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Having Fun in Recovery

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By Dante Lucchesi, Collegiate Recovery Specialist 

A member of Badger Recovery during his time as a student at UW–Madison, Dante returned to Badger Recovery after graduation as a staff member. As a Collegiate Recovery Specialist, he supports students in recovery from substance use, disordered eating, and addictive behaviors.

About a month or two into my sobriety journey, I was at an all-men’s AA meeting with around 70 chairs, and there were a bunch of people standing. About halfway through the meeting I remember hearing something that has stuck with me. The share-out topic was “enjoying life in sobriety,” and there was an old-timer—what we call long-term, wizened members—who got up and said very loudly, “If you aren’t having fun in sobriety, you’re not doing it right.” Now, this is a rather harsh way of saying, “If things aren’t working, try something else.” Having fun and experiencing joy in sobriety is fundamental to being able to establish long-lasting recovery. This is because, quite simply, why would you want to maintain a new way of life that is less enjoyable than the one you had before? 

Unfortunately, experiencing joy can sometimes be extremely challenging in the first couple years of sobriety because the brain is undergoing tremendous change. Stopping an addictive substance or behavior is a complete shock to the system, and it can take a while for our brain chemistry to relearn how to make us feel good again. This phenomenon of being unable to feel pleasure is referred to as “anhedonia.” Your old hobbies may not feel fun anymore, or previously pleasurable activities might feel like they’ve lost their color. I bring this up not to instill fear, but to remind anyone in early sobriety that anhedonia is perfectly normal. It’s to be expected. It is not permanent. 

Now is the time to try new things. All of the hobbies that you kept in the, “I’ll get to it eventually” category should be put back on the table. Like the old-timer said, “If you’re not having fun in sobriety, you’re not doing it right.” Here are some ideas: get weirdly into doing puzzles, explore a new exercise modality that you’ve wanted to try and obsess over it, or dive into DIY opportunities like crochet, painting, woodworking, pottery, jewelry making, and knitting.  Chances are that because your brain chemistry is still all out of whack, some of these things are not going to be enjoyable, or you’re not going to be happy in the short term. That is okay. Just because some things don’t end up being fun does not mean that nothing will.  

In the last two years I have demolished sudoku books, bound some journals, made a fool of any puzzle unlucky enough to meet me, drawn stuff, captured the essence of the sea in resin artwork, learned card tricks, forgot card tricks, and read tens of books. I made friends at Badger Recovery, and with them I have won laser tag and Spikeball, lost board games and dignity, soared on trampolines, and laughed until my belly hurt.  

Nothing changes if nothing changes. The most important attribute or mindset in early recovery is not the ability to show up to everything perfectly, or drop all of your vices, or suddenly become the perfect version of yourself. The most important thing is that you continue to try. This Recovery Month, I invite you to try. If you are looking for something new to do, Badger Recovery has a full lineup of events this month. I’d love to see you there.  

Find Connection and Fun During Recovery Month 

Badger Recovery offers a welcoming, judgment-free space for students in recovery from substance use, disordered eating, and addictive behaviors to find connection, heal, and receive support. Join Badger Recovery this September for social events, peer-led recovery meetings, and individual recovery coaching.  

Here are Dante’s picks for upcoming recovery-friendly events, hosted by Badger Recovery: 

  • Pizza and Games with Badger Recovery: Friday, September 26 | 4–6 p.m. | Room 8808, 333 East Campus Mall 

For a full recovery meeting schedule, list of events, and more information visit the Badger Recovery webpage or connect with Badger Recovery on Instagram.