10 Fun Activities In Recovery

Recovery from alcohol or drug addiction isn’t fun. However, it’s important that those in recovery find some sober activity they enjoy. 

Finding fun things to do can make it easier to recover from active addiction and continue on the road to recovery. Having a bit of fun likely makes all the hard work more enjoyable.

Luckily, there are lots of ways to have fun in recovery. Here are ten sober activities that can add some fun to the recovery process:

1. Get Creative

Whether it’s drawing, painting, or pottery, try to get in touch with your creative side. It doesn’t have to be the next great masterpiece. It doesn’t even have to be good. 

Just have fun creating something with your hands. It’s a great way to work through your emotions and can be helpful for your mental health and overall well-being.

2. Travel

Traveling can give you a new perspective on life and people. So why not visit a new place? It can either be close by or in another country.

Traveling can also give you new experiences that have nothing to do with alcohol or drug use. Plan a trip to somewhere you’ve always wanted to go (maybe a place on your bucket list) and work it into your recovery journey. 

If you find yourself struggling, there are Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) meetings all over the world.

3. Take A Class

Whether you’re looking to get a degree or you just want to learn a new skill, taking a class can be fun and educational. Want to finally learn how to cook? Or maybe you’ve always wanted to learn woodworking? Find a class and sign up. 

You might be nervous about trying something new for the first time. That’s natural when you’re stepping outside your comfort zone. But once the class gets going, you’ll likely meet new friends and have fun.

4. Read

Perhaps while in the throes of your substance use disorder, you gave up some of the things you used to love. If one of those things was reading a good book, why not get back into it? 

Sometimes, there’s nothing more relaxing than sitting down and escaping into a fictional world. You can either pick up a few new books at the library or reread some old favorites.

5. Go To An Arcade

Arcades are not just for kids. They’re fun for all ages. Take a couple of friends or family members and play a few rounds of Pac-Man or pinball. Make it a competition. Most arcades are alcohol-free so you don’t have to worry about being triggered or tempted. 

6. Get Active

Most people in early recovery find that they have lots of free time on their hands. Why not spend it getting active? This does not mean you have to go to the gym. 

You can do anything from running or hiking to playing your favorite sport or simply walking around your neighborhood. Whatever you like doing best. Being active helps your body and can be a healthy and productive form of self-care.

7. Movie Night

Nighttime can be particularly hard for those in recovery because it’s often associated with going out and using. Try planning a movie night with your sober friends and family instead. You can make popcorn, grab a couple of bags of your favorite candy, and order a pizza. 

Choose your favorite movie and enjoy it with the sober people you care about the most. It’s a good way to escape for a little while, but also just a fun way to spend an evening.

8. Spend Time with Animals

Unless you’re highly allergic, it’s hard to have a bad time when surrounded by animals. If you have a dog, take them for a walk, play together, or simply spend time petting them. If you have a cat, buy them some new toys and watch them go wild. 

Don’t have any pets? No problem. You can volunteer at a shelter in your free time, head over to a cat cafe, or even go to the zoo. Animals come with no judgment and are a great way to de-stress.

9. Cook

Cooking can also be a really fun activity to do in recovery. You have to eat so why not have fun while doing it? 

If you’re unsure of yourself in the kitchen, try watching cooking videos or taking a few cooking classes before you try your hand in the kitchen. It might become your favorite new hobby. 

It’s also an excellent way to ensure you’re getting healthy, nutritious meals. Substance abuse and addiction often lead to malnutrition. Make up for that by making, and eating, healthy dishes.

10. Camp

There are not many things more calming than nature. Find a local campsite, or travel to one, and get together with your friends for a long weekend in the wilderness. 

Spending a couple of days roughing it in the great outdoors can be a nice break from the everyday routine of sober living. While camping, you can go hiking, swimming, or even kayaking. 

If you or a loved one continues to struggle with substance use after a formal treatment process, you’re not alone. Relapse is common, but addiction treatment programs can likely help. To learn about our options, please connect with us today.