Sober Fun & Fulfilling Activities Menu
A recovery-focused behavioural activation worksheet with 18 sober activity ideas and a weekly log of activities, enjoyment and cravings.
1-page fillable PDF · US Letter (prints on A4) · Behavioural activation for substance use
- Approach / concern
- Recovery & Addiction
- Technique
- Behavioural activation for substance use
- Format
- Fillable PDF, 1 page (US Letter / A4)
- Access
- Pro and Advanced plans (3-day free trial)
- For
- Licensed clinicians to use with clients
- Updated
- October 2026
Key facts
What is the Sober Fun & Fulfilling Activities Menu?
Building alternative rewarding activities is a key part of recovery from substance use. Behavioural activation approaches increase engagement in substance-free, valued activities that compete with substance use.
Why it works
A behavioural activation treatment for substance use improved post-treatment abstinence in a randomized trial (Daughters et al., 2018). Lifestyle balance is also central to relapse prevention (Marlatt & Donovan, 2005).
When to use it
- Early and ongoing recovery
- Boredom as a relapse trigger
- Rebuilding social networks
- Residential discharge planning
How to use it in session
- Explore what substances used to provide (fun, relief, connection).
- Tick and add activities.
- Schedule a few each week.
- Rate enjoyment and cravings.
- Expand what works.
Clinician tips
- Enjoyment often grows with repetition.
- Include social activities with sober supports.
- Plan for high-risk times like Friday nights.
Worked example
Sharing with clients
Members can download the PDF to print or email, or copy a private client link from the download box. Your client opens the link and downloads the worksheet on any device. No client account is needed, and nothing your client writes is stored on TherapyAid.
Frequently asked questions
Why does recovery feel boring at first?
The brain’s reward system adjusts over time. Building new rewarding activities helps, and enjoyment usually increases.
How many activities should I schedule?
Start with a few per week, especially at high-risk times.
References
Daughters, S. B., Magidson, J. F., Anand, D., Seitz-Brown, C. J., Chen, Y., & Baker, S. (2018). The effect of a behavioral activation treatment for substance use on post-treatment abstinence: A randomized controlled trial. Addiction, 113(3), 535-544.
Marlatt, G. A., & Donovan, D. M. (Eds.). (2005). Relapse prevention: Maintenance strategies in the treatment of addictive behaviors (2nd ed.). Guilford Press.
This worksheet is an educational tool for use by, or under the guidance of, a licensed or registered mental-health professional. It is not a diagnostic instrument or a substitute for clinical judgement. If a client is in crisis in Canada, call or text 9-8-8 or call 9-1-1.
