Ideas on what to do with free time that doesn't involve drinking?

One of the most important things to do as you work on keeping away from drinking is to get involved with activities with people that doesn’t include drinking. It’s very easy to find groups that are open to people that like what they are doing. I personally joined men’s group that I eventually now lead at our church that both my wife and I are members. The church has many different activities to get involved in. Also your community has all kinds of activities to join. Check out your city activity online. It will help you to stay busy.

Hiking, camping, painting, writing, reading, bowling, movies, get a dog or cat, exercise, 12 step meetings where people go out to dinner after or other activities. I like to watch YouTube, go back to school (I did) at 55.) Anything for me is better than drinking because alcohol will kill me. It took me a little time to find things, but I was so grateful that I was not on the alcoholic death merry go round, I was willing to try a lot.

I know it's cold outside...but I still go for walks everyday...sometimes just 2 or 3 short walks each day,
It takes my mind away from addiction and I feel better.
Joseph

I like to volunteer with the seniors in the nursing homes or assisted living. A lot of them don’t have anyone and they have so much knowledge.

We have to stay busy....sometimes that is difficult to accomplish, so When I don't have motivation...I use discipline...
Just start with little things like brushing your teeth and taking a shower....make goals and make a plan then work on it one step at a time....
Joseph

You can volunteer at a local hospital or blood donation center. The VA also likes volunteers. Stay away from old or new friends who drink. Stay out of bars. Go to the museum or zoo. Volunteer to deliver meals to seniors in your area. Go to a movie theater or mall walk.

What I found was that I had stopped doing some hobbies because they interfered with drinking. I have resumed old hobbies and am enjoying them as much if not more.

@joeyjensen1959 surprisingly I’ve never thought about doing more than one walk per day, that’s such sage advice, thanks for sharing!

I started a hobby. Woodworking. It soon became the best therapy i could get in between meetings and following a program with a sponsor. Then, a very good second income for me.
Before I new it I had re-inveted myself and was doing something i absolutely love and didn't even know that side of me existed.
I keep an open mind and find all kinds of things that were hidden by the disease of addiction.
Be well.

@jaxtapoze