One of the best things you can do to help boost your recovery and maintain your sobriety is to find healthy hobbies you really enjoy that can keep you busy. The distraction is always a good thing, and if an activity gets you active, even better. But what about video games? Playing any kind of video game is extremely popular around the globe in today’s society,and there’s no denying that they’re excellent as a distraction. But for people in recovery from drug or alcohol addiction, is playing a video game a safe, healthy hobby?
Like a good many other things, it’s entirely dependent on the person. Most people can casually play games, anything from Angry Birds to Call of Duty, but if a person has struggled with addiction in the past, it’s extremely important that they ensure that they’re not simply trading one addiction for another. Video games make great distractions, but at times, they can be too immersive for some people who’ve struggled with addiction, leading them to play for far longer than they should. In certain games, like Skyrim that have an open world concept, it’s easy to literally get lost in the game for hours at a time, and that’s not entirely different than losing chunks of time due to drugs or alcohol. It can be a slippery slope, and the feeling of being some engrossed in something may even prove to be a trigger for some people.
Speaking of triggers, a large majority of video games are chock full of them. There’s references to drugs and alcohol, some games have actually included alcohol in their game and even added ‘drunk’ effects, and the stress that comes with some games can drive people back into addiction before they even realize what’s happened. In addition, video games that are played online with other people hold additional risks: people can be cruel online, and there’s a chance someone could say something that triggers an intense urge to use drugs or alcohol again.
Like most hobbies, for the most part, videogames are a great way to unwind and focus on something else for a while, but if you’ve struggled with drug or alcohol addiction in the past, make sure you keep all things in moderation, and talk to your sponsor or drug counselor if you’re worried.
Finding the right hobbies to help you stay busy is extremely important to a well-rounded recovery, and even if you feel unsure what you may want to do, The Springboard Center can help you rediscover a lost passion or try something new as you work through your treatment program. If you’re struggling with drug or alcohol addiction, there IS hope for a better tomorrow. Call today: 432-620-0255.
