Inpatient Treatment: How to Have Fun in Addiction Recovery

Addiction recovery can be a frightful and intimidating experience, but it certainly doesn’t have to be boring. In fact, living a healthy, vibrant life is one of the most important aspects of staying clean and sober. While rehab is often painful, addicts need to find way to enjoy themselves as they deal with their problems and cravings. If you’re a rehab patient yourself, there are a variety of ways you can have fun during and after clinical inpatient treatment.

Fun at Your Rehab Clinic

When you’re in drug rehab, most of your days will be dedicated to your recovery. Still, you will have time for your personal interests, physical activities, and special events. The following are some of the ways you can have enjoy yourself at your clinic:

• Personal Downtime: In addition to meals, most rehab schedules allow for one to two hours of personal time per day. You can use this time to read, work out, or socialize. You might also be able to spend some time on art, playing music, or other hobbies you love.

• Group Outings: Many clinicians also take their patients on supervised group outings. They may to go to malls, movies, or parks. Scenically-located facilities may also allow for trips to beaches, mountains, and other outdoors locations.

• Weekend Events: Weekdays are filled with classes and counseling, but most weekends are far more relaxes. Most rehabs put on barbeques, movie screenings, and other special events. Many addicts also visit with their family members and friends during this time.

• Counseling: For people with the right mindsets, even rigorous therapies can be enjoyable. Patients often form close relationships with their counselors, and many also come to enjoy the time they spend in peer-group discussions.

Enjoying Your Drug-Free Life

Once you leave your clinic, you’ll need to stay on guard against cravings and addiction triggers. That doesn’t mean you have to become an antisocial homebody, however. In fact, socializing with the right people will be a crucial part of your recovery. Here are a few ways to have fun after rehab:

• Alternatives to Alcohol: Whether or not you go to rehab for alcoholism, you will most likely need to avoid drinking in recovery. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to enjoy yourself without alcohol. Movies, friendly conversation, and hobbies don’t need to involve drinking. You can also rejuvenate your body with fun physical activities like hiking, biking, or swimming.

• Community Service: Even if you haven’t been sentenced to mandatory community service, helping people in need can still be a fun and rewarding experience. Volunteer at nursing homes, animal clinics, and homeless shelters. You might just meet some lifelong friends in the process.

• Making Sober Friends: You will need to get away from people who still use drugs, but that doesn’t mean you have to live life without friends. Find sober and supportive people at Twelve-Step meetings, religious services, and other community events. You may also want to reach out to friends you’ve lost touch with since using drugs.

If you or a loved one is suffering from addiction, you must seek help as soon as possible. Whether you’ve gone to rehab before – or you’re in the middle of a relapse – inpatient treatment can help you get back on your feet. Call the number above for a free consultation, and let our dedicated addiction counselors answer all of your questions about going to rehab.