Healthy Activities For Those In Recovery
The NIDA has three main components for successful addiction treatment and recovery: get the person to stop using, keep them from using, and make sure that they live productive lives. It also states that addiction is also highly prone to relapses, so it can be greatly beneficial for a recovering addict to participate in healthy activities for the sake of prevention.
Those activities should meet the same requirements, as well as be enjoyable for the person. Here are a few options for those in recovery.
Rediscovery
Before the person became addicted, they probably had a set of interests and hobbies in their life that they enjoyed. Unless those hobbies contributed to their drug use, it is usually safe to revisit those hobbies and interests. It can provide a connection back to a time when things were good for the person.
Rediscovering those old hobbies can also help them find new ones and open new doors for the person.
Physical Exercise
Staying physically fit can play a huge role in recovery. As the effect of addiction can be heavily damaging on the body, not to mention unpredictable according to the DEA, exercise can help the person physically heal.
Exercise usually has a chemical response that affects your mood, giving you the same good feeling that drugs gave, but by far healthier means. Some exercise activities, like yoga, can help mental health as well by helping you refocus your thoughts and positive thinking.
Group Activities
Events with others are another type of healthy activity for recovering addicts. An activity that might seem boring or difficult on its own can be fun when done with others. It also presents the opportunity for the person to meet new people, expand their social circle, and add to their support system.
When working with others, things seem easier and can allow for a boost in a person’s self-confidence. It can also allow them to learn new things, further opening the door to new interests.
Volunteering
Volunteering for causes that are designed for the benefit of the community can be another healthy activity. It can be enjoyable experience, and give the person a sense of purpose. Sometimes, addiction can make it seem like you are constantly taking from others.
Volunteering can be a way of giving back, which can be important to some who feel like they need to redeem themselves for the actions that they did while under the influence. Overall, volunteering can be an easy way to feel good at the end of the day and provide a sense of accomplishment.
Family Bonding
As those closest to the recovering addict, their family are usually heavily affected by the addiction. It can be healthy to do some activities as family, not just for the addict, but for their loved ones as well. Bonding can rebuild and heal any damage done on the relationship between family members as a result of the addiction.
Even simple things, like going for walks together or board games, can work to reestablish those connections.
If you or a loved one is struggling with an addiction, please contact one of our caring specialists through our website or call us at 800-678-5931(Paid Advertiser) to talk about what treatment options are available for you.