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

  • Heard in a Meeting

    “First it was magic, then it was misery”

    Heard in a Meeting
  • What Changed, What Didn’t

    Written by, Aurelie E. There are momentsthat split time in two—before thisand everything after. Loss that knocks the wind out of a life.Grief that teaches the bodynew postures of survival.Love that arrives like a hand on your backwhen you didn’t know you were bending.Joy so clean, it feels borrowed.Kindness that saves you quietlyand never asks to…

    What Changed, What Didn’t
  • Heard in an MA Meeting

    “By respecting myself, my world changes for the better.” Published in A New Leaf – June 2026

    Heard in an MA Meeting
  • 18 Months Mile-Stone

    Created by, Chris P. Published By A New Leaf – March 2026

    18 Months Mile-Stone
  • An MA Miracle

    Written by, Stefania M. *Trigger Warning: Sexual Abuse, Child Abuse and Threats Against Life* Hi everyone, my name is Stefania, and I am a marijuana addict. Generation X here and grew up as a hard core Italian. A generation of new breakthroughs, independence and resilience. The generation of “Lachie” kids. Also a beautiful culture, one…

    An MA Miracle
  • Celebrating 30 Days

    Written by, Manuel G Yesterday I reached 30 days without using, and today I want to celebrate that milestone. But this time, I understand something very different: this is not the result of my willpower, my discipline, or my ability to rationalize my way out of addiction. This time I understand that I am here…

    Celebrating 30 Days