Another reason for my love of backpacking is the escape from modern life it provides. As a recovering alcoholic, I find that the circle of friends I built during my twenties centered most of our social life around drinking. Brunches, Happy Hours, tailgating, etc. There was seldom an event that wasn’t based around the idea of consuming alcohol – often irresponsibly.
After seeking treatment at a treatment center and disengaging from some of my more toxic friends, I realized that I didn’t really have an outlet. I had spent so much time in my twenties drinking, going to bars, and partying that I didn’t really develop any hobbies.
Getting professional help was a good step and it was the way I formally acknowledged my addiction. But finding backpacking, hiking, and camping helped me fill the void left behind by cutting this large part out of my life.