So you got sober? Congratulations! That’s no small accomplishment, especially if you have been struggling with addiction for years. It’s a big deal to be able to get sober and stay that way. Now what? You can do anything after getting sober, but there are some things you may want to consider before diving in head first.
Not About Sobriety
Getting sober is the first step in overcoming addiction. However, it should not be the goal. The bigger picture should be taking back control of your life and using sobriety as a means to do so. If you are new to recovery, this can seem like an overwhelming task. It doesn’t have to be.
Set goals that will help you achieve long-term happiness and fulfillment in your life post-sobriety. For example, maybe you’d like to travel more or learn to cook better meals for yourself and others. Perhaps you’d like to work on strengthening your relationship with family members who have been supportive throughout your journey.
Whatever it is that brings joy into your life outside of just being sober can help you feel good about yourself. Setting goals for yourself can also help you fill your free time once leaving treatment.
Finding What You Want to Do With Your Life
Finding what you want to do with your life is a process. It can take time, and it’s important not to rush into things or be afraid of the unknown. You may need some time alone at first. However, don’t forget that other people are there for you as well. You might find that they help along the way.
It may seem daunting at first, but there are many ways to find out what you need and want in life. Taking things one step at a time will help ensure that all bases are covered before moving on to the next stage in your career path or hobby choice. If something doesn’t work out as expected within those steps, don’t give up. Remember that it’s okay if everything doesn’t go according to plan. Sometimes, that’s how new paths open up for us.
Discovering New Hobbies
Substance abuse treatment is about structure. Your days are planned out for you and filled with activities such as individual therapy, group therapy, meal times, and more. Once you complete treatment, you may be unsure of what to do with yourself and your time.
Hobbies are an excellent way to fight boredom in recovery. When you have more free time, you also have more time to ruminate on thoughts of using drugs or alcohol. Hobbies can also help you make new brain connections, build healthy friendships, and restore self-esteem and confidence.
Hobbies you may consider picking up in recovery include:
- Gardening
- Woodworking
- Car restoration
- Learning an instrument
When it comes to hobbies in recovery, the possibilities are endless.
Finding a Career Path and Re-Igniting Dreams
When you are in recovery and have a few months of sobriety under your belt, you may start thinking about what you want to do with your life. For some people, career choices can feel confusing. Many people who struggle with substance abuse have dreams but lose their aspirations due to addiction.
In recovery, it can feel like these dreams are lost. The idea of being a doctor or teacher may feel far removed from who you are now. However, many people find that after some time sober, their old dreams re-ignite. Without drugs or alcohol, they may even come back stronger than before.
While not everyone wants to follow the path they dreamed of as a child, it’s important to remember that anything is possible in recovery. You can go back to school, find new dreams, and set out on the path of your choosing.
New Experiences Are Great for the Soul
New experiences create excitement in recovery. Doing something new in recovery can challenge and excite you in ways neither alcohol nor drugs ever could. While it may seem frightening to venture out of your comfort zone, uncomfortable feelings are sometimes the greatest source of growth.
Remember, you don’t have to be good at something to enjoy it. Some new experiences you may take up in recovery can include:
- Painting
- Rock climbing
- Hiking
- Joining a sports league
- Seeing the world
Money Is Important but Don’t Let It Be Everything
Money is essential; you need it to live. It’s also important that you learn how to manage it, as well as how to make more of it. However, don’t let money be everything. Recovery is not about being the wealthiest person with the most belongings. Instead, recovery is a change of the mind, body, and spirit. You can still find success and happiness without money.
Do What You Want, Not What Other People Want for You
In recovery, one of the biggest lessons you will learn is to do what makes you happy, not what other people expect of you. You may be interested in a career path or activity that others are sure is wrong for you. However, it may be exactly what you need to bring peace and happiness to your life. Ultimately, your life in recovery is up to you.
Recovery is not just about being sober; it is about finding out who you are and where you want to go in life. Once you get sober and start to live your life again, there are many things that you can do without substances.
Finding hobbies you enjoy, re-igniting dreams, and going back to school are a few of the endless possibilities available to you. If you or a loved one is struggling with sobriety, Villa Oasis San Diego is here to help.
Our luxury rehab in Southern California combines evidence-based and holistic treatment methods to help you discover who you want to be in sobriety. To learn more about our program, call (619) 373-9792.
