In addiction recovery, many of our guests discuss a loss of identity, they exclaim that they don’t know who they are or what they’ll do in recovery because they cannot picture themselves without alcohol or drugs in their lives. Many guests are confused about how to have fun in sobriety, saying that the ways they used to have fun always involved alcohol or drugs. Royal Life Centers understands that this is a common thought for people getting sober. It is understandable that someone would not know how they could possibly have fun without using substances, if all they’ve known is using substances to have fun— however, there is always fun to be had in sobriety.
Addiction Treatment
Addiction treatment is all about teaching a new way of life. Within this new way of living, guests are encouraged to practice tools and skills that will make their lives easier in sobriety. However, when it comes to having fun in sobriety, many guests are unsure how that could happen. Especially if guests are young adults, they have no clue that true fun exists in sobriety. We hear guests all the time state that they haven’t had a true belly-laugh until they came to drug rehab; and for people who for years have needed substances to have fun, this process of true fun— without the use of substances— is absolutely freeing.
At Royal Life Centers, we want each guest to rebuild happy, healthy, and successful lives in sobriety. Every balanced life will set aside time to have fun. Although fun in sobriety is a concept hard for many of those in early recovery to grasp, there are so many ways to have fun without substance abuse.
Here are 20 ways to have fun in sobriety:
1. Have a spa day
Paint your nails, do a hair mask, put on a face mask, moisturize your skin and relax! Bonus points if you look up DIY masks online and make your own hair and face masks.
2. Play cards
Whether it be blackjack, spades, go fish, crazy eights, or poker, there are so many fun options with a deck of cards!
3. Have a movie night
Order pizza or Chinese take out, sit back with some friends, and watch a good movie.
4. Host a tournament
Set up a volleyball net, or get some kickballs, play dodgeball or even poker. Competition based games will get the whole group engaged and having a great time!
5. Explore a new store in your town
Whether it’s that little record shop you always walk by, or that thrift store that you’ve always wondered about, explore a store in your town that’s completely new to you.
6. Try out a new restaurant
Food is good, this is no secret. For foodies everywhere, there are restaurant guides for the places to eat in your town or city. Plan out a restaurant outing, look at their dishes online and have some nutritious fun!
7. Try that one thing you’ve always wanted to try
We all have that one thing we’ve always wanted to try, now is the time to try it!
8. Go to a museum
Going to a museum is a great way to get yourself out of the house while also doing something fun and intellectual.
9. Go to an art show
Enjoy some artwork and have a fun night out! It’s a win-win situation. You’ll also be supporting any local art that you go and see, and art shows are a great place to meet like-minded people to be friends with!
10. Go to an open mic night
Find the nearest open-mic night in your local area. Usually, there are open mic nights hosted by coffee shops, full of local artists showcasing their talent. This can be such a fun way to spend the night, while also supporting your local community of artists and performers!
11. Have a dance party
Turn up that song you just can’t help but dance to, make it loud, and get moving! A plus-side to being fun, this will boost endorphins and actually make you happier.
12. Get dressed up and go somewhere
Sometimes it just makes you feel so good to put a little bit of effort into your appearance. Wear that new outfit and go somewhere a little bit fancier than the average place.
13. Go for a bike/longboard/skateboard ride
Shake up your afternoon and enjoy mother nature as you ride around on foot. This is a great way to get active and have a good time while doing so.
14. Go to an arcade
Throw it back to old school times and head to your local arcade for some fun pinball machines and gaming systems. You’ll have so many gaming options, it’s impossible to get bored when you have access to dozens of games too.
15. Go to a comedy club
Lighten the mood of the night and get some laughs in! Comedy club outings are so underrated.
16. Play a board game with friends
Whether it’s monopoly, life, or cards against humanity, have some fun with a group and get some healthy competition brewing.
17. Get crafty
Look up DIY (do it yourself) crafts and get some artwork mixed with home improvement done. Doing a project from start to finish is fun and also extremely gratifying.
18. Visit your local animal shelter and take some pups for a walk!
It’s not only a great way to serve your community, but it gives you the therapeutic love of an animal without the lifetime responsibility of having a pet.
19. Cook something new
Look up recipes and try making something new for dinner! This is a full activity, because you may have to grocery shop for a couple different ingredients, and then the process of cooking, and the process of eating it! Make this a fun thing to do for you and your friends by inviting friends over to try out the new recipe with you.
20. Go for a drive
Put together a good driving playlist and go for a nice, scenic, and relaxing drive. There’s something seriously therapeutic about going for drives, with no real destination in mind. It’s kind of a metaphor for life, you know, how to enjoy the journey without worrying about the destination.
Royal Life Centers is full of ideas on how to have fun in sobriety! Our goal is to give guests the insight, skills, and tools that they need to rebuild happy, healthy, and successful lives in sobriety. Our drug abuse treatment features intensive therapy, including behavioral therapies, individual and group therapies, adventure therapy, activity therapy, and equine therapy. Our treatment centers focus on behavioral health and uncovering the root cause of your substance use disorder. We want each guest to live meaningful, fulfilled and fun lives. Because We Care.
Our Programs
Royal Life Centers offers both short term and long term treatment options, with levels of care at the inpatient and outpatient treatment level. Our treatments for drug and alcohol abuse all start at our medical detox center. During medical detox, guests will be under 24/7 direct supervision from medical professionals as alcohol or other substances are removed from their system safely, effectively, and comfortably. We offer medically-assisted detox options on a case-by-case basis.
At Royal Life Centers, our treatment plans are individualized to meet each guest’s unique set of needs, goals, and circumstances. Upon arrival to our facilities, guests will be matched with both a case manager and a primary therapist, who they will work with through out their stay with us. Our goal is to prepare guests ultimately for drug free independence, with knowledge on how to prevent relapse, and handle any obstacles and stressors that may come from balancing life and recovery. Our philosophy is holistic, as we treat the mind, body, and spirit for a full healing experience.
If you or someone you know is struggling with an addiction, please reach out to us at (877)-RECOVERY or (877)-732-6837. Our addiction specialists are available 24/7 to take your calls. Because We Care.
