Fun Things to do at Night in Recovery

For those new to recovery, navigating nightlife can be tough. If you’re a teenager or in your twenties and are looking for sober things to do at night, you likely know this firsthand. Right now, substance-free activities may seem hard to come by. You may feel like you have too much time on your hands or bummed out that you are passing up weekend parties with your friends for the sake of sobriety. Perhaps you are just scared by the idea of entering weekend-mode sober (everyone feels this way at first).

This is the biggest fear of many teens and young adults who are new to the sober lifestyle. Is there even such thing? Are there still fun, sober things to do in recovery? Or will Saturday nights turn into staying home, alone, and going to bed by 9pm? Will I lose my own ability to have fun and to be fun, without a drink or drug in hand?

Having fun in recovery is undoubtedly a learning process. But in time, you will find that not only is it possible to enjoy life sober, but also that it is a positive life to live. You will wake up each morning without a hangover, without the question of what you did the night before, without the regrets. And in time, you may come to find that your life without drugs is where your true living has always been.

Here are 6 sober things to do at night that will NOT put your recovery at risk.

1. Go to a local sports game. If you want to get involved, join a sports league in the nearby community. Committing to weekly games will help you get active and meet new people in your area.

2. Go See a Movie. There’s always the option to catch a flick at the local theater. Grab a friend and make a night of it by doing dinner and a movie. Plan ahead and you may even find a nearby film festival. Or, you can invite some friends over, and watch at home.

3. Take up an online or evening course at a nearby community college. Study a foreign language. Or, visit the local library or pick up a good read at the bookstore. Feed yourself knowledge and you will find yourself going places you would never have imagined.

4. Take a trip to an amusement park! Or, grab some friends and hit up a game room, arcade, laser tag, or bumper cars!

5. Get to the Gym. Challenge yourself. Is there a 5k you want to run? Train for it! It will feel very rewarding when you do. If you need help keeping up with an exercise regime, join an evening running group or find a personal trainer for that extra push.

6. Go to a Meeting:. Sometimes, it’s as simple as just attending your 12-step meetings. Most people you will find in those meetings are also looking for new friends or something to do at night. After the meeting’s end, suggest going out for coffee or ice cream. Stay at a favorite spot and talk for hours. You may even find yourself shutting it down like you used to do at the bar! And if you want to take it a step further, consider getting dressed up for meetings. Switch out the sweatpants for your favorite pair of jeans to make yourself feel good about who you are and where you’re going.

The only qualifier for any of the above is it may be a trigger. Not everyone has the same people, places and things list, so best to discuss it your sponsor. Don't have one? Now would be a great time!

Safe Haven Recovery is a boutique Florida Treatment Center located in Miami, FL. We specialize in Suboxone Maintenance & Detox, along with, Couples Treatment. Call us today at 866-447-4650.

About the Author

Matthew Koenig is a freelance writer and principal of Last Call Marketing which devotes their efforts to Digital Marketing, SEO and Social Engagement. Concentrated in addiction recovery, Mr. Koenig is based out of South Florida. His sober date is June 10, 2013.

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