FUN IN RECOVERY … and loving life on life’s terms!
If I’m sober, how can I go to a party? Watch the game? Handle those trick or treaters? How can I have FUN? This is a stressful issue for those of us in treatment for alcoholism or addiction. The holidays and family gatherings will soon be here, and will be an important test of living our new life. Those in recovery tend to only remember the good times about getting high. This “euphoric recall” is part of the disease of addiction and adds a strong challenge. It’s easy not to think about the very severe cost of our disease.
But the good news is the 12 Step program and treatment can give you the tools to deal with celebrations, family, and the holidays without a relapse. Beyond that, we learn to redefine fun and connect again with how we had fun before addiction took its toll. It could be as simple as reading a good book, watching a movie, hiking, biking or dancing – having a fresh appreciation for how to enjoy life by ourselves and with others, while having a clear mind and new energy. It could mean acceptance of our family circus without getting our buttons pushed. It could mean just being present to enjoy the ones we love.
Having fun is a cornerstone of recovery and orientation to serenity, no matter what life presents. One of the most powerful aspects of doing a 12 Step program is the relief from accrued emotional baggage and a useful perspective on our past. It helps us ‘lighten up’ and appreciate our place in the world with the absurdity that surrounds us. Our new perspective helps us make the best of things and find fun where we never knew it was before.
In this day and age, there are many ‘fun’ activities that can be addictive without substances, such as gambling, shopping, even scrolling your Facebook page. But our newly found self-awareness and honesty can sound the alarm for activities that can put us out of balance. We can better realize the proper perspective for such enjoyment.
Having FUN in recovery is more than just an activity – it’s an attitude! It’s truly enjoying life on life’s terms.
-Peter Hirsch, Counselor
