If you’ve spent many years in addiction you may face the problem of knowing how to have fun, again, without alcohol and drugs. Often you have to remove yourself from the groups of individuals you used to spend time with in order to safeguard your recovery. Though meeting new people and making new friends can be anxiety-producing doing so provides you not only the benefit of new support systems but a new network of people with which you can have fun. That’s not to say you can’t make new friends in treatment and remain friends afterwards so long as that new found friend remains sober. To cover all bases we have put together a list of fun activities you can take part in be it with new friends, old friends or if you are seeking new acquaintances.
Have you ever heard the old adage “safety in numbers” With your new found friends you can:
- Hold a sober game night;
- Attend a Sober convention or conference;
- Attend parties or dinners celebrating recovery;
- Go to a Comedy Club;
- Join a softball team, league, or even start a softball league.
With Old friends, provided they are not enticing you to “experiment again”, you can:
- Go rock climbing;
- Play golf;
- Have a movie night out or hold a movie night get together at home;
- Go to a concert;
- Spend a day at an amusement park.
Attending activities or settings where alcohol and drugs are prohibited is always a good suggestion. Although, ultimately, you may face a setting where this is inevitably alcohol available and you will have to remain strong and resistant.
Should you like to venture out and try new things you could always:
- Take a cooking class;
- Join a gym;
- Go bike riding;
- Try a new restaurant;
- Learn to play an instrument.
Volunteering is also not only a gratifying experience but an opportunity to meet others who are not only “team” oriented but invested in the community in which they reside. Meeting new friends through volunteer experiences can also expand your network of friends and often volunteers attend get togethers or plan outside events so everyone who has been busy volunteering has an opportunity to get to know new acquaintances.
Let the O’Connor Professional Group take the guesswork out of putting a treatment plan together. Our combined personal and professional experience empowers us to empower you with a private consultation and customized plan of action for getting the help you need. Call us today for information: 617 910-3940
