There is an unfortunate misconception that sobriety is boring. Although it is the default state of most of living activities, we tend to see sobriety as a default state that we must abandon in order to have fun. This is a particularly venomous idea for a recovering addict, who is working to leave substance abuse behind and seek solace in sobriety, yet is told constantly by everyone around him that only in abandoning sobriety can he find relief from the terrible grind of being sober. But if a recovering addict is truly intent on rediscovering life’s pleasures, it comes down to finding joy in sobriety.
Social interaction and sobriety
We organize many of our social interactions and outings around LOSING sobriety. After-work gatherings are held at bars. Alcoholic drinks are served at nearly any major event. Being a designated driver is seen as a necessary chore. We literally call the period when drinks are on sale “happy hour.” In general, sobriety is not associated with fun.
This is not a good association for those who struggle with substance abuse. Surrounded by constant messages that the sobriety they fought so hard to reach is getting in the way of fun, relaxation and social connections, they are inundated with contrary impulses.
But despite what beer ads on TV might tell you, sobriety is not actually a barrier to enjoyment. There are many ways to find joy in the world in sobriety, and much of it simply requires rediscovering the pleasures of life outside of substance use.
How to find joy without addiction
Addiction does not allow for small pleasures. Addicts are so locked in to getting their next fix, to feeling the pleasure of the high or the contended buzz of a drunken binge, they neglect almost anything else around them.
Yet life is often made up of small pleasures. We can’t all feel a burst of intense joy all the time. But we can feel smaller bits of joy all the time, in many ways. It might be as simple as opening the wrapper of your favorite candy bar, or seeing the smile on the face of a loved one. It can be taking your dog for a walk or smelling the flowers or watching the leaves change color or any number of small but enjoyable moments that make up any given day.
Addiction robs a person of that, trapping them in a constant cycle of highs and lows that require constant hustle just to experience a brief and increasingly less satisfying burst of artificial joy rather than natural enjoyment without any sort of chemical enhancement.
The recovering addict may have to take time to adjust to such enjoyments again, having substituted substance abuse in their place for so long. But with practice and perseverance, they can once take joy in the little things and put cravings aside for healthier alternatives.
Discover your joy in sobriety
At Good Landing Recovery, patients are encouraged to discover what they enjoy and what they love. They might return to a hobby they liked before addiction reared its head and neglect set in. Or they might discover new habits and patterns they wish to pursue now that they can once focus on pleasures around them instead of seeking out substance abuse at all times.
Addiction is a harsh taskmaster that leaves the addict with no time to enjoy anything else, and no desire to seek out alternatives, either. But once the recovering addict has put addiction behind them and tried to find relief in the recovery process, it is important to start seeking out ways to rediscover life’s pleasures and finding joy in sobriety. With Good Landing in your corner, it’s possible. Give them a call today.
