What to Do Instead of Drinking (& Also Help Your Recovery)

When Friday night rolls around, people are ready to go out, have a good time, and forget about work for the next few days. For some people, these weekend plans may include sipping on a few cocktails or having a beer. While drinking may be the norm for many people on the weekend, if you got alcohol abuse treatment and are now sober, this is not an option.

Fun Things to Do Instead of Drinking & How They Can Help Your Sobriety

Especially if you are in early recovery from alcoholism, you may not remember how to have a good time without drinking, but you do not need alcohol to have fun. There are plenty of things to do besides drinking to keep yourself entertained, whether it is after work on a Tuesday or over the weekend. As a holistic treatment center in Palm Beach, we are sharing some of our favorite sober ideas on what to do instead of drinking as well as how these alternative sober activities could also help your sobriety.

Class or Lessons

Especially if you are looking for a recurring sober activity to add to your schedule, classes or lessons are a good option. You can typically find groups in your community for everything from salsa dancing to Italian language classes. Not only will you learn something new, but you will also have the opportunity to meet new people who can support you in your recovery as well as keep you busy so you don’t relapse from boredom.

Volunteer

Get active in your community and volunteer. They are always looking for people to help at animal shelters or soup kitchens. You could also volunteer to work with children or senior citizens. Find something that interests you and give it a try. Volunteering can give you a new sense of purpose in recovery that may have been lacking.

Arts and Crafts

Now that you no longer need to spend your time looking for your next high, you may find that you have more free time on your hands. Fill this time with some arts and crafts projects. You could do some painting, photography, or sewing. You could even start crossing those DIY home improvement items off of your to-do list or finally get a move on those Pinterest craft projects that you never got around to. These activities can act as creative outlets in recovery that can improve your mental health.

Get in the Kitchen

Instead of drinking at night and going out, you can always try cooking or baking something. Make cupcakes and bring them into work or try your hand at making a beef wellington. You could also have a “make your own pizza” night with friends or mix up some fancy virgin cocktails if you are feeling left out. Cooking can be stress-relieving for many people; it can keep you busy and help you feel accomplished.

Explore

Now that you are not too preoccupied with alcohol, take the time to explore and see places you haven’t seen before. This may include taking a vacation abroad or simply being a tourist in your own city. Make a list of everything in your area that you’ve never gotten around to and start crossing items off of the list. Chances are, even if you have been living in the same place for some time, you haven’t gone to every museum or park in your area. You can even plan some day trips. Taking the time to explore and have fun can remind you of how great it is to be sober and reinforce your recovery.

Relax

Just because it is the weekend, it doesn’t mean that you have to go out. The weekends are also a good time to hit the reset button and relax after a long and stressful week. Have an at-home spa day, go to the spa, read, get some sun, journal, take a bath, or have a movie night. Taking the time to relax can help with your mental health and keep you from returning to alcohol during times of high stress.

Get Active

Get up and get active. You don’t have to just go to the gym or take an exercise class either. Join a recreational sports team and make new friends. Go for a walk in your neighborhood after work to get some fresh air. Go hiking and enjoy the great outdoors. Go rollerblading or biking with a friend.  Getting active not only helps you build a healthy routine, but it can also help your physical health heal from the damage left behind by your addiction.

Activities with Friends

Just because you are no longer drinking, doesn’t mean you need to spend your weekend alone. Find friends that aren’t interested in only drinking. Chances are the other people in recovery from your rehab alumni program are also wondering what to do instead of drinking at night or over the weekends. Get together with them and do something fun. You could all go bowling, have a game night, do an escape room, go golfing, or even go axe throwing.  Doing activities with others can ensure that you never feel alone in recovery and reduce your chances of relapse.

Being in recovery shouldn’t mean you feel like you are missing out. There are plenty of fun things to do instead of drinking that won’t cost you your sobriety. Sometimes you just need to get creative and think outside the box.

If you or someone you care about still has yet to take that first step to get help, we are here. At Behavioral Health of the Palm Beaches, we help people with substance abuse and mental health problems create happier and healthier lives. To get started or to get more details about our program, call us today at 561-220-3981.