With so many people getting sober at an early age, the question that frequently arises is “How do I have fun now that I’m sober?” Most people think that since you’re sober now you should stay away from the “usual suspects” of places us addicts/alcoholics frequented. Well, most people are generally right about this, but there are some exceptions that we’ll get to later. So, what do we do now on a Friday night after a long work week? How can we “turn-up” on Saturday night without being at the club? The answer to this is certainly different for everyone.
First off there are some important things to NOT do. If for example, you used to go out on a Friday night to a particular club or bar, you should probably stay out of there for a while. Also, it should go without saying that you have no place being anywhere with “friends” who are still using. If you value your sobriety, especially early on, it’s important to protect yourself from potentially dangerous situations. Common sense will usually suffice but it’s always best to call a sober support before you make any questionable decisions.
Sobriety doesn’t have to be boring. In fact, I’m sure most people wouldn’t bother getting sober if it meant the party was over. The truth is, I’m not sure if some of the things I classified as “fun” were ever really fun at all. Having full consciousness almost seemed like a field day when I first got sober. That being said, once you have some time away from drugs and alcohol, you’re going to want to get out there and do some cool stuff.
It’s may seem strange but even “normal people” things such as going to the movies, exercising, hiking, eating, or just being with family, can actually be fun! I’m sure many of you are skeptical on this one but go ahead and give some of it a try.
For most, sober and non-sober people, traveling also ranks pretty high on the list of things to do. Now unless you’re rich, traveling to far away destinations on the regular isn’t just something you can do on a whim. Planning and saving money are, unfortunately, a part of this. Set a goal and work towards it. In the meantime, mini-road trips or adventures with some friends should meet your excitement quota.
Finally, one of the most exciting things to do when your sober is…whatever you want. Here’s were those exceptions I was talking about before come in. Truthfully, if you’ve been sober for a few years and are spiritually fit, almost nothing is off limits. Again, there are some situations and places that are just never going to make sense, but generally, the sky is the limit. Always make sure your intentions for going somewhere are in the right place. Also, be sure to run your idea by a sober friend, and be open to their feedback. If you can, bring a friend with you just in case something happens and you need their support.
Most of the time, once you stop drinking or using, the amount of money and time on your hands will increase. Make the most out of these newfound resources to discover what you love. Recovery is far from the end of the road, it’s only the beginning.
