What are social sober activities?
contemplating
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Atlanta, Georgia
Posts: 16
What are social sober activities? its sad to admit, but when i consider what to do on a friday or saturday (or sunday) night besides go to a bar...I cant come up with anything! I dont like to go to movies....and I dont want to sit at home or do things alone. What do people do that is "Social" if you do not drink? HELP!
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Join Date: Jun 2008
Posts: 2,942
Originally Posted by chiynita 
Bowling..meetings..Parks...Gym...Coffee shop...Borders book store...Find someone to walk with or ride a bike with.
Ummm..Ok I am stumped.
Ummm..Ok I am stumped.
Stumped? You mentioned some GREAT activities.
Usually I can meet people at meetings who are all looking for something to do.
Member
Join Date: Dec 2003
Posts: 12,136
Hi and welcome Juliet,
I had no activities when I sobered up. I was at a loss when it came to not drinking, and occupying my time with something I enjoyed.
What about taking a course in night school? Joining a fitness class? Both would give you the opportunity to meet others. Is there anything you always wanted to try? Skydiving? Painting? Rock climbing? Challenge yourself.
I got sober in AA and what a blessing that has been. I've got many friends in recovery today and we do a lot together. We go for lunch, shopping, walking, movies, meetings, coffee. Having friends and being a friend is just wonderful.
Early sobriety can be tough if you're going it alone - I hope you've got lots of support. Please stick around - this is a very supportive recovery community.
I had no activities when I sobered up. I was at a loss when it came to not drinking, and occupying my time with something I enjoyed.
What about taking a course in night school? Joining a fitness class? Both would give you the opportunity to meet others. Is there anything you always wanted to try? Skydiving? Painting? Rock climbing? Challenge yourself.
I got sober in AA and what a blessing that has been. I've got many friends in recovery today and we do a lot together. We go for lunch, shopping, walking, movies, meetings, coffee. Having friends and being a friend is just wonderful.
Early sobriety can be tough if you're going it alone - I hope you've got lots of support. Please stick around - this is a very supportive recovery community.
Old & Sober Member of AA
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Nursing Home in Brick, New Jersey
Posts: 5,174
I, too, found a new "social life" through AA. I was the original "party girl", so I seriously needed something to replace the drinking and carousing.
Getting dressed up on the weekends to go to meetings helped me to forget what I was "missing" in the bars. Then, we would go for coffee/and afterwards, and sit and talk for hours (just like we used to do when the bars closed).
There were dances, bowling parties, movies, camping trips, summer activities...AA's are just people without alcoholol/drugs...and, they're much more fun clean and sober!
I also enjoyed entertaining at home, so I'd often have a group in for Christmas Tree Trimming, Super Bowl...you name it...any excuse was a good excuse. Why, we even had an Andrew Jackson Birthday Party, instead of a St. Patrick's Day Party! Get creative...doing these things with other people in recovery would be my strongest suggestion to you. Two of my kids are very active in NA, and they always seem to have something going on with their program friends.
Getting dressed up on the weekends to go to meetings helped me to forget what I was "missing" in the bars. Then, we would go for coffee/and afterwards, and sit and talk for hours (just like we used to do when the bars closed).
There were dances, bowling parties, movies, camping trips, summer activities...AA's are just people without alcoholol/drugs...and, they're much more fun clean and sober!
I also enjoyed entertaining at home, so I'd often have a group in for Christmas Tree Trimming, Super Bowl...you name it...any excuse was a good excuse. Why, we even had an Andrew Jackson Birthday Party, instead of a St. Patrick's Day Party! Get creative...doing these things with other people in recovery would be my strongest suggestion to you. Two of my kids are very active in NA, and they always seem to have something going on with their program friends.
Member
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 102
Welcome DryJ. Atlanta is a SUPER town for finding things to do. I started in Austin by scouring the local sites of area bloggers and those free papers that tell you what fun and unusual events are going on. Also found training for a 5K was really rewarding - and let's face it you're not going to run at noon in Atlanta - way too hot. You might join a running group and setup a meet on Friday's and Saturday nights with the gang. I've done that before and we'd always hit a great coffee shop after. Got to meet a ton of interesting people. You could even do that through Craigslist (though obviously you'll want to exercise caution). And finally I found a few local charities that needed help during the evening and weekend nights. Found I was meeting a ton of incredibly interesting people - many of whom are also trying to get and stay sober.
Hope any of this helps. The long of it short: you'll have to make a conscious effort a few times a week to sit down and plan ahead. Then make the effort to go out and do it - even if it is alone.
Hope any of this helps. The long of it short: you'll have to make a conscious effort a few times a week to sit down and plan ahead. Then make the effort to go out and do it - even if it is alone.
Guest
Join Date: Jun 2008
Posts: 347
That's a great idea- to check your local websites for all kinds of activities. Here's some stuff I did, and do to keep busy.
I work out (a lot, when I first got clean I worked out a ton until I was too tired to go out and pick up.)
I read
Play basketball with friends
Play soccer with friends
Go to museums (this one is great for meditating)
Coffee shops- if you live in a city sometimes these have music or readings
Sober parties at friends' houses- some of my friends have little kids, so their parties are usually much 'cleaner' than the ones I used to go to, but still fun. Plus I remember them the next day!
Chilling in the park, grilling, or playing frisbee
And of course... meetings
I go to about 6 meetings a week, which is roughly 12 hours a week right there.
I work out (a lot, when I first got clean I worked out a ton until I was too tired to go out and pick up.)
I read
Play basketball with friends
Play soccer with friends
Go to museums (this one is great for meditating)
Coffee shops- if you live in a city sometimes these have music or readings
Sober parties at friends' houses- some of my friends have little kids, so their parties are usually much 'cleaner' than the ones I used to go to, but still fun. Plus I remember them the next day!
Chilling in the park, grilling, or playing frisbee
And of course... meetings
I go to about 6 meetings a week, which is roughly 12 hours a week right there.
Member
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Europe
Posts: 1,361
stroling down the streets, playing pool, excersising, movies, girlfriend, buying stuff I don't really need 
,
but then again, I'm not that much of a social person, found out during my recovery, i'm my own best friend,
I'm sure there a lot of other things to do!
hope you'll stay sober...
, but then again, I'm not that much of a social person, found out during my recovery, i'm my own best friend,
I'm sure there a lot of other things to do!
hope you'll stay sober...
Member
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Portland, OR
Posts: 98
Hi Juliet!
Although it has already been mentioned, craigslist in a good one, check the "volunteers" section. I have found lots of fun activities there, which tend to be great places to meet like-minded folks that can turn you on to other events.
Although it has already been mentioned, craigslist in a good one, check the "volunteers" section. I have found lots of fun activities there, which tend to be great places to meet like-minded folks that can turn you on to other events.
Forward we go...side by side-Rest In Peace
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Serene In Dixie
Posts: 36,740
...Hi and Welcome!When I was a drinker...so were all of my social circle.
In sobriety ...I found an AA group of single members
who were having a blast staying sober and enjoying life.
What did you like to do before drinking entered your life?
Glad you are here with us...
Administrator
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Dancing in the Light
Posts: 61,498
Yes, do check your local newspapers for things to do in your city or look on the city's website.
When I stopped drinking I got back to hiking/walking, which had always been one of my favorite activities. It helps me spiritually to be outside walking and it's very calming.
When I stopped drinking I got back to hiking/walking, which had always been one of my favorite activities. It helps me spiritually to be outside walking and it's very calming.
Member
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: California
Posts: 358
What a great idea for a thread!
I am finding that I can invest much more time in my friends. We have movie nights, go to the park, or take a yoga class together.
I am also supposed to learn how to change a diaper this weekend. Never done that one before, but I've got a lot of friends with new babies. Say a prayer for me!
I am finding that I can invest much more time in my friends. We have movie nights, go to the park, or take a yoga class together.
I am also supposed to learn how to change a diaper this weekend.
Never done that one before, but I've got a lot of friends with new babies. Say a prayer for me!
Member
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Milwaukee, WI
Posts: 40
Well, you can do almost anything sober, except drink or use drugs.
*Camping trips - I had to adjust to camping "sober", but it's fun...cheaper and you get more stuff done, like hiking (no hangovers the next morning)
*Music in the park - my city has tons of free music in the local parks, everything from jazz to rock n roll to symphony music and polka bands. Free, and best of all, 75% of people are not drinking, since it's mostly families in the parks, as opposed to drunks in the bars
*Book club
*Exercise club or go by yourself/with friends
*Learn a new skill - wanted to try something new? How about horseback riding, sailing, roller skating, crafts? There is a club for just about anything nowadays.
*Volunteer- be a big brother/sister to a child, help at the animal shelter, etc.
*Camping trips - I had to adjust to camping "sober", but it's fun...cheaper and you get more stuff done, like hiking (no hangovers the next morning)
*Music in the park - my city has tons of free music in the local parks, everything from jazz to rock n roll to symphony music and polka bands. Free, and best of all, 75% of people are not drinking, since it's mostly families in the parks, as opposed to drunks in the bars
*Book club
*Exercise club or go by yourself/with friends
*Learn a new skill - wanted to try something new? How about horseback riding, sailing, roller skating, crafts? There is a club for just about anything nowadays.
*Volunteer- be a big brother/sister to a child, help at the animal shelter, etc.
"Meow. No, I am not a pup!
Join Date: May 2008
Location: New Zealand
Posts: 269
Strangely enough I have really enjoyed going to functions with people who do not know me as a heavy drinker (I recently moved) and watching them get silly while I sip non-al drinks and then drive home. Prob not for everyone and I am not really good example of staying sober...but it helped me not to drink
Forward we go...side by side-Rest In Peace
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Serene In Dixie
Posts: 36,740
This is a list SR members compiled a few years ago.
I kept it in my files soooo....
150 Things To Do Instead of Drinking
1. Read a book
2. Take a walk
3. Play a musical instrument
4. Knit
5. Clean your closets
6. Research your genealogy
7. Cook a gourmet dinner
8. Write an article for your local newspaper
9. Go take some pictures
10. Clean the mildew in your bathroom
11. Start writing that book you've been planning
12. Plan a garden
13. Plant a garden
14. Play with a pet
15. Read to a child
16. Visit someone in an old folks' home
17. Watch a news special on TV
18. Set up a family budget
19. Make a web site
20. Take up archery
21. Exercise
22. Go to an online recovery meeting
23. Surf the internet
24. Call your mom
25. Learn a foreign language
26. Write a poem
27. Play golf
28. Take a bubble bath
29. Draw
30. Teach a parakeet to whistle
31. Take a nap
32. Listen to music
33. Paint
34. Clean your desk
35. Start a stamp collection
36. Go window shopping
37. Browse in a book store
38. Go to an art gallery
39. Go for a drive
40. Paint a room
41. Watch the clouds go by
42. Play darts
43. Do target shooting
44. Do home repairs
45. Clean your garage
46. Sort your photographs
47. Make a scrapbook
48. Climb a tree
49. Plant a tree
50. Make marmalade
51. Make a list of things to do
52. Write a letter to the editor
53. Volunteer somewhere
54. Take a hike
55. Take a college class
56. Try yoga
57. Meditate
58. Get a massage
59. Make fruit smoothies
60. Bake cookies
61. Do a crossword puzzle
62. Go to the gym
63. Plant a color bowl
64. Sharpen your pruning tools
65. Change your engine oil
66. Sew
67. Groom your dog
68. Go see a play
69. Write a sonnet
70. Sort your recipes
71. Play solitaire
72. Go bird watching
73. Write a letter to a friend
74. Read a poetry book
75. Repot your houseplants
76. Go to a movie
77. Mow your lawn
78. Put up (or take down) your Christmas lights
79. Make pickles
80. Go jogging
81. Watch sitcoms
82. Plan menus for a diet
83. Do a jigsaw puzzle
84. Play chess
85. Write a country-western song
86. Watch a video
87. Go for a bike ride
88. Plant an herb garden
89. Start an online journal
90. Dye your hair
91. Go to a restaurant
92. Lift weights
93. Bake some bread
94. Learn a martial art
95. Polish the furniture
96. Make a flower arrangement
97. Read the newspaper
98. Start some seeds
99. Sort your magazines
100. Do some laundry.
111. Take a nature walk
112. Play with your kids
113. Volunteer at a homeless shelter
114. Volunteer at a school
115. Pick up garbage in a park
116. Tickle your kids
117. Play basketball
118. Volunteer at an animal shelter
119. Read to a child or pet
120. Sign up for obedience training with your dog
121. Take a walk and pick up litter you see on the way
122. Spend time at the library
123. Sort all your digital photos and make an album to print for holiday gifts to family.
124. Help your kid organize his closet.
125. Figure out the melody and chords to your current favorite tune on the piano.
126. Practice your holiday cookie recipes
127. Make crackers from scratch (that one didn't go so well).
128. Make tortillas from scratch (better).
129. Reread a book you haven't read for years.
130. Tango
131. Learn about someone else’s religion.
132. Reread one of your college textbooks.
133. Key out a wildflower.
134. Do your nails.
135. Do word puzzles.
136. Play a board game.
137. Burn CD’s of some of your favorite music for a friend.
138. Plant a bonsai.
139. Play Mad Libs.
140. Speak only in heroic couplets for an hour.
141. Read poetry online.
142. Ride a stationary bicycle.
143. Set up a domino topple.
144. Play backgammon.
145. Build a house of cards
146. Make an entry in Wikipedia.
147. Read a world almanac.
148. Publish a family newsletter.
149. Throw cards at a hat.
150. Go to bed.
I kept it in my files soooo....
150 Things To Do Instead of Drinking
1. Read a book
2. Take a walk
3. Play a musical instrument
4. Knit
5. Clean your closets
6. Research your genealogy
7. Cook a gourmet dinner
8. Write an article for your local newspaper
9. Go take some pictures
10. Clean the mildew in your bathroom
11. Start writing that book you've been planning
12. Plan a garden
13. Plant a garden
14. Play with a pet
15. Read to a child
16. Visit someone in an old folks' home
17. Watch a news special on TV
18. Set up a family budget
19. Make a web site
20. Take up archery
21. Exercise
22. Go to an online recovery meeting
23. Surf the internet
24. Call your mom
25. Learn a foreign language
26. Write a poem
27. Play golf
28. Take a bubble bath
29. Draw
30. Teach a parakeet to whistle
31. Take a nap
32. Listen to music
33. Paint
34. Clean your desk
35. Start a stamp collection
36. Go window shopping
37. Browse in a book store
38. Go to an art gallery
39. Go for a drive
40. Paint a room
41. Watch the clouds go by
42. Play darts
43. Do target shooting
44. Do home repairs
45. Clean your garage
46. Sort your photographs
47. Make a scrapbook
48. Climb a tree
49. Plant a tree
50. Make marmalade
51. Make a list of things to do
52. Write a letter to the editor
53. Volunteer somewhere
54. Take a hike
55. Take a college class
56. Try yoga
57. Meditate
58. Get a massage
59. Make fruit smoothies
60. Bake cookies
61. Do a crossword puzzle
62. Go to the gym
63. Plant a color bowl
64. Sharpen your pruning tools
65. Change your engine oil
66. Sew
67. Groom your dog
68. Go see a play
69. Write a sonnet
70. Sort your recipes
71. Play solitaire
72. Go bird watching
73. Write a letter to a friend
74. Read a poetry book
75. Repot your houseplants
76. Go to a movie
77. Mow your lawn
78. Put up (or take down) your Christmas lights
79. Make pickles
80. Go jogging
81. Watch sitcoms
82. Plan menus for a diet
83. Do a jigsaw puzzle
84. Play chess
85. Write a country-western song
86. Watch a video
87. Go for a bike ride
88. Plant an herb garden
89. Start an online journal
90. Dye your hair
91. Go to a restaurant
92. Lift weights
93. Bake some bread
94. Learn a martial art
95. Polish the furniture
96. Make a flower arrangement
97. Read the newspaper
98. Start some seeds
99. Sort your magazines
100. Do some laundry.
111. Take a nature walk
112. Play with your kids
113. Volunteer at a homeless shelter
114. Volunteer at a school
115. Pick up garbage in a park
116. Tickle your kids
117. Play basketball
118. Volunteer at an animal shelter
119. Read to a child or pet
120. Sign up for obedience training with your dog
121. Take a walk and pick up litter you see on the way
122. Spend time at the library
123. Sort all your digital photos and make an album to print for holiday gifts to family.
124. Help your kid organize his closet.
125. Figure out the melody and chords to your current favorite tune on the piano.
126. Practice your holiday cookie recipes
127. Make crackers from scratch (that one didn't go so well).
128. Make tortillas from scratch (better).
129. Reread a book you haven't read for years.
130. Tango
131. Learn about someone else’s religion.
132. Reread one of your college textbooks.
133. Key out a wildflower.
134. Do your nails.
135. Do word puzzles.
136. Play a board game.
137. Burn CD’s of some of your favorite music for a friend.
138. Plant a bonsai.
139. Play Mad Libs.
140. Speak only in heroic couplets for an hour.
141. Read poetry online.
142. Ride a stationary bicycle.
143. Set up a domino topple.
144. Play backgammon.
145. Build a house of cards
146. Make an entry in Wikipedia.
147. Read a world almanac.
148. Publish a family newsletter.
149. Throw cards at a hat.
150. Go to bed.
contemplating
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Atlanta, Georgia
Posts: 16
wow
I cant believe how many people responded to my thread! Thanks for the help...i will work on looking into things in my area....one thing that doesnt help is that I am not into AA (or twelve step view of treatment). I think its a great program...just not for me...
Member
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Houston, TX
Posts: 2,126
A couple of previous posters said it best for me, cept'n I might change from 'almost anything' to 'absolutely everything.' So, I guess there's no sense in trying to add to Carol's great list..... (o:
"...I do everything I would normal do, just sober. Everyone's different, but it has worked for me..."
"...Well, you can do almost anything sober, except drink or use drugs..."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
You did say one thing that caught my eye.....:
"...I cant believe how many people responded to my thread! Thanks for the help...i will work on looking into things in my area....one thing that doesnt help is that I am not into AA (or twelve step view of treatment). I think its a great program...just not for me..."
Okey-dokey, so AA and/or twelve step pgms aren't for you.....BUT....did you ever consider going if only for the sober fellowship....? just a li'll suggestion; there should be lots of sober folks with whom to do sober things.....eh? Hangin' out 'n around lots of AAer's gave me the opportunity to do things without the fear of picking up (and 22 year later it still works).....just a thought..... (o:
NoelleR
"...I do everything I would normal do, just sober. Everyone's different, but it has worked for me..."
"...Well, you can do almost anything sober, except drink or use drugs..."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
You did say one thing that caught my eye.....:
"...I cant believe how many people responded to my thread! Thanks for the help...i will work on looking into things in my area....one thing that doesnt help is that I am not into AA (or twelve step view of treatment). I think its a great program...just not for me..."
Okey-dokey, so AA and/or twelve step pgms aren't for you.....BUT....did you ever consider going if only for the sober fellowship....? just a li'll suggestion; there should be lots of sober folks with whom to do sober things.....eh? Hangin' out 'n around lots of AAer's gave me the opportunity to do things without the fear of picking up (and 22 year later it still works).....just a thought..... (o:
NoelleR
Member
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: LA - Lower Alabama
Posts: 5,068
Noelle has a great point. There are tons of sober people you can meet in AA, I do some fishing with some of them regularly.
I don't know if you have a problem with the God talk in AA, but you are talking about maybe 30 seconds of a one hour meeting.
In my experience you are as likely to hear adult language at an AA meeting as preaching. In fact no one has ever asked me about my beliefs, where I went to church (or even if I went to church) if I believed in Jesus, etc. Not even my sponsor.
So if this is the reason you are opposed to AA, I would urge you to at least go give it a try and form your own opinion.
I don't know if you have a problem with the God talk in AA, but you are talking about maybe 30 seconds of a one hour meeting.
In my experience you are as likely to hear adult language at an AA meeting as preaching. In fact no one has ever asked me about my beliefs, where I went to church (or even if I went to church) if I believed in Jesus, etc. Not even my sponsor.
So if this is the reason you are opposed to AA, I would urge you to at least go give it a try and form your own opinion.
Member
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: my room in ct.
Posts: 58,110
dj, around these parts, living on Long Island Sound...
and yes, it is long!
we chartered a paddlewheeler, and have what we dub...
The No Booze Cruise!
food, dancing, laughs, dramamine, and karaoke...
and a bunch of sober drunks singing karaoke aint music to ones ears!
rz
and yes, it is long!
we chartered a paddlewheeler, and have what we dub...
The No Booze Cruise!
food, dancing, laughs, dramamine, and karaoke...
and a bunch of sober drunks singing karaoke aint music to ones ears!
rz
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