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5 Fun Activities That Can Help Addicts Recover

Conquering addiction isn’t easy but that doesn’t mean literally every step has to be a slog. Here are some fun activities that can help addicts recover.

5 Fun Activities That Can Help Addicts Recover

Did you know that the rate of relapse for substance abuse disorders is between 40% and 60%?

Life during addiction recovery is one of the toughest challenges that a person has to endure.

People do not live their lives in a vacuum.

For what’s often a long time, a person recovering from drug addiction was filling some hole in themselves with substance abuse.

After cutting drugs or alcohol out of their lives, something has to fill in the void.

When boredom sets in, it becomes a relapse trigger for someone in addiction recovery.

To help addicts recover, it’s important to show them that it’s possible to experience pleasure without the use of chemicals.

Here are some healthy activities to bring back joy during recovery and avoid boredom and relapse.

1. Exercise

One of the natural ways to get “high” is through exercise. The brain releases endorphins when we exercise which mimics the pleasure people get from opioid drugs.

If you’re looking for a similar type of euphoria, exercise can get you there.

Exercise also lowers the risk of depression. Since drug addiction and mental illness often occur together, exercise can help manage the symptoms of both disorders.

Becoming more physically fit is also a big shot in the arm for self-esteem.

By achieving the fitness goals they’ve set for themselves, they’ll also have the confidence to accomplish the goal of complete recovery.

2. Finding Excitement Outdoors

The adrenaline rush and thrill of their previous lifestyle are often missed by people after they become sober or after rehab.

This is a common reason to become bored during this period. When they don’t feel that rush, the temptation to go back to using reaches its peak.

Going outdoors and getting into adventure sports are healthier avenues for thrill-seeking.

You can get that adrenaline pumping again through surfing, mountain biking, or skiing.

5 Fun Activities That Can Help Addicts Recover

3. Getting a Hobby

Before the drugs and alcohol, every person who had a substance abuse problem had something that they found fascinating.

It could be something that they’ve enjoyed doing or something that they’ve always wanted to do. This is the best time to pick up an old hobby or to try out a new one.

Hobbies can be anything that can keep you occupied and happy at the same time. You can learn an instrument, play video games, or even try LARPing.

4. Spending Time With Friends and Family

At the time when someone is deep into their addiction, family members and friends are often hurt, estranged, and set aside. Becoming clean and sober gives you the opportunity to mend fences with the people you love.

This is a difficult assignment but you can get there little by little, by eating meals together, watching movies, or just talking with each other.

The important thing is to spend time together to rebuild the relationships that have been wrecked because of the addiction.

5. Working Towards a New Goal Can Help Addicts Recover

Becoming free from the restraints of addiction is a second chance at life. A new goal is a vital part of rediscovering one’s self and gaining back the confidence lost.

It can be about gaining new knowledge by taking classes or workshops. Or it can be about personal enrichment by volunteering for a noble cause.

5 Fun Activities That Can Help Addicts Recover

Stay on the Wagon

The time during addiction recovery can be a monumental struggle but there are ways to ease the process. To help addicts recover and, try these fun activities that can alleviate boredom and prevent relapse.

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