Recovering addicts with no hobbies or interests outside of their addiction and/or work have a high risk of relapse. This has been observed by many addiction counselors. One psychologist with expertise in addiction told me that according to one study, on average, a person in Recovery with two to three consistent hobbies optimizes his or her chances for a successful Recovery.
The various Recovery fellowships in the community all recommend this as well. Contrary to statements made by some of their detractors, Recovery fellowships (such as 12-step organizations) all insist that Recovery should be an enjoyable process. This includes the pursuit of hobbies or avocational interests.
Nothing is more hopeless than an addict with no interests outside of his or her addiction. This subgroup is usually doomed to failure and I have personally witnessed many relapses (and deaths) occur in this unfortunate subset.
Daily meetings are necessary in the first few months of Recovery, and on a regular basis thereafter. However, I feel that meetings alone cannot be a viable solution in the long run; in other words the Recovery fellowships teach us that we must also enjoy good times, with diverse activities being an essential component of one’s Recovery.
What kind of hobbies are recommended? Healthy friendships and hobbies should not be mutually exclusive. In general, activities that involve other people such as musical groups, bands, or team sports may be preferable to solo piano practicing or solitary jogging. These, of course, are just guidelines or suggestions. A solitary hobby is infinitely preferable to no hobby at all; however, a solitary hobby that becomes obsessive and takes up all of one’s time is definitely not recommended.
A hobby may be something as simple as taking an enjoyable and interesting course, but this should not be confused with courses taken for professional reasons or career considerations. The purpose of a hobby is to increase one’s zest for life, especially at a time when addicts’ lives are at an emotional and spiritual low-point. A hobby is not one’s career. Although a career may be enjoyable for some fortunate individuals, the recovering addict cannot depend on a career alone to provide fulfillment, just like he or she cannot rely on meetings alone.
To summarize:
- A hobby is not a career;
- A hobby is not a meeting;
- A hobby should be enjoyable, otherwise it is not a hobby. It is a waste of time;
- Between two and three hobbies is probably an optimal number; a single hobby may promote obsessiveness; more than three hobbies probably dilutes one’s dedication;
- A hobby should preferably be a group activity with people who of course are not a danger to one’s Recovery;
- A hobby pursued alone is better than no hobby at all;
- Having no hobbies or interests greatly increases one’s risk of relapse.
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