How to Have Fun in Recovery

Dec 5, 2022

Making the decision to seek help for addiction can be a tough one. Leaving drugs and alcohol behind can be scary and leave you wondering how to fill that void. Having fun in recovery will look different. However, this is a good thing. How you fill your time in treatment and beyond will help shape the person you are going to be throughout recovery. 

The key is to find things that bring you joy and make you feel fulfilled. This could be a new hobby, a new job, giving back, or even a new group of friends. The most important thing to consider is whether the thing, activity, or person supports your goals or works against them. 

For example, picking up a hobby of shooting pool that involves late nights in settings that include substances may not be the best choice. On the other hand, choosing to join a yoga class or softball team could be fulfilling and fun while supporting your overall goal of maintaining sobriety. 

Fighting the Fear of Change

When you think about making the decision to enter treatment, what scares you the most? Is it coming to terms with the fact that you have an addiction and are in a position of needing help? Do you worry about stigma and what others might think? Or are you most concerned with the lifestyle change you know will accompany your decision? 

Most likely, you have considered all of the above and feel somewhat hesitant to take the next step toward seeking help as a result of each of these concerns. While change can be scary, it can be the greatest thing ever.

When speaking about change as it relates to treatment and recovery, the changes are significant. You will need to find new friends, habits, and hobbies. Having fun will look very different. The good news is that there are plenty of ways to have fun without drugs or alcohol. 

Fun in Recovery

What exactly does fun in recovery look like? Generally speaking, you will want to avoid activities or people who may lead to any triggering thoughts or behaviors. Aside from that, having fun should involve things you enjoy. 

While significant change occurs through the treatment and recovery process, there may still be some things that you enjoyed prior to treatment that you can still participate in during recovery. A few examples could include:

  • Going to the movies
  • Playing video games
  • Creating art
  • Playing sports
  • Listening to music

These are just a few things that you may have enjoyed prior to seeking help that you could continue to participate in. You might also develop new hobbies during your time in treatment. 

In treatment, you will be encouraged to try new things as part of the program. These activities are designed to help you stay busy and productive while helping you heal and evolve into the best version of yourself. 

New Hobbies

Staying busy and occupying your time wisely during recovery is essential. It helps you fight cravings and avoid relapse. During treatment, you can develop new routines and participate in activities that may divulge interests and skills you didn’t even know you had. The beauty in this is that you can use these newfound skills and interests to apply to your life even after treatment.

For example, you may discover that you enjoy Crossfit or hiking. After treatment, you could choose to join a Crossfit gym or find a few new friends to hike with each week. You may find that you enjoy attending church services or small groups and feel that it helps you stay motivated and on track. Following treatment, you could continue attending these gatherings and build new relationships as a result. 

Alumni Involvement

Another way to have fun in recovery is by participating in alumni activities and events. Not only is it rewarding to stay involved and support others who are following in your footsteps, but it is also fun to reconnect with peers and fellowship. 

There is something motivating and comforting about surrounding yourself with like-minded people. When you do so, you know you are supported and understood. Band of Brothers offers this feeling of belonging and provides opportunities to stay connected and catch up while engaging in fun, recovery-focused activities. 

Having fun is recovery is possible. While it may feel distant now, you should find hope in the promise that life in recovery is filled with more happiness and opportunity than you can imagine. You will have the chance to build new habits, hobbies, and support networks that will add tremendous value to your life. Whether fun for you means spending time outdoors, enjoying a cup of coffee with a friend, or even traveling to new places, you can have it in recovery. 

Having fun is something we all strive for. What is life without a little fun? While you may think your days of having fun are over once you enter treatment, the truth is that this is a huge misconception. Recovery brings out the best version of you. It allows you to utilize your skills and abilities in ways that substances hinder. You may discover new hobbies and interests that add value to your life. At Renaissance Ranch, we provide opportunities to enhance your life through spiritual growth, health, and healing. You will learn more about yourself and what you need out of life without substances getting in the way. To start your recovery journey, call Renaissance Ranch at (801) 308-8898.