Sober, Hamptons Style

By Adam Banks

The Hamptons are a unique destination in that the recovery and party scenes are equally exuberant. The community is welcoming to those who choose to live a sober lifestyle, and it’s one of the reasons it feels like home to myself and many others who have chosen recovery.

As a younger man, I remember attending all the parties that make up the lore of the Hamptons. The live music and open bars made drinking in front of sunsets feel endless. My life is much different now and I have been sober for over a decade. I still enjoy the Hamptons, but in a slower, more purposeful way.

I settle in each night excited about the activities I have planned with neighbors and friends. Together, we’ve found new ways to enjoy the Hamptons. Here are just a few ways one can enjoy all the Hamptons has to offer.

Learn Something New: The Art Barge, Victor D’Amico Institute of Art. In 1960, artist Victor D’Amico beached a World War II Navy barge on the south shore of Napeague Harbor in Amagansett. Today they host art classes for all levels with amazing and inspiring views.

LongHouse Reserve. A 16acre sculpture garden with works by Buckminster Fuller, Yoko Ono, and Willem de Kooning complement the stunning LongHouse in East Hampton. The summer learning series includes opera, Japanese tea ceremonies, and various educational lectures. Getting outside, enjoying the arts, and learning something new is so good for the soul.

Have a Non-Alcoholic Drink: The world of zero proof or non-alcoholic drinks has taken center stage with restaurants and mixologists inventing fun and creative drinks. Restaurants across the Hamptons have a great selection of specialty mocktails to choose from.

Bell and Anchor has curated a zero-proof cocktail list that includes Strawberry Thai Basil Spirits and Szechuan Pineapple Fizz. They are delicious, and it’s a wonderful place to spend an afternoon overlooking the marina at Mill Creek in Noyac.

Enjoy a Night Out: The Bay Street Theater in Sag Harbor is home to multiple rotating performances throughout the summer season, including comedy shows, musical performances, and plays with a mix of local and international talent. www.adambanksrecovery.com

The Clubhouse in East Hampton is a sprawling complex that features bowling, mini golf, an arcade, pool tables, and a full-service restaurant. Be on the lookout for live concerts, comedy shows, and more throughout the summer.

Set sail with a two-hour sunset cruise or charter with American Beauty Cruises & Charters along Noyac or Gardiners Bay. Another relaxing option is their narrated cruise within the Peconic Estuary system that takes place every day during the summer season.

You Are Always Home in The Hamptons: You can find an AA meeting anywhere, including the Hamptons. The robust and thriving recovery community there makes their meetings quite special. The Suffolk County Chapter of AA maintains a list of all meetings and the attendees are vibrant and diverse. If your substance use has gotten to the point of needing professional help, there are several addiction treatment centers close to the Hamptons.

I have experienced both the party and recovery scenes in the Hamptons. I have never been happier, healthier, and felt more at home than I do now. Experiencing a sober lifestyle in the community is not only possible, it’s idyllic.

About: Adam Banks is a certified interventionist and the owner of Adam Banks Recovery. After receiving his MBA from the University of Chicago, Adam built a company acquired by United Health Care. His discipline and attention to detail comes from his former career as an airline pilot, holding an ATP, the FAA’s highest license. Today, Adam is dedicated to helping others achieve long-term sobriety. His work has guided executives, pilots, and physicians on paths to recovery. Adam brings families together through a loving and inclusive approach. He has authored four books on addiction. His recent work, Navigating Recovery Ground School: 12 Lessons to Help Families Navigate Recovery, educates families on the entire intervention process. He also offers a free video course for families considering an intervention for a loved one. Adam is available for alcohol and drug intervention services in New York, Long Island, the Hamptons, as well as nationally and internationally.

Summer fun on Long Island!

By Dr. Marc Messineo, D.O.

Before we get all hot and bothered, there are things we can do to help us have a safe and fun summer. Protect your skin from the harmful rays of the sun. Apply a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or more.

Our eyes need protection as well. Exposure to ultraviolet light (UV) can lead to the development of cataracts. Wear sunglasses that offer 95%-100% protection, this can reduce your risk of developing eye issues.

Staying hydrated will help you to avoid heat related illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

Long Island’s warm summer climate exposes us to insects such as mosquitos and ticks. Ticks may carry a bacteria that causes Lyme disease. It’s important to check your skin thoroughly. Mosquitos occasionally transmit viruses, such as West Nile. Using insect repellent containing DEET can help reduce your risk of being bitten.

To help avoid foodborne illnesses, wash your hands with soap and water before and after handling food and keep raw meat, poultry, and seafood chilled in the refrigerator until ready to grill. Additionally, put leftovers in the refrigerator within 1-2 hours of cooking.

Never leave anyone, especially children, unattended by any body of water.

If you like to hike, know what poison ivy looks like. Avoidance of this plant is the best way to keep your skin safe. If you come into contact with it, wash your skin thoroughly, with soapy water, and wash your clothes immediately.

Summer is the best time of year to enjoy the great outdoors. These simple guidelines can help keep you and your loved ones safe.

Dr. Marc Messineo has been in family practice for over twenty-five years and is currently located in Babylon, NY.