Sober Activities in Atlanta
Atlanta is a vibrant, urban setting with plenty to see and do. You can find multiple avenues for support in your recovery, as well as fun activities to enjoy. This city truly has something for everyone. Whether you enjoy historic sites, being outdoors, or wandering through museums, you can find activities that are absorbing as well as fun.
- Explore the Atlanta BeltLine: The BeltLine is an incredible outdoor space. It’s made up of 22 miles of former railroad tracks and circles the in-town neighborhoods of Atlanta. It connects numerous neighborhoods and parks and is perfect for hiking, biking, skating, or grabbing a bite to eat.
- Visit the High Museum of Art: The High Museum has more than 15,000 pieces in its permanent collection, including a growing collection of African American art. You can get in for free on the second Sunday of every month from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
- Do yoga for free: Several Atlanta parks offer outdoor yoga for free. For example, Colony Square in Midtown offers weekly yoga on Wednesdays at 6 p.m.
- Wander the Silver Comet Trail: This trail is a bit outside the city, but it’s worth the trip. As one of Georgia’s great nature paths, it has 60 miles of paved trails for walking, biking, or rollerblading. Be sure to take water, as the water fountains on the trail may not be working.
- Visit Autrey Mill: This nature preserve in Georgia sits on 46 acres and has three miles of trails. You can enjoy it on your own or attend a workshop or lecture or take a guided tour.
- Visit the Martin Luther King, Jr. Historic Site: Atlanta has a rich civil rights history, which you can explore at this site. You should start at the Visitor Center, where you can view the D.R.E.A.M. Gallery and sign up to tour the birth home. You can also see the BEHOLD Monument, explore the “I Have a Dream” World Peace Rose Garden, and visit the historic Ebenezer Baptist Church.
- Explore Ponce City Market: This hip mixed-use space has restaurants and shops to enjoy, all in a refurbished Sears, Roebuck, and Company building.
- Enjoy Centennial Olympic Park: This park was built for the 1996 Olympics. During the summer they have free music on Wednesday evenings.
- Tour Castleberry Hill: Castleberry Hill is a historic neighborhood that has transformed into an arts district. On the second Friday of each month, they offer ArtStroll, which is a free self-guided gallery tour.
- Visit the Atlanta Contemporary: This museum offers free admission and has regularly rotating exhibits.
- Check out the Underground Atlanta: This underground space spans 12 acres and has shopping and entertainment options, including a scavenger hunt and a guided walking tour. Each Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. you can enjoy free samples from more than 60 food trucks.
Meetings
Support group meetings are essential for many recovering addicts. You may want to attend one or more support groups to provide you with support. You can also find mentors through Atlanta’s many support groups. You can find 12-step meetings throughout the Atlanta area. These groups are led by others in recovery, and they include Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous.
Meeting structure varies but typically includes reading from books and pamphlets associated with the program and sharing what’s going on in your life. Many members seek out a sponsor, which is a more experienced member. Your sponsor can help you work through the steps. You can also find support groups that are led by a counselor. These support groups may focus on recovering from a specific substance or focus on a specific group, such as women or executives. These groups may include an educational component as well.
Health
When you were struggling with your addiction, your health may have taken a back seat. Substance abuse can also be extremely hard on your body. Atlanta has a wealth of opportunities to explore the outdoors and get the exercise you need. Sunshine can also help improve your mood. Atlanta also has a great food scene, so you can find restaurants that provide healthy and delicious meals.