8 Fun Things to Do Without Alcohol at Night

Finding things to do without alcohol at night is important in early recovery. Here are some ideas.

1. Go to the movies

Kill a few hours with a new flick at your favorite movie theater if you’re struggling with cravings or boredom. Go solo, or take a friend. But don’t limit yourself to movies. Consider the symphony, a play at your local high school or community playhouse, or go see some comedy. Getting out and about for some quality entertainment will make it easier to stay sober at night.

2. Find a festival

Many towns and cities have several festivals throughout the year. Whether it’s a music festival, a harvest festival, a holiday festival, or any other kind of festival, it will offer a range of sober things to do at night. Check your local events calendar for festivals going on near you.

3. Join a club

Whatever your interests, chances are, you’ll find a related club that meets in the evenings. Find a book club, a writing club, a gaming club, a dinner club, or another club that sounds interesting, and attend the meetings. You’ll meet new people, and you’ll have weekly things to do without alcohol at night.

4. Go to dinner with a friend

Dinner out with good friends can be an enjoyable way to spend your evenings. You can even form your own supper club, meeting with sober friends once a week to try out new and exciting restaurants. You can even try a rotating club where you take turns hosting dinner at your homes, and follow up dinner with a card game, movie, or favorite TV show.

5. Hole up at a coffee shop

If you can’t find anything going on in terms of things to do without alcohol at night, spend the evening alone or with a friend at your favorite coffee shop. If you go alone, take along something to work on, such as the novel you’re reading, your notebook or laptop, or even some knitting. It’s a good opportunity to meet other people, and it can be a pleasant, productive way to spend an evening away from home.

6. Take up a hobby

A hobby helps you keep your mind off cravings and use, and it can improve your mood and leave you feeling calm and relaxed. Find a solo hobby, such as making art, playing an instrument, or stargazing, or join a group of friends with similar interests and engage in a hobby together.

7. Work

Getting a second job at night will not only help you stay sober when the sun goes down, but it will also improve your financial situation and provide opportunities to meet other people. An evening job can help combat boredom and fill the long evening hours with a productive pursuit.

8. Take a class

If you’re wondering what to do instead of drinking after work, consider signing up for a class. Your local community college probably has a long list of non-credit courses that anyone can take, such as art, meditation, or self-improvement classes. If you’ve been considering returning to school for a degree, now is a good time to make that happen. Getting involved in school is one of the best things to do without alcohol at night because you’ll need to spend time studying, and you can’t do that very well under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

The sky’s the limit when it comes to things to do without alcohol at night, but it’s important to avoid personal triggers. For example, if you used to drink during sporting events or dance parties, avoid these activities and try new things instead. Keeping busy at night with engaging activities will make it easier to abstain, and you’ll improve your quality of life in the process.

If you’re struggling with addiction and maintaining sobriety, contact Better Addiction Care today. We’ll help you find the right treatment program for your needs. Call us at (800) 429-7690.