When you were addicted to alcohol and drugs, you might have developed an idea of fun. You might have concluded that to have fun, you’ve got to be high or drunk. You’ve got to be in an altered state of consciousness in order to do things you might not otherwise do (like act wild and crazy or just to be funny). You might have concluded that without alcohol or drugs, you’re boring and you’re friends are boring.
Truth is, you can have fun while sober too. You may have to change your idea of fun. You might also need to change some of your tastes and preferences when it comes to fun. Just like when you’re in a new country and you’re trying new foods, you learn to like things you thought you wouldn’t at first. Your tastes change by the time you go home and suddenly you’re eating foods you weren’t open to before.
In the same way, your tastes with exciting and enjoyable activities need to change. You might have enjoyed the thrill of being drunk while riding on a motorcycle. But obviously there’s a huge danger there. With the excitement of substance abuse come major risks, which is what likely prompted you to get sober. With the life change that sobriety brings, you may need to find new ways to enjoy yourself.
To find out what fun might mean to you, here is a list of effects that pleasurable and enjoyable experiences have on people:
- Makes you lose track of time.
- Puts a smile on your face.
- Helps you genuinely feel connected to others.
- Makes you feel good about life.
- Puts you in a spontaneous mood.
- Naturally gives you a feeling of freedom.
- Helps you feel outrageous.
- Gives you a feeling that you’re going with the flow.
- Helps you feel a lack of responsibility.
- Makes you feel carefree.
- Makes you laugh.
- Brings you a feeling of excitement.
- Connects you with the stillness inside.
- Allows you to take your responsibility hat off for awhile.
- Makes you feel happy.
- Helps you feel playful.
- Lets you experience something new.
To experience these effects, here are some suggestions for getting the excitement out of life without drugs or alcohol:
Be Creative
One of the best ways to discover spontaneity is to get creative. And you can do that in a number of ways – writing a song, playing music, painting, dancing, or sculpting. Let yourself experience the pleasure of creativity.
Spend Time with Friends
You might not be getting wasted, but sometimes, having a good roaring laugh with your friends can be very rewarding. You might feel the connection you have with them and enjoy the rolling laughs. Like exercise, laughing too is known for having many health benefits, including immediately lightening one’s mood.
Listen to Music
There is an incredible amount of passion and vitality that can be found in the lyrics as well as in the notes of many songs. Plus, music can touch people in ways that nothing else can. It can bring inspiration, clarity of vision, and stir up our own passions.
Travel
As described above, travel can stretch a person in positive ways. There’s something about following wherever your heart leads and not having a care in the world. Traveling can bring the excitement of being on the open road or in a new country and meeting new friends.
Set a Goal for Yourself
One of the greatest feelings to have is one of accomplishment, especially with something you didn’t think you could do. If you set a goal and you work toward it day by day, you’re likely to reach it. And doing so, can bring great emotional and psychological rewards.
Have a Good Workout
Many men and women find excitement in running on the treadmill and firing away at a punching bag. Plus, when you see that you’re body is getting more tone and fit, you’ll probably experience some satisfaction and enjoyment. But you can also experience pleasure right in the act of working out when those endorphins are released in the brain. In fact, regularly working out actually comes with many health benefits that can support your mental, emotional, and physical recovery from addiction.
Pick Up an Old Hobby
If addiction forced you put aside something you were passionate about, now can be a time to pick that up again. It might have been riding a bike, playing the guitar, or learning about the stars. Now that you’re sober return to what brought you pleasure naturally.
These are a few suggestions for experiencing true fun in your life. Although an addiction might have taught you that you need to use substances to have fun, you can turn that around and enjoy your life substance-free.
If you or someone you know needs help managing the recovery process, contact us today to see how we can help: 877-394-8810