Jan 14, 2015 | By Tim Stoddart
7 Things To Do Instead Of Getting Wasted
Recovery
Ok… so you went to treatment and stopped getting high. Now what?
In all seriousness, when I first got sober, my biggest fear was that I wasn’t going to have fun anymore. Drugs and alcohol turned my life into shit, but in some strange paradox, they were also the best thing I had. I had no clue how to laugh or smile or enjoy life if I wasn’t at least buzzed.
Now that I have been sober for a little while, I’ve learned that life is way more enjoyable now than it ever was.
Life has it’s ups and downs, but I’ve found ways to enjoy my life that don’t require drugs. Let’s take a look at some things to do now that I quit getting shitfaced.
1 – Working Out
For me, exercise has probably been the most important thing. When I am working out, I am not thinking about anything. I am not anxious about work, I am not worried about the future or if anyone is pissed at me. I am just in the moment focusing on my workout.
Running has really become my form of meditation. Not to mention the “high” I get after a hard workout is really comparable to any other high I used to get. I feel healthy, I like the way I look and it keeps me mentally sharp. Not everyone may feel the same, but I have found exercise to be important for my spiritual life. It keeps things in perspective for me.
2 – Eating a Good Meal with Friends
Eating a meal with people is one of the best ways to get to know each other. Food is and always will be a great way to share conversation, culture, and just relate to people in general.
Over time I’ve started to learn a little bit more about food and appreciate it more. When I was hooked on dope, food was just a thing I would put in my belly to keep me alive. Now that I have learned more about it, I really see it as the art form that it is.
Nothing brings people together like food.
3 – Pick Up an Old Hobby
This is going to be different for everyone, because everyone is passionate about different things. The point is that we all have hobbies that we love. Maybe you love to draw, or ride your bike, or write poetry.
When I first got clean I got back into skateboarding. I used to love skating. I would skate for hours and hours. I used to compete in small local competitions. It just made me feel good. When drugs started taking over, obviously skating took a back seat.
I picked it back up again when I got sober. I never competed again, but I really enjoyed just skating around the streets and being back on my board. Put my headphones in, listen to music and just cruise with some friends.
Get back to doing what you love.
4 – Travel. Go See The World!
The world is a fascinating place and travel will expand your mind and your perspective in ways you can’t even understand until you do it on your own.
Travel is expensive. But now that you don’t spend all your money on blow, you can afford to put money aside for trips and vacations! Go you!
Just this last year I went to Scotland for a cousins wedding. My best friends and I went to Las Vegas and then drove across the desert to Los Angeles. We rented a camper and went to Bonnaroo. I went to New Orleans with one of my best friends. I’ve been able to go back up north to Philly and Manhattan a few times to see my family.
Being able to travel is one of the biggest blessings I have ever received.
5 – Music! Music! Music!
If you aren’t obsessed with music I feel like there is something wrong with you.
Everyone loves music. I personally think music is the greatest creation of man. There is so much great music out there. It’s a lot of fun to research new artists and follow the bands I already love. I like to share new music with friends. I like to grab my guitar and write some music of my own. I go to concerts with friends. I like concerts more now that I am sober than I ever did. I remember the whole thing! 🙂
Music is the shit! If I am feeling down, I just put on a feel good play list and go for a walk. It really helps.
6 – Go Volunteer Your Time
For many people in recovery, sponsoring other addicts and alcoholics is a great way to help out. If you are not a person who goes to meetings or works the steps, you can still volunteer your time and help make the world a better place.
I volunteered at a no kill dog shelter for about a year. It was awesome. I had no money and not a lot of friends so I would just go play with dogs on the weekends. The couple who owned the shelter appreciated it so much. I had to clean up after the dogs, feed them, and clean their pens. I got dirty for sure but these dogs made me so happy.
I have always been a lover and advocate for Pit Bulls and it made me feel good to see people come in and adopt dogs that otherwise would have been put down without my help. But you don’t have to do what I did!
Go work at a food kitchen, go volunteer at a boys and girls club, go outside and clean trash off the street. Getting out of yourself and doing some kind of service will do wonders for your self worth, your self esteem and it just downright feels good.
7 – Nothing at All
No seriously…
When I was using, I had the hardest time sitting still. I felt like I was always missing out on something. I always wanted to be out and about, I always wanted to be with other people or be at the most exciting party.
I am not suggesting to be lazy. If you have shit to do than get it done. But some down time every now and then is really good for you, and it should be enjoyed.
It was very difficult for me to get comfortable with silence, and to learn how to be still. It has been a great learning experience for me. Sometimes it’s okay to sleep in a bit. Sometimes it feels really good to stay in on a Saturday night and hang out with my girlfriend and my dog.
Learning how to stay calm has helped me deal with anxiety and stress. Sometimes the best thing to do, is nothing at all.
I Didn’t Get Sober To Be Bored!
I really mean when I say that my biggest fear in early recovery was that I would never have fun again. The beautiful truth is that recovery has given me the freedom and the confidence to go out in the world and leave my own mark.
My hope is that if you’re reading this, you will understand that you are bound by nothing. Recovery will slowly give you the opportunities to take your life and make the best of it.
There will always be fear and insecurities involved, but if you can get sober, you can do anything! You don’t need drugs to have a good time. Now go out there and live!!
If you have any other activities that you do in recovery, please leave them in the comments section below 🙂
judy
10 years ago
Do you realize the picture of having a good meal with good friends has everyone with either wine or beer in front of them?! How tacky!!
Tim Stoddart
10 years ago
It’s apple juice…
shelagh
10 years ago
lol nice 🙂
Chris
9 years ago
Yeah, no it is definitely not apple juice.
????
8 years ago
My friend just quit drinking after 5 weeks in rehab and now I feel so guilty for drinking or even if he knows I’m having a drink somewhere. He says it’s fine and doesn’t bother him but it is really true??
Greg
8 years ago
I will be 8 months on 8/24, it dosent bother me. The obsession is gone!!
Peter
8 years ago
It’s been 14 months (sober ) for me , and struggle doing things constructive with my down time , don’t like boring hobbies (no patience )
Can’t work my business more hours than I have been , good friends and great pair of kids who at 56 years old , had an intervention last February
With me and read me the riot act .. Dad we love you and don’t want to get that call your dead somewhere or possibly sick beyond …. Oh I’m going to be pregnant and you can’t be around my baby
I STOPPED COLD TURKEY , THE NEXT DAY AFTER 40 years of drinking
Powerful shit
SKP
8 years ago
Ask your friend , when your not drinking. Ask your friend , when your drinking. You compare.
Laura H
8 years ago
I’ve been sober 12 yrs and I go out with friends to bars frequently now. Quit after over 35 yrs of drinking, never relapsed.. At first tho I became nauseated just watching alcohol being poured.
My 28 yr old son got out of 30 days in-patient last Tuesday. I am praying he found ways to spend his first weekend of sobriety that will not have alcohol to tempt him. I think time makes it easier for recovering alcoholics to be around drinking. Those recently sober should avoid temptation no matter what they may say.
Laura H
8 years ago
Son was supposed to go to his college homecoming this weekend. He had the good sense to cancel despite losing hotel deposits and upsetting frat brothers.
Katy
8 years ago
Lol…wow…love the answer! Amazing how someone can judge from a photo. Thanks for your great site and inspiration!! :^)
Fred
9 years ago
Some have the problem with me not drinking but they get over it going on 7 years and glad I stopped!
Rachael
9 years ago
Just because we get sober doesn’t mean people can’t have a drink at dinner. Get real.
eamonn
9 years ago
Some people like myself can’t just have one though… sure, one at dinner is fine, I could do that… went down well… hmm quite liked that, next meal another beer it is, oh go on then might aswell just have 2, got a handle on it now 🙂 would just be cheaper to buy 8 aand keep them in the fridge… oh dear there all gone need more etc… I wish I could just have one with my dinner, but that’s where it all starts! Not arsed though, I’m never skint, healthier than I’ve ever been, im in great shape, taking driving lessons, focusing on the future… only been off the pop for 2 months and my life has changed dramatically. .. If I’m having a drink with my dinner, il have half a glass of orange juice topped up with lemonade, a little bit of ice and some sliced fruit please 🙂 I don’t need a beer to relax and be myself, I already have the ability to let loose, I feel no shame and am confident enough as it is 🙂
Tarron
8 years ago
Thanks I needed to read that. Have a great day and good luck.
Quittin
9 years ago
Just because YOU choose not to drink, doesn’t mean that your friends HAVE too….
Lynne
8 years ago
You’re focusing on the wrong thing .
Peter Fidrych
8 years ago
I was just gonna repeat what Quitten says. It’s my problem not theirs.
Ann
8 years ago
Why knit pick a dam picture?! Obviously you didn’t read the words dumbass
Jess
8 years ago
Shows you what her outlook on life really is. 🙂 Thank you all for sharing. Stay happy people!!
Jack Beynon
10 years ago
Loved reading this
We are 55 years old me and my Beautiful Wife and 23 years Sober this month
It’s been a wonderful journey walking this sober road
We spent 10 years together in drinking and now 23 years in Sobriety.
Love you all
Brian Surrey
10 years ago
Your story is a very familiar one…..
Atfirst, my wife was the only one I wanted to drink with…..
Being sober with her is so much better…. 9 years july…
Beth E
9 years ago
My husband and I decided to stop drinking today – we have 2 beautiful daughters still at home and want to be better examples for them. I like the article, and it’s great to see the posts from couples who have quit together – I hope we can do it, I think it will be well worth it, as it sounds like it has been for you.
Heather
9 years ago
The fact of the matter is that other people can have drinks if they want to and the author and myself and hopefully other strong quitters wouldn’t be tempted to order a drink just because others do.
paul
9 years ago
my wife will be getting out of a sober living soon after 30 days an we also hope to follow your same path
John S
10 years ago
I take 12 step meetings into the jail twice a week Friday for men and Saturday for ladies.Seeing them out on the street clean and sober is a feeling nothing matches.
Joye Willett
10 years ago
Thank you. My husband and I both got sober together six years ago. He’s 57 and I’m 64. What a difference being sober has made in our lives. Peace be with you and your bride.
Shar
9 years ago
This gives me hope.
kendra m
10 years ago
I’ve been sober for 3 mo now. Not Cause of choice but I was forced . But since I’ve been sober I can actually pay attention to the world. Not going to lie I really really miss drinKing. My family friends. …all of them drink so this is really hard. But I’m not sick anymore, Don’tt shake, my health is great… but I’ll always be an alcoholic just need to learn ways to deal with my cravings.
Jess
10 years ago
congrats! And good luck!!
Sarah
10 years ago
Well said. What a lovely article. Shame people have to ruin it with pathetic comments. Er tacky yourself. Xxx
Nicole
10 years ago
Yoga and getting my degree 🙂
eamonn
9 years ago
Nice :] well done!
Disa
10 years ago
That’s all good,but with no money aloof it,no most impossible at this time.im not giving up,not at all.just lookin for a job and a way out of this rut!
Disa
10 years ago
Aloof it ?what was that?sorry,hate text
laurel
10 years ago
I have recently started working out. Love it. A little bit each day. started at 5 min cardio every other day and now up to 30 min. 4 days a week and strength training. working full time but i chose a job that i enjoy doing and i look forward to going to work and having fun with the people i work with . Living sober is good. Let something good happen to me and through me today. amen
Wesley
10 years ago
I’m almost at 3 years and it’s taken me some time to allow myself to have fun. I initially thought getting sober was penance but now I know I had the whole thing upside down. Sobriety is freedom and I am so grateful
Carryanne
10 years ago
I have been sober for just over 10 months I find reading really helps, learning new coping skills as well. Understanding the full means of addiction.
Njcyogi
10 years ago
GAME Nights! Love getting together with friends and playing games…charades, cards, hoopla, taboo, apples to apples and let the good times and laughs roll!
Alex
10 years ago
essentially a list of all the best things to do while drinking.. especially #6
eric
10 years ago
IVE BEEN SOBER FOR 6 YERAS NOW I’M 29 YRS OLD AND FOR.SURE.LIFE IS.WAAAAAY.BETTER CLEAN….I PRACTICE MY 12 STEPS PLUSTRY TO HAVE A SPIRITUAL LIFE LIKE MEDITATION SPIRITUAL BOOKS LIKE. RAMTHA OR.OSHO PLUS THE AA BOOKS WORKING OUT AS WELL GOOD DIET LOVE MUSIC AND.YES.I.LOVEEEED WHAT YOU SAID.ABOUT SOMETIMES.JUST RELAX AND.LAY BACK IN.A.CALM MIND I…STAY SOBER AND BUILD UP YOUR RELATION WITH HIGHER POWER OR GOD WE ALL NEEDED
LOVE AND ENJOY MY MENTAL SILENCE AND PEACE AND I.DO.IT MANY TIMES A DAY LOVE IT SO MUCH
Sabrina Samuel
10 years ago
*YOGA*healing journeys – HOTSPRINGS, retreats, weekends for journalling and R&R*learn*book studies*festivals*live sporting events*host a clothing exchange with friends*make friends with a kid*get a pet*
Chris
10 years ago
Hi! I really like your website thank you for this awesome message to the world! 😀 I do workout three times a week, playing basketball, and play on drum. I like to write, to create stories. 🙂 Again thank you and have a successful and happy life!
Carson
10 years ago
I got clean from drugs May of 2013 and it was the best decision I’ve ever made. Granted I did gain some weight but I guess that was bound to happen considering I barely ate for 6 years. I met the love of my life almost a year ago and there’s no way I could of done that if I was still hiding in a closet hitting a pipe all day and night. I can’t say I’m sober because I do still drink occasionally but man, quitting dope and other party drugs made my life so amazing. Continue doing what you’re doing! It works if you work it 🙂
Samanth Harvey
10 years ago
This was crazy
HCb
10 years ago
I 100% agree. I have done my first half marathon and started doing triathlon since I stopped drinking- and got addicted! I met my future husband because I wasn’t so drunk all the time to not remember people I met.
The only downside is I am quite an anxious person and I struggle with house parties etc – being around lots of drunk people can be intimidating to me.
But I love my sport- and like you said going for meals, the movies etc
Really great post
Bruce
10 years ago
Done!!! Hello prescription pain pian pills I miss you. Only been three days and I don’t know who I am with out you. I’m scared really scared to be 59 and be this scared. I want you putt of my life for good. You and I together have destroyed so much of my life. I’m
Robert
9 years ago
Turn to Christ; ask Him for help – you will receive peace . The key is to TRUST
Laurie
10 years ago
I started exercising regularly, traveling, reading, cooking and spending time with family 🙂 I feel like I am finally free and can enjoy all of these things I missed out on.
Bob
10 years ago
Do some volunteer work. It’ll feel good and also put you in touch with more people which in turn increases your job possibilities. Only good will come of it. Keep going in the positive direction and good things will comeyour way.
Angell Scarlet
10 years ago
I have started my own business ever since quitting drugs and alcohol. It is my creative outlet as well as social. I run a raw vegan catering company called
Coconuts & Chaos Cafe
and embrace a more natural lifestyle. Yoga, meditation, spiritual living all connect together and blend very well with my business. I am learning so much, I hardly notice most times that “I’m missing out” as you’ve described, although it does sting sometimes. Looking at photos of events that I have little interest in attending because I will be sober & get bored after a short period… I go to very few event like that now.
I am starting to experiment with Kombucha & really appreciate the value a real Tonic can deliver to the body rather than the harm of alcohol.
If I feel like I’m missing out, I’ll pop a shot of ACV (Apple cider vinegar) which has PH balancing qualities, energy boosters and weightless benefits.
I learn how much I am gaining from sustaining instead of what I am missing.
Angell Scarlet
Jb
10 years ago
Yeah I quit booze 9 years ago when my wife told me it was her or Jack Daniels. She was pregnant and told me good luck seeing the kid as an alcoholic. So I quit cold turkey and started exercising. I didn’t go to rehab or AA. My childhood wasn’t awesome but I couldn’t bare to listen to people who went on about how their sad circumstances led then to drink or drug. My younger brother had the same crappy childhood and never has gotten high once in his life. I drank cause I liked getting drunk. Plain and simple. Plus I don’t believe in god and reject “I’m helpless routine.”
I Ran some half marathons a year later. We went on to have a second child and they ask me sometimes why I don’t drink wine like momma does and I say I don’t like it. I’ll wait till they’re older to explain. I still exercise and lift weights regularly and alcohol doesn’t figure in to my thinking at all anymore.
My life is good but no magical epiphany or “how awesome life is.” I’m still a little grumpy but live a good life and my kids never will see a drunk dad like the one I grew up with.
kelly valouch
10 years ago
Why did you post this???
Sam
10 years ago
Have you ever been to an AA meeting? Not enough to actually have realistic idea of what it’s about obviously. I wouldn’t butcher something that you don’t know much about and could potentially help some people reading this article. AA isn’t religious its spiritual and you choose your own god. “I just like to get drunk”…hit a few more meetings and you’ll figure out why. People with lousy pasts choose a lot of different types of outlets, some of us have just chose alcohol instead of other things that’s why AA is here and it’s saved millions of lives.
RNS
10 years ago
Some good can only come out of what you put into it. Sobriety is the important thing.
Josh
10 years ago
I went to AA meetings a bunch of times and found it depressing and sad, when you’re recovering from alcohol/drug abuse having the outlet of being able to vent is nice but listening to people talk about there horrible stories(because some of them are horrible) does not help some people in anyways. Im glad that it helped you but to tell someone who has gone that they dont know what they are talking about because it didn’t meet there needs of recovering is just ignorant. There are many people that “used just to use” without a sole reason behind it. Id try and understand someones point of view before responding to them like you are a better person.
Adam
10 years ago
I found something similar as Jb with the few times I went to NA and AA. They all bummed me out and I left all of the jonzing.
“Cold Turkey” was the only way that I was able to stay clean.
That, and having a good friend that stopped by in the morning to light a smoke for me.