While growing up, most people have ideas about what they want to do when they are older and may be making plans for their future. Most boys want to be footballers and many girls like the idea of becoming a pop star. However, one thing that none of them would want to become is an addict.
Addiction is something that affects many people all over the world and it is an illness that destroys their lives. Addiction can wreak havoc on the lives of those affected as well as their family members and friends. This destructive illness extinguishes plans and can leave those affected with shattered dreams.
Escaping Addiction
It is important to realise that as with all illnesses, addiction can be treated. There are many different treatments available for those who are suffering from addiction, and many organisations, both in the public and private sector, where these treatments are available.
Entering a rehab programme means giving yourself the chance of a new life of sobriety. This requires a degree of motivation and commitment; once in recovery, it will be necessary to learn how to avoid certain triggers and temptations. As soon as a person can do this, he or she will have a greater chance of long-term success in recovery.
Importance of Hobbies
When a programme of rehabilitation has been completed, a recovering addict must learn how to adapt to life without the particular substance to which he or she was addicted. This can often be difficult, especially if the recovering addict has nothing to occupy him or herself during the day. This is where hobbies can be hugely beneficial. A hobby is a way to fill the time, but it is actually so much more than that. A hobby can also provide enjoyment and will improve mental wellbeing. Those who have a hobby they love will be happier in themselves and will find that a new world opens up to them.
Hobbies stop individuals from becoming bored in recovery, which is vital in terms of avoiding relapse. Those who become bored may begin to romanticise their past drug taking or drinking days and are in real danger of returning to their old ways.
Boredom can lead to feelings of anger, irritability, and depression. These feelings can lead a recovering addict to feel unhappy about their recovery. They could feel that their sober life is unfulfilling and may begin to remember the ‘good times’ when they were drinking or taking drugs. They will conveniently forget the bad times and the reason they wanted to kick the habit in the first place.
How Hobbies Help
As well as providing a purpose in life, hobbies can also be an excellent way to help a person de-stress and unwind. They are beneficial to mental health and are a fantastic way to meet like-minded people.
Depending on the hobby you enjoy, you may even be able to turn it into a full-time occupation. For example, if you like baking or decorating cakes, you may be able to set up your own business where you can make a living doing something that you really enjoy.
If you have never had a hobby before, you can think about things you had enjoyed before addiction took over your life. Maybe you were good at art and crafts when you were in school, or maybe you like the idea of learning how to ski. There are so many hobbies to choose from, a search online will give you some great ideas.
You are bound to find a hobby you enjoy but it may take some trial and error before you find one that you really love and that will keep you busy during your recovery.
