When we are young we might develop a pattern of going out every Friday and Saturday. In fact, it might even be uncool if you don’t go out. But as time passes, and as you grow older, your desire to go out might still be there. You might continue to feel the pull to go out on the town with friends. Yet, doing so might bring the possibility of drinking or using drugs.
As a recovering addict, this might be hard to feel. You want to go out with friends and have a good time, but you don’t want to drink. And with the bars, alcohol, and drunks all around you, it might be hard to say no to a drink. If you’re no longer drinking or using drugs but you’re still feeling a desire to go out with friends, you might feel yourself getting pulled in two different directions. And this can make staying sober difficult.
Reasons That Could Keep You Home
One way to overcome this challenge is to think about the reasons that might keep you at home. What’s worth staying home for? Here are some suggestions that might keep you at home – safe and sound:
Spend time with your children.- Have a romantic evening at home with your spouse or significant other.
- Work on a creative project you’ve been trying to find time for.
- Make plans for your future.
- Watch an inspiring movie.
- Stay true to yourself and to your sobriety.
- Practice yoga or meditation.
- Read a book about healing from codependency and addiction.
- Listen to relaxing music.
- Unwind from a busy week.
- Write in your journal.
- Go through old photos of friends and family members you love.
- Create an affirmation that will help change your thoughts.
- Complete a puzzle or word game to keep your mind strong.
- Spend the evening painting or enjoying another creative modality.
- Write a letter to a friend.
- Talk to your sponsor.
- Make yourself your favorite dinner.
- Gather inspiring quotes and passages that will boost your sobriety for the week.
- Read a magazine article that might encourage you toward your life goals.
- Play a musical instrument and get into the creative spirit.
- Play a relaxation CD and feel yourself letting go of stress and worries.
- Go running or have a great workout.
- Read or write some poetry to open the heart and invoke insight.
- Indulge in your favorite hobby, such as stamps or a scrapbook or anything else.
- Gather some colorful paper, magazine clips, and scissors to create a vision board of your hopes for the future.
- Read a spiritual book to boost your spiritual practice.
- Make some herbal tea and take good care of your physical body.
- Use some aromatherapy oils which can be inhaled or applied to the skin. Use them to support emotional balance, stress relief, and overall well-being.
- Most of all – Avoid getting drunk or high!!
There are many reasons you can find stay home for the night. Although you might be itching to go out, there’s a good chance that spending the night out on the town will only get you into trouble. Staying home, whether it’s by yourself or not, might always be the safest option.