If you have completed a program at San Diego drug rehab centers or sobered up on your own, then you have already accomplished one of the most difficult and rewarding things you might ever do. Congratulations!
However, now that you’ve done that, it’s equally important to fill up all the spare time that you have now that you’re not using drugs.
Boredom is the enemy of recovery. If you are not spending your time on fulfilling activities, then you may be increasing the risk of relapsing. This article explores the importance of finding new hobbies during recovery.
Why is it important to find new hobbies?
Pretty much any way you look at it, drug addiction is filling some sort of void. Whether you became addicted through a doctor’s recommendations or through self-experimentation as a kid, chances are, you began using substances in order to feel better.
We all want to feel good. One of the best things that you can do to make yourself feel good is to pick up some sort of hobby or activity. The purpose of this is to engage in something that leaves you feeling fulfilled at the end of the day. Something that’s more fulfilling than the synthetic or inebriated fulfillment that can be achieved through drug use.
Hobbies also fill in the time that you spent doing drugs or alcohol. If you manage to get sober without filling in all this time, your mind might naturally wander back towards substance use. It’s important to avoid this.
How to find new hobbies
The tricky part is finding hobbies and activities that you enjoy. If you didn’t have any hobbies or activities prior to your addiction, this might seem unfamiliar or overwhelming.
One way to discover a new hobby is to think about what you did when you were high or drunk. Most likely, the things that you did under the influence are a reflection of your real desires. Did you get high and take apart phones and laptops? Try taking up computer programming.
Did you prefer to catch a buzz and then go for long walks in nature? Perhaps you would be well-suited to an outdoorsy hobby, such as going for group hikes or taking care of a garden.
Or, maybe you spent your intoxicated hours simply talking to others. Perhaps a social hobby, such as multiplayer board games, group classes, and meetings, or even a new job as a cashier or part-time barista would suit you well.
It’s also important to seek out other people with similar interests who are also in recovery. Many group meetings, such as Alcoholics Anonymous, encourage their members to get together. Many recovery groups allow people to participate in group bowling sessions, sports, long hikes, or other sober activities.
Don’t be afraid to try something new. In fact, make a point of trying something new as often as you can. If you do this on a regular basis, you’ll certainly find something that you enjoy.
Conclusion
Finding something to fill your time with is crucial for anybody in recovery. If you don’t have any hobbies, try new things until you find something that you like.
Remember to be patient with yourself, though. After months or years of addiction, your pleasure center in your brain will be desensitized. It may take a few weeks or even months before you are able to enjoy things the way that you used to.
If you need more assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to San Diego drug rehab centers, or an addiction counselor.
