Put on a nice movie, binge-watch a show (or two), enjoy a nice dinner, take a long bath, have a picnic, plant some flowers, read, journal, meditate, or just sleep. Enjoy the little things. There are simple ways to fill the time and have fun that are beneficial to your recovery.
Sober socializing can include trips to coffee shops, theaters and other entertainment venues that do not serve alcohol. While it may not be possible to avoid all incidents of exposure to alcohol or drugs, minimizing this contact is a great way to maintain sobriety for most recovering addicts.
There are plenty of free and affordable events out there that don't involve drinking, like DAYBREAKER, an alcohol-free early morning dance party. You can also try candlepin bowling (on the East Coast) or Fowling (in the Midwest), or you can visit local museums for special events.
Or, grab some friends and hit up a game room, arcade, laser tag, or bumper cars! If you're looking for some seasonal sober activities, research haunted houses or spooky happenings in the area. For those looking for a breath of fresh air: Go for a late night hike or find a nearby rooftop to enjoy.
One of the most sure-fire ways to meet sober friends is to join a support group because everyone in attendance is pursuing similar goals of sobriety. The traditional Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous have helped countless people because they offer great resources and help build a community of support.
One reason why life doesn't seem as fun without alcohol is because alcohol reduces our inhibitions. It makes us feel funnier and more confident, it helps take the edge off anxiety and steel the nerves. This is fine if you can take it or leave it, but for many of us, moderation is not an option on our menu.
If you take positive, healthy steps in your program of recovery, and in your life in general, increased well-being, happiness and yes, even fun, will come to you. You can have fun in sobriety.” Is being sober boring? Absolutely not, but it can seem that way at first.
Remember: you CAN have fun without alcohol
You have the freedom to truly be yourself, live in the moment and be fully present. Yes, it can be daunting at first to step out sober, but ultimately you will reap the rewards – and your mental and physical health will improve, too!
Nine in 10 adults who drink too much alcohol are not alcoholics or alcohol dependent, according to a new study released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in collaboration with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
If you stop drinking completely, one of the first things you notice should be improved energy levels, better sleep and finding it easier to wake up in the morning. Regular drinking can affect the quality of your sleep making you feel tired and sluggish during the day.
Dating someone who is sober can give you pause. And yet, it's not too different from dating someone who isn't in recovery. The same foundations of successful relationships — honestly, compassion and good communication — are needed to date someone who is sober.
: marked by sedate or gravely or earnestly thoughtful character or demeanor. 3. : unhurried, calm. 4. : marked by temperance, moderation, or seriousness.
Mental Focus and Clarity
Better mental health, in general, is one of the most obvious benefits of being sober. The less you fill your body with chemicals and toxins that aren't supposed to be there–especially in excess, as it would be with addiction–the more you'll notice your mental focus and mental clarity.
However, the fact is that exercise releases endorphins that are responsible for feelings of euphoria and happiness, just like alcohol. In fact, many people refer to a good workout as a “runner's high.” Exercise's physical and mental effects can actually mimic that feeling you get when drinking alcohol.
Bitters and soda. Barely an alcoholic drink, bitters and soda is the support you need for the weeks ahead. When you have already downed three glasses of wine and fear a fourth but don't want to slum it with tap water, bitters and soda is there for you, making both abstinence and hydration look a lot sexier.
Numerous other central nervous system depressant substances have similar effects to alcohol. These include: Benzodiazepines, such as Valium (diazepam) Barbiturates, such as Seconal (secobarbital)