If you have been drinking or taking drugs for a long time, you will have been used to socialising under the effects of these substances. However, if you have recently been through a programme of rehabilitation, substances such as drugs and alcohol will no longer be a part of your life. You may now be worried about how you can enjoy socialising while sober.
Although glad to be sober, many recovering addicts are concerned that they will no longer be able to go to parties, which can lead to feelings of depression.
What a Sober Life Means
You may be struggling with the idea of a sober life initially and feel that your life is going to be boring now. Nevertheless, what a sober life really means is a life full of energy and no more hangovers, blackouts, or nasty comedowns. It is important to realise that having fun does not solely revolve around drinking or taking drugs. There will be plenty of opportunities in your life for having fun, and many recovering addicts have admitted to having so much more fun in their lives after getting sober. There is no doubt that you will find this hard to believe, especially in the beginning, but that is because you have spent so many years partying under the influence of intoxicating substances.
Enjoying a Sober Life
Many people who have never drunk to excess or taken drugs have plenty of fun in their lives, and you can too. In early recovery, you will probably spend much of your time at support groups and therapy sessions. Nonetheless, as time goes by, you will no doubt start to get involved in other activities. There are so many exciting and fun things to do while sober and many of these things will seem alien to you because you have never tried them or because you have spent very little of your time sober over the last few years.
There is nothing to say that you cannot go to a party ever again. However, when you do, you will be there having fun without alcohol or drugs. There are other activities that you can enjoy too that do not involve drinking or drug taking, such as going to movies, the theatre, or sporting events. You may even take up a sport yourself and find that you now have the energy to exercise. Sports such as running, swimming, football, or basketball can be thoroughly enjoyable, and you will now have the stamina to take part.
Hobbies also form a significant part of life for many recovering addicts. Things like playing an instrument, taking up photography or even reading are things you might have previously thought you would not enjoy.
Enjoying Parties While Sober
The biggest challenge to any recovering addict is attending a function where alcohol or drugs are the norm. If you are a recovering alcoholic, it may be extremely difficult in the beginning, especially as alcohol is often present at most functions, including parties, business dinners and even dinner parties with friends. Nevertheless, as time goes by, you will find that abstaining from alcohol gets easier and easier.
Stay away from these events until you feel you are ready and, when you do feel ready, make sure you are prepared beforehand. Remember the reasons you decided to get sober in the first place and think about how better your life is without alcohol or drugs. Make sure the hosts know that you do not drink alcohol as that way you are less likely to be faced with temptation. You will not be pressurised into having a drink, and there is bound to be some non-alcoholic options available. Remember, you do not have to drink or take drugs to have fun.
