There are a variety of helpful articles and resources to support individuals going through alcohol detox and recovery, but what happens after your program is finished? If you are someone who has previously suffered with addiction, then it is important that you know your journey to sobriety doesn’t end once your treatment does. It is a lifetime process that takes dedication and healthy support to maintain. With all of this being said, just because you are recently sober doesn’t mean that you have to take all of the fun out of your life. If you’re afraid of missing out on bonding with your loved ones or friends, then look no further. Here are some fun activities to do both alone and with others that won’t put your sobriety in jeopardy.
1. With a Friend: Indoor Courts for Basketball and Racquetball
Your body needs to replace your former substance abuse by using its own endorphins. When released, endorphins give you a natural high and leave you feeling calm, relaxed, buzzed, and fantastic! Exercise releases those feel-good chemicals in your brain and makes your whole body feel wonderful.
Competitive sports such as basketball or racquetball are good examples of healthy distractions that will increase endorphins, especially at the beginning of your recovery. These sports both involve heavy concentration and focus, which are also good cognitive skills to build up.
2. By Yourself: Baseball, Football, and Hockey Games
If you can’t find someone to play ball with, watch it! You can still get your adrenaline pumping by visiting baseball, hockey, and football games by yourself. Sit as close as possible to the front and stand up to cheer. Getting into the game, even if you’re not entirely sure of what’s happening, will prevent you from getting bored and grabbing a beer.
Attending sports games is also a great way to make new friends. You can discern between people who are sober and people who are not. Befriend those who look sober and energetic, come to more games with them, and slowly build a bond off of this common interest. If you are recently sober, then it’s likely that some of the people who were in your life during times of addiction are no longer present. It’s important to replace these unhealthy influences with people who will help you stay on your sober journey. Attending public, outdoor sporting events by yourself is a great way to find them.
3. Quiet Time in the Dark: A Double Feature with Your Favorite Movie Snacks
Are you more introverted? Does going out in public with strangers or friends only stress you out? You can still have a fun night out on the town without drugs or alcohol by taking yourself to the movies. If you have a significant other, then this is also a great date idea. Curl up near the front and block out all of the people behind you.
This is also a great way to indulge in your favorite movie snacks and try out new ones. If you are on a budget, bring some hard candy and flavored, bottled water from home. Pay extra attention to making yourself comfortable and really getting into the drama and excitement of the movie. If you get a craving halfway through, then you can buy some sweet tea at the concession stand. It will be cheaper and still give you enough of a sugar rush so that you can get back to your movie.
4. With Your Kids: Mini Golf and Family Board Game Night
Children’s brains need constant stimulation and they can get bored quite easily. Take this as an opportunity to find new sober ways to bond with them. If you play mini-golf together, then everyone will get a kick out of being playfully competitive and smack-talking in a cute, kiddie way. With board games, you can share strategies and tricks that you know about each game as you continually beat them. In both instances, you will create loving and cherished memories for both you and your children.
Recovery continues after leaving rehabilitation. You must become creative and spontaneous in your efforts to entertain yourself and your family with good, clean fun. Fortunately, as with all things in life, the more you practice, the better you will become. Sobriety isn’t easy, but it’s possible. Once you’ve nailed down a routine for yourself full of supportive people and healthy habits, the rewards will reap themselves.