18 Aug How to Have Fun in Recovery

Recovery is hard work. One aspect of the drug and alcohol recovery process that many people think about but not enough vocalize is the death of fun. It is true. Many recovering addicts have admitted that they no longer knew how to enjoy life or have fun while sober. Our team understands how your feel. In fact, by the time most people come to the Florida Recovery Center, they have been in the depths of drug or alcohol addiction for quite some time and their definition of fun is fueled by addiction. However, the journey to recovery does not have to be a somber march to boring-town.

When you or a loved one initially enters treatment, your focus will not necessarily be on how to have fun. That is a normal part of the recovery process. Detoxing is a journey unto its own and no one would describe it as enjoyable or fun. As you move through the initial part of recovery, though, you may find yourself unable to have fun simply because you do not know what sober fun looks like. Take comfort in the fact that many addicts have gone before you and come out on the other side able to enjoy life, laugh and generally have a good time, all without the presence of drugs or alcohol. Let our counselors give you a few ways that you can have fun while in recovery and beyond.

1. Move beyond your “fun” expectations – This is a step that many people in recovery have trouble with because they have a different sense of “fun.” Everyday things like taking a walk, doing yoga, and going bowling are all different types of fun. They may be events and activities that you have not done for a while but you can enjoy them again.
2. Become a joiner – Maybe you did not get to play sports growing up. Maybe you have an interest that you have not explored because addiction kept you from pursuing your dreams, hobbies and interest. Recovery is a great time to dive into things you previously avoided. Sign up for a local softball league, take an art class, learn a new language. There are many things you can do to open up your world during recovery.
3. Make new friends – Part of the recovery process involves letting old habits, and sometimes old friends, go. Learn to make new, sober friends while in recovery. This will go a long way toward paving your new, drug and alcohol-free life.
4. Take care of yourself – This should go without saying but taking care of yourself is one of the best ways to set yourself up to have fun. Get enough sleep, eat nutritious meals and start an exercise program. Doing so will reset your mental outlook daily and help you better recognize the opportunities for wholesome fun that come your way.
5. Volunteer – This may not sound like a great time, but it is. Volunteering is a rewarding way to get out of your own way and help others. Many times, helping others with their issues or solving a problem for someone else can help put your own issues into perspective.

Being sober is not an end to fun. It is a beginning of a whole new life. There are millions of people in recovery from addiction who can tell you that fun and sobriety can and do go hand-in-hand. So get out there. Try something new. Explore new activities until you find the what makes your recovery more rewarding and fun. Chances are that you will discover that you can have fun and remain sober too! If you moved down to or are from here you will enjoy our article highlighting different fun activities for those in recovery in South Florida!