Having Fun
in Addiction Recovery

When the majority of people think of drinking and recreational drug use, they think of having a good time. Throwing back a couple “cold ones” while watching football with friends, enjoying a glass of wine alongside a nice dinner out on the town, smoking marijuana before a comedy show and laughing until your sides hurt. If you have been struggling with a substance use disorder, there is a good chance that drinking and drugging is no longer fun. You might repeatedly try to experience the same feelings of enjoyment, pleasure or relief you felt once upon a time — continuously chasing the high, so to speak. But when you’re thoroughly honest with yourself, you have to admit that your substance of choice is no longer working for you. In fact, quite the contrary. It has been causing an increasing amount of issues in your life, from relationship problems and a lack of productivity at work to anxiety, depression and deep, unrelenting feelings of hopelessness and despair. Despite this fact, many people avoid seeking the professional help they need because they are worried they won’t have fun in recovery; that once they commit to sobriety, parties and events and social gatherings will be off the table, and the world will be bleak and bland and boring. In reality, addiction recovery can be extremely fun, and the kind of fun you have when you are sober is genuine, authentic and fulfilling.

At Immersion Recovery Center we have witnessed how fun recovery can be firsthand. We spend a good deal of time teaching our clients how to have fun, so that when they graduate from our program they feel confident in their ability to enjoy life to the fullest. Contact us today to learn more.

Addiction Recovery Myths & Facts

If you haven’t experienced addiction recovery firsthand, you might think you know what to expect — but chances are, your experience will be completely different from what you’re expecting! Below, we debunk several addiction recovery myths.

Myth #1: Addiction recovery is boring. Sober people sit in meetings all day; you can say goodbye to any semblance of a social life as soon as you get sober.
Fact: Addiction recovery is fun, and you will undeniably develop a solid circle of friends who you can have real, authentic fun with.

Myth #2: There are a ton of hard-to-follow rules when it comes to addiction recovery.
Fact: In truth, there is only one “rule” — don’t pick up a drink or a drug no matter what. So long as you do everything in your power to stay sober you are in good shape. People might offer suggestions, but it is ultimately up to you whether or not to take them,.

Myth #3: You have to avoid social events where there is alcohol, otherwise you are at risk of drinking.
Fact: While it is a good idea to steer clear of any triggering social events during your first year, once you work through the 12 Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous you can safely go anywhere without risking a relapse. It all depends on your spiritual fitness — if you’re in a good place mentally and emotionally, you need not avoid any event you want to go to.

We Are Here For You

Let Us Help You Heal

Our Drug & Alcohol detoxification experience is second to none.

Learn how we can help by speaking with one of our Treatment Advisors today.

Can Addiction Recovery Be Fun?

Can addiction recovery be fun? If so, what does that look like? Many young people who struggle with a substance use disorder are hesitant about committing to a complete lifestyle change.

having fun in recovery fun in sobriety

It can be difficult to dive headfirst into something you know nothing about. If you have spent your life thus far engaging in substance use regularly, living a life of sobriety is a complete unknown. It is completely normal to be a bit trepidatious. You might be wondering what it is you even like to do – you might have spent your weekends partying for as long as you can remember. Do you like spending time outside? Will you find a hobby you enjoy… how will you even know what options to explore? Rather than looking at recovery as something scary or anxiety-inducing, try looking at your sober journey as an opportunity to get to know yourself better. Flip the script, and tell yourself, “This is exciting; a whole new world of possibilities will be at my fingertips.”

What Should I Expect From the Treatment Process?

Coming to terms with being sober is one thing. As you undergo addiction treatment you’ll likely find yourself warming up to the idea of living a life of sobriety. While you are engaged in addiction treatment you will learn more about the reasons behind your substance use. You will begin to understand that living a sober life is quite the opposite of limiting. Even while you’re engaged in treatment you will start to do things you could never do while you were still using, things like have authentic fun at the beach, develop meaningful relationships with other people, and begin fostering a sense of self-worth and self-love.

But what should you expect from the treatment process? This process is highly individualized, and it will look different for everyone. However, some things you can definitely expect are:

  • Undergoing drug or alcohol withdrawal in a medical detox facility under the close care of a team of medical professionals, who will work together to make the process as short-lived and comfortable as possible.
  • Learning about addiction as a chronic and relapsing medical condition; one which can be effectively treated, but never cured.
  • Undergoing intensive individual, group, and family therapy, which allows for thorough and comprehensive healing on a mental and emotional basis.
  • Participating in a range of recreational activities which take advantage of the beautiful natural scenery throughout South Florida (specifically around Boynton Beach, where the Immersion Recovery Center facility is located).
  • Having real fun. Addiction treatment might seem like a lot of hard, stressful work, but it is guaranteed that you will have fun along the way. As is the case with anything in life, you get out of the process exactly what you put into it. If you go in with an open mind and an optimistic attitude, you will have a rich and rewarding experience — no question.

Our Drug & Alcohol Treatment Services Include


The Immersion Experience

At Immersion Recovery Center we believe that addiction recovery can and should be fun, fulfilling, and full of adventure. We carefully chose the location of our facility, ensuring the setting is not only rich in recreational activities but right in the heart of what has become a thriving recovery community.

having fun in addiction recovery

Immersion Recovery Center is located in a quiet residential neighborhood just a short car ride from downtown Delray Beach, a vibrant community where program residents can grab a bite to eat, shop for fresh produce at a local farmer’s market, check out a First Friday Art Walk or rent an electric bike and take an afternoon, beachside ride. With miles of pristine, white sand beaches and beautiful turquoise waters, residents can trek to the beach to watch the sunrise, meditate in solitude, or attend an outdoor 12-Step meeting. Many of our clients choose to stay in the area after they complete our program, seeing as there is so much to do and so much fun to be had.

How to Have Fun After Addiction Treatment

You recently completed inpatient treatment, and you have either moved into a South Florida sober living home or you have transitioned back into fully independent living. You might be engaged in an intensive outpatient treatment program, or you might be meeting with an individual therapist and working through the steps in a 12 Step program. How can you successfully balance a life of sobriety with a life of fun and fulfillment? We have several recommendations, and remember that you are always welcome to reach out to us directly for a list of resources or for more ideas!

  • Find a job you look forward to going to. Work doesn’t have to be dull or boring. Find something that you find interesting, and remember to acknowledge your progress.
  • Schedule a regular event with a group of friends. Maybe every Friday is movie night, or every Saturday you go to a meeting and fellowship at a new restaurant afterwards. Carve out time to develop your social life while further bolstering your sobriety.
  • Be adventurous. Start saying “yes.” If you get invited to something you are hesitant about, try giving it a shot rather than shying away (unless, of course, it might put your sobriety at risk).
  • Spend time outside when you can. South Florida has endless opportunities for outdoor exploration, from trails and hikes to beach trips.

Ready To Begin Your Drug & Alcohol Treatment?

Let Us Help Your Family Heal

Our family therapy program is second to none.
Learn how we can help your family by calling a Treatment Advisor now.

(888) 693-1604

10 Fun Sober Activities

There are countless ways to have fun in sobriety. The more time you spend sober, the more you will recognize what it is you like to do in your spare time. If you’re having trouble deciding where to start, here are several ideas:

  1. Take up an adventurous (or extreme) sport like white water rafting or deep sea diving.
  2. Throw a board game night with some close friends.
  3. Find a new restaurant to eat at and dress up before going out.
  4. Go mini golfing or bowling with a friend or a group of friends.
  5. Go horseback riding.
  6. Volunteer with a local organization.
  7. Have a yard sale.
  8. Explore a town a couple of hours away (mini road trip)!
  9. Take a pottery class or a painting class; learn a new skill.
  10. Try to cook something a bit extravagant, like chicken cordon bleu.

Begin Healing Now!

Have A Call With One Of Our Treatment Advisors

  • Individual Focus

  • Caring & Experienced Staff

  • Homestyle Retreat

  • Fully Licensed & Accredited 

Don’t Suffer Any Longer

We’ll Call You

Private & Confidential

Contact Us Today to Learn More

If you are interested in learning more facts about drug and alcohol rehab, contact Immersion Recovery Center directly. We want to ensure you feel confident and well-informed before making any major decisions. As soon as you or your loved one makes the decision to seek professional help we will be available to walk you through the admissions and early recovery process. As soon as you contact us, either through our website or directly over the phone, you will be put in touch with one of our knowledgeable Treatment Advisors. You will undergo a brief pre-assessment over the phone which helps our clinical team determine whether or not our program of recovery is the best fit for you. We offer a free, no obligation insurance benefit check, and arrange local transportation to our Delray Beach, Florida treatment center. All you have to do is reach out and we will take care of the rest.

Get Started Now
Give us a call 24/7
(888) 693-1604

Immersion Recovery Center Logo
Susan-Shirley

Reviewed for accuracy by :

Serving as the Inpatient Clinical Director at Immersion Recovery Center, Susan will work directly with staff members, clients, and family members to ensure the clinical program remains as effective and individualized as possible. Susan is no stranger to the fields of behavioral health and addiction. She has over 25 years of experience, working in an inpatient setting, an outpatient setting, acute stabilization and nearly all other settings in the realm of addiction recovery.