As newcomers to recovery, we think that life won’t be as fun and we’ll miss out on so much fun without using drugs and alcohol. It is said that many of us forget how much fun we used to have as children without being under the influence of nothing but happiness.
Now recovery can be fun and you can have the time of your life without drugs and alcohol but it will get boring at times and it will be hard. You will be working on keeping sanity, sobriety, serenity, and happiness every day for the rest of your life. Sounds scary but after a while, the right responses and healthy coping skills start to come naturally to whatever life throws your way.
Sobriety Is a Challenge, But It Can Be Done
Recovering from a substance use disorder (SUD) or alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a long-term commitment. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA):
People struggling with addiction must change “deeply rooted behaviors” in order to experience successful, sustained recovery. Relapse rates for SUDs average 40 – 60%”, according to NIDA. “Chances for relapse are highest when those in recovery continue to associate with the same people, places, and situations they did before entering treatment. Finding sober alternatives to enjoy with friends is critical to avoid relapse.
There Are Many Activities In A Sober Lifestyle
At first, finding sober activities may feel like a challenge, so a good first step is to create a list of things you enjoy doing or are interested in learning. Of course, not all activities will appeal to everyone, nor will everyone enjoy the same sober activities. The key is to know yourself and to avoid the places, things, people, and moods that could trigger a relapse.
Whether you’re an athlete, an artist, or a scholar, finding satisfaction in what you do is essential. Perhaps there was something you loved doing as a child and you want to return to that activity. Or perhaps you have always wanted to learn a skill or travel somewhere new.
Finding alternatives to drug use can feel challenging. However, there are other ways to achieve a natural “high” feeling that will keep you happy and, most importantly, safe. The list of activities below may inspire some ideas for activities you can try and incorporate into a sober lifestyle.
- Exercise or playing sports releases natural endorphins and hormones that make your body feel good
- Find new hobbies, such as reading, painting, gardening, woodworking, etc.
- Learn a new language
- Volunteer around your neighborhood
- Make frequent lists of why you chose to get sober to remind yourself of your goals
- Join a community of addiction survivors to lean on in times of need
Above all else, surround yourself with people who believe in your recovery journey and will help you find other ways you can stay sober.
Ask For Help From Our ARIA FL Rehab Center
At Addiction Recovery Institute of America, we can start you on your road to happiness in recovery. It all comes from making the right decisions and sticking with them regardless of the difficulties in the journey. If you or a loved one is faced with addiction, know that there is hope beyond the dark tunnel. The following addiction recovery quotes have inspired many to reach out for much-needed treatment. Hopefully, it will help you do the same.