Creativity in Sobriety

An initial challenge that many face in getting sober is the vacuum of time and energy, which presents itself when no longer occupied by an addiction.

While in the thralls of using and abusing substances, this can become the primary source of recreation and even socialization.  When entering into recovery, suddenly, a person can find themselves feeling bored or empty.  It is simple to make the drugs the solution, but when removed then, more options will need to be explored.  Here is when sobriety requires some creative thinking and planning.

One way of searching for this is by asking yourself about activities in the past that you once enjoyed. If you played sports in high school, you might want to find an athletic pass time.  If the guitar or piano has gathered too much dust from lack of use, you could sign up for lessons or find others to play with. If the old friends were all oriented around drinking or using, this would mean looking for a club, hobby, or activity that would bring people together for a healthy reason.

Finding these sober activities may require more creativity and effort, but they will lead to a more sustained recovery and deeper meaning in life.  

Chad K. Cox PsyD
AToN Center Treatment Center 888-535-1516