Hi folks, been having a big think about how much I really miss going out dancing. Though using was a factor. I was always known as the friend on the dancefloor for hours. Not sure if anyone has experience about navigating those spaces on a recovery journey.
3 Likes
I miss going out and dancing too. I’ve traded it in for dancing in my living room, my bedroom and at work occasionally. 
Watching a game at the bar was my thing
7+ months and still haven’t gone out
I guess we all have to make our own decision
I was told give yourself an exit strategy and keep your phone handy
Good luck
There is an old song with a line "guilty feet have got no rhythm".
I stopped doing anything for a long time. Took time to work on myself and figure out who I am and what is important to me. Worked through the steps. Attended meetings every day.
Then I started trying a long list of things.
Things I used to enjoy doing as a younger man.
Things I felt sounded interesting, but had no alcohol infused chaos.
I started going to museums, parks, various tourist attractions in the city I lived in for 25 years but never went to.
Found some places to volunteer and try and do some good.
Met up with people who spoke languages I was out of practice in speaking.
Got some grooming at a nicer place. Had a facial to clear out some of the poor hygene I built up over many years. Had a massage and got health issues taken care of.
I tried Contra dancing recently, and have ballroom dance classes on my list now too.
Give it time. Try things after doing research. Try and go to places with someone who has your back.
3 Likes
People
Places
Things
These is exactly what can cost you your clean time.
Be careful can you go out with people that are not using and want to see you exceed? Otherwise stay at home dance the night away. Remember you are worth the sacrifice.
1 Like
At 6 months sober I went dancing with my old drinking buddy and two ladies that were drinking heavily on Halloween. I told the bartender I was sober and the designated driver. He gave me free coffee all night. I got wired on coffee, and wouldn’t dance, not fun:(
Finally at the end I danced to one of my favorite songs. Had lots of fun.
Drove through drunk drivers check point, no problem. One of the ladies puking on the side of the road​:face_vomiting:. Old drinking buddy made out with her right after her puking, I still laugh 
They all slept at my place and the next morning were severely hungover. I was very grateful to be sober and no hangover 
I strongly suggest taking a sober person in recovery with you if you can. Or wait until you are super solid on your sobriety. Please note, I completed the 12 steps by then and KNEW I was solid.
1 Like
I’m just over three years and I don’t “go out” - why even put the temptation out there ? Besides I can’t dance sober and only “think” I can when drunk 
Crew up and don’t navigate alone. I’ve been line dancing and swing dancing clean and sober and it’s a blast. I don’t go with anyone that doesn’t know and support my decision to be who I am. This is a team sport. I have clean friends and I have friends that know I am clean and support me staying that way. If they aren’t on one of those those two teams we don’t go out together. I am worth it and so are you. We can dance if we want to​:notes:
we got all your life and mine!
1 Like
Dancing is a healthy habit to enjoy! Going to dance classes during the day (no alcohol involved for anyone) helped me get sober back in the day. And once you develop sober habits it's easier to go dancing at night.