Learning how to live life sober after having been addicted to drugs or alcohol is really learning how to live life as it is. There are no escapes into alcohol or drug-induced oblivion. There is no depending on a chemical substance to “help” deal with life, or the people in it. And there is no more using of drugs or alcohol for entertainment purposes, or as a substitute for bona-fide enjoyment of the activities of life just as the are.
Rebuilding a Life
Many who have been living a life based on substance abuse often don’t know how to participate in the activities of life without drugs or alcohol. Many individuals might consider that there are things that they cannot do when sober, so accustomed they have become to a false sense of chemically-induced confidence—or one of not caring.
Meeting life on life’s terms, stone-cold sober can be challenging, but at the same time, it is likely to be the most rewarding accomplishment of a lifetime. Life is the experiencing of emotions, engaging in activities and dealing with personal relationships as they are, rather than through a haze of a drug or alcohol-altered reality. While it can be safely said that life is not necessarily easy, it can also be said that life was meant to be lived.
Good sober friends and a stable sober support group are a big help in beginning to rebuild a sober life. Avoiding activities, places and people who are known triggers safeguards hard-won sobriety. Learning to engage in and experience “Sober Fun” to replace the drinking and drugging can unfold into a new and worthwhile life of pursuing true interests and activities, and recognizing true goals and purposes.
It could be said that recovery is actually about discovery, wherein one embarks on a journey to discover who they really are, and what they really enjoy in life when not artificially “numbed” by drugs or alcohol.
It could also be said that the activities of life are better when a person is sober. Below are 10 suggestions to help a person get started in rebuilding his or her life while having some memorable and enjoyable Sober Fun.
10 Activities
While a person might lose sight of the fact when buried in the day-to-day minutiae, life is really an adventure—and is best treated as such. There are places to go, and people to meet. There are new things to learn, beautiful music to hear, and good times to be shared with friends or family.
Living a sober life and learning to enjoy sober fun may well be the biggest adventure of all. With that said, the following 10 suggested activities can get a person off to a good start.
Dining In or Out
Getting together with a friend or friends to enjoy a home-cooked meal or a dinner out can be one of the most enjoyable of activities. Good food, good company and good conversation can’t be beat.
The Movies
Whether you watch a movie-of-choice at home with friends, or go to the theatre to see the newest release, movies are a tried-and-true source of good, sober entertainment.
Local Events
The internet is a great resource for finding local community activities and events, especially in the area of the arts and entertainment. From meeting friends at the local coffeehouse to watching a visiting dance troupe at the local community arts center, there is something which will appeal to most anyone.
Guys Night Out
Go with a sponsor or a recovery buddy for support, and join some guy friends for some guy-type fun. It could be hiking, camping, surfing, skiing, or attending a professional sports team event.
Girls Night Out
Get together at home with a few close girlfriends and do a movie night, complete with manicures and pedicures, facials, or makeovers.
Fellowship Night
Get together will your support group and recovery buddies for dinner, and follow it up by attending a 12-Step speaker meeting.
Play Games
Before electronic devices became such a big part of life, playing cards and favorite board games were a common way to spend fun time with family and friends. Plan a regular game-playing night, and begin enjoying this tried-and-true form of entertainment fun.
Host a Theme Party
A sports play-off game or a holiday event presents the opportunity to host a theme-based party with plenty of food and non-alcoholic beverages. Get creative, and have some sober fun!
Celebrate the Holidays
Traditional holidays as well as birthdays present an opportunity to celebrate sober fun. Many in recovery recognize the holidays as triggers, and should plan for a celebration with sober friends or their support group.
Join the Gym
Good nutrition, adequate rest and sleep, and the physical exercise of choice all go a long way in making life more livable, and more easily enjoyed. Some prefer to join the gym and use its equipment, and others may prefer a walk, hike, jog or a swim.
Remember that while you are rebuilding a sober life, you will make new friends and experience many new things. Remember that life is to be lived—and enjoyed.