When becoming sober, it can be hard to find activities that don’t involve drinking. Most of your activities with friends probably have alcohol. That doesn’t need to be the case.
There are plenty of sober activities that you can enjoy. Some of these can be solo outings, but there are things you can do with friends. Once you start embracing sober activities, you won’t even think about alcohol.
Here are five easy outings that everyone can enjoy.
1. The Movies
Watching movies at home is convenient.
But sitting on your couch lacks the magic of going to the movies.
Let yourself be distracted for a few hours in front of the big screen. Head to the cinema and treat yourself to some popcorn and a soda.
Be a bit childish if you want and play the arcade games. If you’re worried about being tempted by the bar, go to a cinema that doesn’t have a bar. Or go at a time when they don’t serve alcohol.
Once you get lost in the movie, you’ll forget all about alcohol. There’s always new movies coming out, so this is an outing you can repeat all the time.
Don’t be afraid of going to the movies by yourself. There are plenty of people who do it. And if you don’t want to go alone, ask a friend.
Everyone always loves a trip to the theater.
2. Group Activities
Find a group that is focused on sobriety.
This could be a group that you find through a program like AA or an intensive outpatient program, or IOP. IOPs are an affordable type of addiction treatment. They are more flexible than inpatient programs.
Here is information on the differences between the main types of programs.
The main benefit of an IOP is that it is more flexible. You can stay at home while having many of the benefits of an inpatient program. Group therapy sessions and activities are one of those benefits.
It’s important to realize that you aren’t alone.
Your friends and family might not struggle with addiction. That can make it hard for them to relate to what you’re going through.
Other addicts can act as a healthy support system. You can talk to them when you feel tempted to turn to alcohol. They won’t judge you.
3. Cooking Classes
You need to stay healthy while becoming sober.
Your body has been through a lot. Addiction is not an easy process to go through. You need to prioritize your health.
Learning to cook is one of the many ways to stay healthy.
Eating out at restaurants can be fun. It can even be a good sober outing. However, there are temptations at restaurants.
Many restaurants do serve alcohol. And restaurant food is usually not the healthiest. You can learn to make healthier and yummier food.
A cooking class is a good place to start. Even if you know the basics, there is always more to learn. There are many types of cuisines out there, too.
You can explore the world by learning to cook new types of dishes. If there isn’t something you’re interested in close to you, try an online cooking class.
Even watching cooking shows at home could count.
4. Hiking
There really is nothing like the great outdoors.
Head outside and embrace the fresh air and the mountains. No matter where you are, there is something neat near you.
For example, here is a list of the state parks just in California! There are a lot more around the country and the world. Make it a list to visit them all.
Many natural sights don’t allow alcohol. That’s because they are places designated for appreciating nature. They are also more family focused.
If you don’t like hiking, there are other ways to enjoy nature. Consider learning how to kayak. Or just sit on a park bench and appreciate the view.
Hiking is a good solo and group activity.
5. Classes
It’s always good to learn something new.
Maybe you’ve always wanted to learn French. Or perhaps you’ve always wanted to learn how to use a camera.
No matter what you want to learn, you can find a class for it.
Online classes are a great option if you live in a remote area. However, in-person classes are a good way to socialize and make friends.
Classes usually don’t involve drinking.
Conclusion
You can find ways to take your mind off of drinking. It might take some time, but you’ll get there.
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