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

  • Lost in The Clouds

    Written by, Fe J Did they just say my name? My head hurts. My brain is foggy, hazy, still filled with smoke. “Fe, would you like to introduce yourself?” Oh, God. That’s my name. Suddenly it feels like the AC isn’t working. I straighten my posture sitting on my bed, hot and uncomfortable. Can I…

    Lost in The Clouds
  • Faith Can Be Slippery

    Written by, Susan C. I didn’t know what trust was when I got into recovery. I had no faith. Pot had been my higher power for more than 15 years. When people said their higher power was keeping them clean and sober, I was confused. How come I used so much longer than I wanted…

    Faith Can Be Slippery
  • Buh-Bye, MJ

    Written by, Jen B. Dear MJ, Goodbye. I have decided that I am better off without you. Kicking you off my porch and out of my car felt freeing today. I don’t need you to enjoy my walk — it’s more peaceful without you. I don’t want you clouding my judgment ever again. You are…

    Buh-Bye, MJ
  • How We Grow

    Written by, District 29 – Ireland Much gratitude from District 29 Ireland to you for inviting us to celebrate Irish Heritage Month with you. For those of you who may not be familiar with D29, we are a small but growing district, officially born in 2024 thanks to the dedicated service of a handful of…

    How We Grow
  • Counting Down the Days

    Written by, Rysse G. I count down the days that I am sober, like a clock to how long I can just be in my life without running. 12 hours.There’s a train barreling down the generations. 1 day.Recovery they call it. What am I recovering? 16 days.I cry like I’m unplugged, like it feels it…

    Counting Down the Days
  • Poem

    Written By, Jessyka C. Don’t know how many more times we can say goodbyeBut I will tryHopefully for one last timeTo see you outThis is itIt’s overI mean thisAnd it’s not like I won’t miss youI willWe were good togetherYou and IWe had some great timesBut MaryYou’re done scaring meWith how much I rely upon…

    Poem