Summer Days

a field of sunflowers with a close up of one

Written by, Michael M.

For me, sunny summer days were made for using. At the pool. Before work. After work. For BBQ’s. For hikes in the woods. My friend used to say that weed was a “guaranteed good time.”

And for addicted me, summer was prime “party” time.

My mind wants to reminisce about how good getting high used to be.

But the truth is, getting high stopped being fun decades ago. The truth is, getting high had become a chore. A chase. A coping mechanism. It was for escaping. And running. It was a tool to tamp down my fears.

But somehow my addict brain wants me to frame it as “fun.” Because my addict brain doesn’t want me to remember how unmanageable my life had become. Because my addict brain wants to kill me.

The truth is summer is delicious sober. The cool water at the pool is sweeter sober. The cook-out is perfect sober.

And that’s why I keep coming back. So that I can remember the real story. So that my brain doesn’t try and pull a fast one on me. So that I remember what happens if I pick up.

Published in A New Leaf – September 2025

More Articles

  • Finding the Courage

    Written by, Katherine T. I want to start by talking about where I came from, because I think so much of my struggle with open-mindedness and honesty started in my childhood. Growing up, I was taught to believe exactly what my family believed. There wasn’t room for questioning, for doubt, or for my own voice.…

    Finding the Courage
  • It Doobie Like That

    Written by, Roe G. Hi guys, my name is Roe and I’m in recovery. Here is the story of my CHS experience. “I was diagnosed with CHS two days ago” “When did you last smoke?” “Um, yesterday… it was for the anxiety and the nausea” “Are you confused as to what the problem is?”I felt…

    It Doobie Like That
  • Speed of Light

    Written By, Andrew G. (Ace) BPM: 100 intro/ 104 onwardChords: F#, D, A, E Verse:My systems been brokeBurning up in smokeI’m begging for hope, for hopeI’m waiting to be foundCasting shadows on the groundTo the lasers and the sounds Pre Chorus:I lost my trajectoryBut I found my gravityI’m taking off to the galaxyFeel my velocity…

    Speed of Light
  • Broken Mirrors

    Written by, Lewis L. While you were in your state of vegetative,Did you feel your green roots were truly native?Did it really make you more creative?Spiritual connection in the Himalayas?Was your life orthodox like men with payos?Was it your proxy that was glitching statements?All the spending, were you missing payments?In social settings, were you at…

    Broken Mirrors
  • My New Life of Service

    Written By, Maryanne M. I entered the rooms of MA during the height of the pandemic. Never in my wildest dreams did I believe I would ever be fully sober after decades of heavy use. I had not planned on sobriety, in fact, my plan was to do the exact opposite. When I chose sobriety,…

    My New Life of Service
  • Pot Hole to Purpose

    Written By, Jovan B. Step One, we admit: we’ve lost all control,Marijuana trapped us, devouring us whole.Step Two, we believe there’s a Power unseen,Greater than smoke, to restore what’s clean. Step Three, we surrender, let go of the fight,We hand over our will and step into light.Step Four, we examine the harm we have done,Owning…

    Pot Hole to Purpose