When you are in recovery from a substance use disorder, there are plenty of places it is a good idea to avoid. For example, you do not want to hang out at a bar. You should steer clear of any places where you used to purchase or use drugs. And you should not hang out anywhere that might trigger feelings you associate with drug use.
On the other hand, there are plenty of places you can go in recovery that offer various kinds of support to your ongoing efforts to leave drugs and alcohol in your past.
Let’s take a look at three such places.
Check It Out: The Library in Recovery
In a time when many people seem to think public libraries might no longer be necessary, we would like to argue that a good library can be a great resource for a person in recovery from a substance use disorder.
What can you find at your library? Well, you can find books (and other media) about topics related to your recovery—like books about the recovery journey, memoirs by those who have overcome a drug or alcohol issue, and inspiring fiction that connects to your experience. But even if you have no interest in a deep dive into recovery materials, your library offers opportunities to learn about just about anything, an amazing array of stories to enjoy, a friendly place to get together with friends for conversation, and often much more. As an added bonus, library resources and services are free, which means you can take advantage of all the potential benefits without incurring any cost at all.
For a deeper dive into the ways a library can support your recovery, check out this previous blog post.
It’s No Act: The Theater in Recovery
Heading out to see a play or musical—whether a professional production or an amateur effort—is a great way to spend an afternoon or evening. And when you attend with friends who are supportive of your recovery, you can enjoy a wonderful shared experience at the theater.
If you live in a place with a community theater—that is, a theater where the actors and the technicians are everyday members of the community—you might very well be able to get involved. Whether you want to try out to be in a production, would be more comfortable working behind the scenes, or might like volunteering in the box office or as an usher, your local theater can offer an array of experiences. Embracing your own creativity is a good way to support your ongoing recovery journey. Just be careful when it comes time for the cast party; make sure you attend with someone who will support you if too much alcohol is on offer for comfort.
A New Way to Look at Things: The Museum in Recovery
When was the last time you went to a museum? It might have been an art museum or a natural history museum or a science museum, or a museum dedicated to a singular topic of one sort or another. A good museum can be a place of discovery—even if you think you know what you are going to see in advance.
Museums encourage us to slow down and really look at things—a work of art, an archeological treasure, or what have you. Spending time in these spaces, whether with friends or on your own, gets you out of the daily rush and gives you a chance to pay close attention to something that interests—or even fascinates—you. Many museums offer free or low-cost admission, which means you can see amazing things without breaking the bank. The spirit of discovery that can be sparked by visiting museums supports your recovery efforts.
The Place to Get Started Is French Creek Recovery Center
If you are struggling with drugs or alcohol, you might be reluctant to seek out treatment for one reason or another. You might be embarrassed or convinced that you can handle the problem on your own, or even unconvinced that you have a problem at all. We get it. But we also understand that the longer you continue to use drugs or alcohol, the more damage you will do to your physical health, your mental health, your relationships, your finances, and so much more.
That is why we believe the best time to get help for a substance use disorder is always right now. There is just no advantage to putting it off—for any reason. Happily, we know a place that can help you when you are ready to make a change.
Located in Meadville, Pennsylvania, French Creek Recovery Center can help you overcome a substance use disorder. We provide personalized treatment as we see you through our medically supervised detox and therapy-intensive rehab programs. We can also address co-occurring mental health disorders, including depression, anxiety, and issues grounded in trauma experiences. When your time in treatment comes to an end, you can count on French Creek to provide ongoing support and resources so that you can launch your recovery journey with confidence.