Recovering from our addictions and mental health issues requires a tremendous amount of strength, courage and resilience. We are put to the test, and there is a great deal of emotional work involved. One important element of recovery that sometimes gets overlooked is the element of fun. We think of recovery as a serious thing, which is it, but we forget how important it is to learn how to enjoy ourselves again. Many of us have been suffering with our issues for many years, if not most of our lives. It’s been a long time since we had fun and enjoyed ourselves. A successful recovery is one in which we equip ourselves with the tools we need to stay sober, one of which is rediscovering ways to have fun while sober.

We come to associate fun, enjoyment and celebration with drugs and alcohol. Holidays and other celebrations feel incomplete without them. It doesn’t feel like a party if we’re sober. We can feel bored and restless without our drugs of choice. A successful recovery asks that we change our perspective and learn how to have fun while sober. One way we can do this is by connecting and socializing with people who are also sober. We can be surprised at the amazing friendships we build with others in recovery. There are fun activities we can learn from other people, and we might even find ourselves picking up brand new hobbies that we’re introduced to in recovery.

Think back to when you were younger, before your addictions took hold of your life and made you put your interests on the back burner, before you prioritized drugs over the rest of your life. What did you love to do? What brought you excitement? What things did you look forward to? Take steps to start back up with these things again. If you love music, go see a show or musical. Take a music lesson or join a class. If you love the outdoors, find a new trail to hike, go for a swim, or get back on the bike you used to love riding. Revisit old activities you used to love. Be open-minded and try something totally new. We can find fun in the simplest things. Try a new restaurant or see a new movie. Visit a library, bookstore, art gallery or museum. We can be surprised how much fun we can have when we are open to having new experiences, when we choose to associate fun with new and healthy things.

Having fun while sober is something we can look forward to in recovery. Call 888-570-7154 for information on how we can help.