If you have completed an alcohol addiction treatment program, you’ve probably stopped drinking and are maintaining a life of sobriety. But now that treatment is over, what else is there to do? If drinking was previously associated with a good time, you might be wondering what are some fun things to do instead of drinking?
Many people in recovery worry that quitting addictive substances could mean that they won’t have fun anymore. While alcohol and drugs change lives in many negative ways, they may also be associated with memories of enjoyable times. However, the longer someone remains sober, the easier it is to see how those past enjoyable times cannot compare to their improved life of sobriety.
There are many fun and productive things to do that don’t require alcohol or drugs. Getting professional help and quitting addictive substances is always the right choice. Are you or someone you love looking for an alcohol addiction treatment center in Maumee, Ohio? Contact Midwest Detox Center by reaching out to our team online or calling 833.647.0392.
Helpful Tips for Sobriety
Some say the best advice for people to recovery is simple. “Don’t drink or use and go to meetings.” If that advice works for you, then — by all means — follow it. But for most people, sobriety isn’t that straightforward.
Figuring out what to do instead of drinking can take up a lot of time and effort. It stands to reason that if you quit drinking but continue with your same routine from before you got admitted into an alcohol rehab center, it will be much easier to slip back into your old addictive habits and behaviors.
To support your commitment to sober living, refrain from hanging around people and places that could be triggering and start making changes in your typical routine. You may also need to change your route to work or home to avoid any triggers that will make you want to drink again.
It’s important to remember and apply strategies you learned during addiction treatment. Use these new skills to identify triggers, cope with stress, manage your new sober life, and — as much as possible — prevent relapse.
6 Fun Things To Do Instead of Drinking
1. Exercise and Other Physical Activities
This may be one of the best tips for sobriety that medical professionals often give. Exercise strengthens your body, improves your stamina, and positively affects your mental and emotional health.
Running and practicing yoga, in particular, are great for people in recovery because they often involve meditation. But any physical activity that gives you a “runner’s high” — a natural release of hormones called endorphins in your body — is ideal.
2. Go Back to Old Hobbies
When thinking of what to do instead of drinking, do you ever consider going back to old interests of hobbies that you abandoned because of your addiction? Everyone is passionate about different things and has hobbies that they enjoy. Now that you’re in recovery, it could be fun to explore your past interests — such as bike riding, writing poetry, or gardening.
It’s not just relationships with others that need healing when you’re in recovery. You need to pay attention to your relationship with yourself. What better way to spend more time with yourself than by getting back to doing what you love?
3. Travel and Explore the World
Traveling is expensive. But now that you don’t spend all your money on drinking — and the health complications that come with it — you can easily afford to go on trips and vacations.
You can travel alone and do some post-treatment soul searching. Or, you can travel with family members or close friends. Time spent with people you love is always time well spent. If you damaged important relationships due to addictive behaviors in the past, what you do when you’re traveling with your loved ones can help make up for all of that.
4. Eating Meals With Family and Friends
Eating meals with people is one of the best ways to get to know and grow relationships with each other. Good food is and always will be an excellent way to support conversations and connections to people in general.
Food is universally appreciated. When food is around — or is the point of a social event — you don’t necessarily need to bring up the past or relate to people in terms of certain hobbies or interests you share. Food can be both delicious and a way to make socializing easier and more fun. Nothing brings people together like food on the table.
5. Listen to Music
You may associate music with drinking, especially if you drank during concerts or at music venues. That doesn’t mean that music can’t be a healing tool that helps you commit to sober living. Everyone loves music. You likely have a favorite music genre or at least a favorite music artist. Or, you may even make music of your own.
Whatever it is that allows you to connect to music, do it. Dig up your old records and play them at full volume while dancing indoors. Grab your old guitar and play along to your favorite tracks or write some new songs. If you’re having trouble connecting with family and friends, send them playlists or go old school and send them mixtapes.
6. Volunteer Your Time
While it may not be fun, volunteering at an alcohol rehab center — or someplace else, such as an animal shelter or a food kitchen — can be both productive and a way to give back to your community.
Getting out, spending time with people, and helping out will do wonders for your self-worth and self-esteem. Volunteering can make you feel good and happy. It will definitely get your mind off drinking.
Learn More About Midwest Detox Center’s Alcohol Addiction Treatment Programs in Maumee, Ohio
If you or someone you love is looking for an alcohol addiction treatment center, contact Midwest Detox Center. Reach out to our team online or call 833.647.0392.
