, designed for individuals struggling with addiction and co-occurring mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, or mood disorders.
Using the DBT framework, Waypoint helps individuals learn how to:
- Stay grounded and accountable during high-risk moments.
- Identify and manage triggers, such as summer parties or social pressure.
- Develop personalized coping strategies that are relevant to your real-life environment.
- Build healthy relationships and improve communication skills.
Our clinicians meet you where you are and support you as you move toward lasting change.
Addiction Affects More Than Just Substance Use
Substance use is rarely a standalone issue. At MHS, we take a holistic view of recovery. That means helping you work through the emotional, relational, and psychological aspects of addiction. Whether you’re dealing with emotional dysregulation, unresolved trauma, or unhealthy patterns, Waypoint provides the structure and support needed to heal the whole person.
In addition to Waypoint for adults, MHS also offers Waypoint for adolescents, addressing the unique needs of teens who may be facing early substance use along with emotional or behavioral struggles.
Why Summer Is the Time to Act
One of the biggest myths about recovery is that it needs to start during a “low point.” In truth, the best time to seek help is now—before stress, temptation, or old habits take hold.
Summer can offer more schedule flexibility, longer days to focus on your health, and a valuable opportunity to build resilience before heading into the more demanding fall season.
Whether you’re newly sober, working on staying sober, or still contemplating your recovery journey, support is here, and it’s designed for exactly what you’re going through.
You’re Not Alone. Let’s Navigate Summer Together.
At MHS, we believe in empowering individuals to take control of their mental health and recovery journey. Our programs are built around skill development, compassion, and real-life application—so you don’t just learn how to cope, you learn how to thrive.
Let this summer be the start of something new—not another season of struggle. Contact us to get started.
