“ … we aren’t a glum lot.” – The Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous, pg. 132
In the scope of all of the fears that permeate getting sober, one of which is that we will never enjoy ourselves again. This question, “How will I ever have any fun without a drink or drug in hand?” is based on our reliance of substances to provide for us things we think we have been without.
Perhaps when we initially began drinking and using there was the feeling of instant invincibility and our perceived notion that we could be friendly and fun where without that drink or drug, we believed we would never be able to feel comfortable enough to do so. In effect, we began to treat this symptom, this belief of an inability to fit in, with the drink or drug, which we believed allowed us to suddenly become a caped and masked superhero. Finally, we thought, not only do we fit in but the lampshade on our respective heads amused everyone far and wide. Or so we thought.
The truth is that through our ever-widening highway of sobriety, we learn more and more that fun is there for the taking. Maybe we always wanted to engage in an activity to which we were drawn but never sober enough to follow through on to even make the initial attempt. Now, all doors are open to us, we can seek our heart’s desire and enjoy ourselves along the way. We have learned how to throw our heads back and laugh. In the dawn of our Recovery, we begin to realize we have a bond with others who suffered in, possibly, the very same way. The staff at this Los Angeles drug rehab understands the root of this fear and teaches us that enjoying oneself is paramount as well as shows us how to do just that.
Laughter and joy are waiting for you on the other side of the darkness to which we may have become so accustomed. Our fellows encourage the very idea and we move toward a life that allows us to be happy, joyous and free.