drug addicts use for fun relaxation everything, what do sober people do?

[breezyfbaby]

i find myself getting clean and then falling right back into using because ive been using for so many years i dont really have anything...partying means getting high, as well as relaxing and just having fun in general...any ideas on what i could do to keep busy and have fun? where do sober people go to have fun? what do sober people do to stay happy? please help me...im so desperate to stay clean and be happy at the same time

[gizzy32]

For me, getting clean was making changes and getting away from that party life and my friends that would use, it would be impossible for me to stay clean hanging around at bars and my old druggie friends, not a chance. The problem I found was when I first quit, (first couple months) nothing seemed exciting without using dope, drugs always seemed to make things better, but with some clean time and learning to live again without drugs, things I used to love to do have returned and I enjoy doing them sober now and you will too:)

What are your passions? Are you getting any aftercare to help? Staying clean a short time then going back to using is not enough time to heal and see the positive changes. I was caught in this cycle for years, but I promise with a bit of help and clean time you will see all the good to come. Are you using now or did you just stop again?

[troubleinohio]

what are your passions? what do you like? music? horses? movies? dogs? etc etc etc...whatever you feel strongly about...submerge yourself in it...for instance if you love animals a lot you could start doing animal rescue/foster work. THat is very rewarding to both yourself and the animals you help...the list could go on and on.  

I have to sign off now as my kids are waking up, will write more later tho..

[narla]

I actually went out to a night club with a group of people everyone was drinking except me believe me I had a lot of fun watching how they changed as the night wore on,I never realised before that alcohol changes you so much.So now when I go out and people are drinking I just watch them and realise I'm not missing anything,I'm always in control now.

[saddy1406]

I know I was straight up scared and confused when I thought about life without being all messed up on painkillers as I did them with every single activity. Once you make that choice to go clean you need to change your life completely and what you once knew as normal will no longer be. I changed where I hung out and who I was around because honestly I didn't want the temptations in my face all the time. Surround yourself with people that live a clean lifestyle and they can open you up to new things in life. There are just so many possibilities you would be amazed.

The point is you want to be clean and stay clean and we are all here to help you no get there no matter what!

Mike

[bmdad]

This is one of those tough questions! There are a million different things you can do to have fun. For one, how about a girls night out by going out to eat and then to hockey game, movie, shopping, or back to a house to just hangout. I'm sure you have some close friends that will respect your decision of not wanting to be around drugs. You could also get together once a month and head to a place to get a massage, manicure, and pedicure. Going to parties does not have to mean getting high. I use to be quite the social drinker on weekends. I finally decided to be a little healthier and I know longer drink at all. I still enjoy going to friends houses to parties and I still enjoy the company. Granted, I don't stay til 2 am anymore. I usually leave around midnight before people start getting too drink as it now tends to annoy me! But if you are early in recovery, it may be a very risky situation to put yourself in if you think the cravings could get the best of you.
Have you thought about picking up a new hobby? I know of a few that started photography. One great thing about this is that you can go out for hours on end looking for that perfect picture. This also gets you out of the house and will take your mind off of things.
How about taking a few classes at a local college? By doing this you will be able to meet new friends that don't use and they will help you with idea of doing things that don't involve drugs or alcohol.
The possibilities are endless. Get a piece of paper and just start jotting down ideas. Give them all a try and mark off the ones you didn't end up caring for. You should easily be able to come up with at least 10 things that you haven't tried that you will find pleasurable.
Congrats on wanting to get your life back. It takes some time to completely recover and get used to living life sober. Thing is, a sober life is so much better than one that is fuzzy and a distant memory after 2 days. You'll soon find out that it is worth every second of it!!
Keep moving forward and know that it will get a little better with each passing day! You're doing a great job so be very proud of yourself!!
Best of luck!

Brian