Fun in Sobriety
Fun In Sobriety
Before getting sober the idea of entering into recovery was harrowing. What would occupy all the newly established free time? What would replace the exciting, fun nights surrounded by great friends? Who would I become if I wasn't on substances? The longer we stay consumed by substances the longer these questions go unanswered and we hold onto the fear based on preconceived notions that we create. It gets harder and harder to see that those fun nights had degraded into isolation and the friends we allowed around us came with great consequences and disappeared eventually.
Getting sober allows us to be present, build meaningful relationships and can allow you to participate in more activities you loved to do or never knew you would enjoy before drugs and alcohol. The problem is, while depleted by substances we never give ourselves a chance to understand all the positive things that come from a lifestyle change. Being in recovery at its core is about changing and becoming a happier and healthier individual outside of substances. It's during this change that we realize that the meaning of words themselves evolved for us too. "Fun", "Happy", "Family", "Friends" and "Love" all took on new meaning with our growth in sobriety. Our interests shifted drugs and alcohol to investing in our betterment, helping other people, and more rewarding outcomes.
In early recovery, we may still find ourselves saying "this is boring" or thinking an experience was not a happy one because it didn't leave us with an intense feeling of joy. But we are still recovering from the damage by substances to our serotonin and dopamine in the brain. Doing any activity substance-free is going to be awkward at first. It can be beneficial to be aware of your sense of identity outside of substances after the brain has stabilized and acclimated to operating without being numbed by substances. The key is realizing that you can control your mood and have pleasure without the use of drugs or alcohol. You may engage in enjoyable activities and maintain a substance-free lifestyle.
Sober Activities with Gambit Recovery
At Gambit Recovery we like to remain open minded. We as well as our residents continue to do new things and we are surprised regularly by things we learn we like to do. Sobriety does not make us less afraid of trying new things or meeting new people. Instead, sobriety makes us more brave to do so. Here are some things we continue to do as a group at Gambit Recovery and suggest for enjoying fun in Sobriety.
Fitness Events (Gym, Crossfit, Yoga)
Painting, Writing and Drawing
Outings (Bowling, Roller Skating, Movies)
Attend local events/attractions (go with sober people and enjoy your town)
Book studies
Sober Sport Clubs (softball, flag football, indoor soccer)
Group hikes
Volunteering (homeless shelters, food banks, trash pickups)
Early recovery (recovery in general) does not have to be a boring time void of all things "fun". It should be a time to discover yourself and all things rewarding, interesting, and new that allow you to grow into a healthy and happy individual. As you change for the better, so will the people and surroundings you associate with. At Gambit Recovery we understand this process and help by providing housing that offers a healthy and positive environment. Our sober living programs allows individuals to feel safe and secure during all the changes they are going through. For more information about how we can help, call us at (833) 442-6248.
