Sober living can pose challenges to young people looking for activities to do at night, especially when the things they used to participate in revolved around using substances. Passing up chances to spend time with old friends for the sake of sobriety can be overwhelming.
To get you started, here is a list of 11 sober things to do at night, published by Turnbridge Addiction Recovery Center, that will not put your hard-earned recovery at risk.
- For sports fans or athletes: Go to a local sports game. And if you want to get involved, join a sports league in the nearby community. Committing to weekly games will help you get active and meet new people in your area.
- For art and history buffs: Not only are museums educational, but they also serve as a great, quiet space for reflection and meditation. If you need a night out of the house, you may consider checking out a nearby museum. Or, if you enjoy a bit of history, you may consider researching local walking tours in your area.
- For film lovers: There’s always the option to catch a flick at the local theater. Grab a friend and make a night of it by doing dinner and a movie. Plan ahead and you may even find a nearby film festival. Or, you can invite some friends over, pop some corn, and host a film fest of your own.
- For those with a little bit of wanderlust: Travel. Take a mini-road trip or go on a little adventure with a friend. Often, getaways to new places bring out the most enlightening and positive experiences while in recovery. And when you’re sober, there is always a designated driver!
- For learners: Take up an online or evening course at a nearby community college. Study a foreign language. Or, visit the local library or pick up a good read at the bookstore. Feed yourself knowledge and you will find yourself going places you would never have imagined.
- For those who like a thrill: Want a bit of a thrill? Take a trip to an amusement park! Or, grab some friends and hit up a game room, arcade, laser tag, or bumper cars! If you’re looking for some seasonal sober activities, research haunted houses or spooky happenings in the area.
- For those looking for a breath of fresh air: Go for a late night hike or find a nearby rooftop to enjoy. If you are looking for sober, holistic activities to do, pull up YouTube and try some yoga!
- For fitness fanatics: Challenge yourself. Is there a 5k you want to run? Train for it! It will feel very rewarding when you do. If you need help keeping up with an exercise regime, join an evening running group or find a personal trainer for that extra push.
- For the antsy: Grab a friend and take a walk – anywhere your feet will bring you. Walk to a coffee shop, to get a slice a pizza, or to do some late-night window shopping. You may find the fresh air and a good conversation rejuvenating.
- For entertainers: Got good space at your place? Become a host! Have friends over for Sunday night football, plan a pumpkin carving contest, or host a “Friendsgiving Dinner” this November… any occasion is a great occasion to have a sober get-together with your closest friends. The best part is, you will actually remember these parties the next day.
- For those who need support: Sometimes, it’s as simple as just attending your 12-step meetings. The majority of people you will find in those meetings are also looking for new friends or something to do at night. After the meeting’s end, suggest going out for coffee or ice cream. Stay at a favorite spot and talk for hours. You may even find yourself shutting it down like you used to do at the bar! And if you want to take it a step further, consider getting dressed up for meetings. Switch out the sweatpants for your favorite pair of jeans to make yourself feel good about who you are and where you’re going. In life after addiction, this is one thing that many people miss – getting dolled up to go out at night.
If an adolescent or young adult in your life is struggling with addictive behaviors and you think they need help call Tamara Ancona, MA, LPC, at (678) 297-0708 for an evaluation, and to discuss potential solutions.