How an ex-client of Recovery Advocates describes their experience the importance of having fun while in sobriety…

When I first got sober, I didn’t know how to have fun without alcohol. At least, I didn’t think I did; I had no experience with having fun while being sober. Everything in my life revolved around drinking.

To someone like me, the idea of getting sober was at first very scary. What would replace drinking? Was there a sufficient substitute? I had no idea. People could tell me that there was, but I had to experience it on my own. I found out that there is a substitute for drinking that is much more than just that – turns out that the highs I have experienced since getting sober are far superior to anything I ever experienced while intoxicated – or even while I was living a life that included drinking.

The more I drank, the less it worked – its “positive” impact decreased, and the downward spiral appeared permanent. On the other hand, and happily for me, the principles I’ve learned in the program of Alcoholics Anonymous go in the opposite direction: the more I practice them, the better they work – and its upwards direction appears permanent.

"After thirty-six years in recovery and twenty years in addiction treatment, I am now solely focused on providing personal, 1-on-1 recovery management services to those in need. When I most needed it someone reached out and took my hand and help save my life. Ever since I have dedicated myself to returning that kindness. When I was in dire straits many years ago with an addiction to drugs and alcohol, all I wanted to do was STOP! With the support of skilled clinicians and generous men and women in the recovery community I was not only able to stop, but discovered that I was becoming a better man, a better husband, better father, better colleague, better neighbor, and a better human being. I also found that the key to my happiness is found in service to others. I have dedicated my life to this task and have been gifted with the opportunity to direct others to the discovery of that better life."

- Stuart Birnbaum, Founder