Addiction is a struggle that overtakes your entire life.
When you weren’t high, you probably spent a lot of your time trying to get more of the drug and thinking about getting high. With so much of your free time consumed by your addiction, life after addiction may start to feel pretty empty. Too often this emptiness could lead to a relapse. In fact, it takes 4 to 5 years of sobriety for the risk of relapse to drop to the normal level of the general population (below 15%). [1]
At Banyan Chicago, our alcohol and drug rehab is here to help you fill the empty hole that your addiction left behind with some healthy hobbies for addiction recovery.
Sober Hobbies & Creative Outlets for Addiction Recovery
Life after rehab is no walk in the park. You may still experience times of drug cravings and overwhelming thoughts. Now is the time to replace your addiction with a sober hobby instead. Hobbies for addiction recovery will not only distract you from those toxic thoughts, but also give you something to live and stay sober for.
Art & Music
One good way to fill life after addiction is through art. This can include everything from learning to play an instrument to picking up a brush to paint. Some people may find solace in learning a new language while others want a more hands-on creative outlet for addiction recovery like ceramics. The important thing to remember is that it doesn’t matter how good you are, just that you enjoy doing it.
Writing
Journaling is a great tool that can aid in the recovery process. As a dual diagnosis treatment center, we believe in the importance of good mental health. Journaling teaches patients to recognize their feelings and provides a safe, secure outlet for them to address these feelings. If you journaled during your time in an addiction treatment program, we suggest you try to continue this good habit.
Exercise
When you were addicted to drugs, you probably neglected to care for your physical health. Exercise is a great way to improve poor physical health and get a natural high off endorphins. Even yoga and meditation can be great for promoting mindfulness in life after addiction.
If there was something you enjoyed before your addiction, you should try to get back into it. It may help you start to feel normal again and move forward. Try knitting, gardening, dancing, or evening building furniture. The possibilities are endless.
If you are just starting your road to recovery or you are in need of a stabilization program to get you back on track, our drug and alcohol treatment center can help. From our PHP treatment to our alumni recovery programs in Chicago, we are with you every step of the way, including long after your time at our facility.
Join the Banyan support system today by calling 888-280-4763.
Sources:
- National Center for Biotechnological Information – Facing Addiction in America: The Surgeon General's Report on Alcohol, Drugs, and Health
