In the midst of these stimuli that keep us busy, engaged, and upbeat about our lives, it can be easy to assume that life of its own accord is here to entertain us. Here it’s helpful to have a working definition of boredom. If you’re having difficulty sticking to your goal or just want some extra guidance, consider reaching out for professional support. Consider writing them down and keeping notes on hand, so you have a physical reminder to look at when you need it to help motivate you to stay the course. Feeling at your best physically can boost resilience and emotional strength, equipping you to weather challenges that trigger the desire to drink. From monthlong sobriety challenges to the Sober Curious movement, more and more people are taking a closer look at the role alcohol plays in their lives.
One of the best things you can do for yourself when you’re feeling bored in sobriety is to find a way to serve others. Right now, you’re doing a very hard thing, and sometimes hard things feel lonely. Fortunately, there are more ways than ever to connect with like-minded people who are fellow travelers on this path. It’s pretty normal to reduce the entire experience of boredom in sobriety to missing alcohol and believing that getting drunk is the primary way you (and everyone else) have fun. Talk to other family members and tell them of your boredom so that they can support and work with you in determining other paths to fulfillment.
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And the more I felt them, the more intense and blinding they would get. We are stressed-out, overstimulated, tech-obsessed creatures. Pile on some sobriety struggle, and it’s a recipe for madness. I found myself planning little outings when I got sober because I needed to figure out what it meant to have fun again. If you have a willing friend or family member, take them along.
About 20% of Americans with an anxiety or mood disorder such as depression have an alcohol or other substance use disorder. If you feel comfortable doing so, discuss your challenges with your primary healthcare professional. Finding a therapist can also be a great starting point if you’re uncomfortable opening up to your healthcare professional. You might run into obstacles along the way that tempt you to drink. Keep in mind the reasons you chose to cut back on or quit alcohol.
Drinking Out of Boredom
This puts those who have formed an attachment to alcohol in a very vulnerable position. Eating well, staying hydrated, getting physical activity, and not stocking up on drinking out of boredom alcohol for the winter are other helpful strategies to stop drinking out of boredom. OnceOnce, I could be bored shitless and I’ll walk around the block, and it’s gone.
- If executed early and properly, boredom will have no opportunity to lead to dangerous experimentation with potentially addictive behaviors.
- From drinking on the weekends with buds, to drinking on thirsty Thursday and taco Tuesday, to having a few beers after work everyday to wind down and enjoy my time.
- Various factors lead individuals to abuse alcohol, including genetic traits, environmental reasons, and societal factors.
- If you’re having trouble making this change alone, Sunlight Recovery offers programs like individual therapy, group therapy and medical detox to help you with drug and alcohol treatment.
- Andy explains how a straightforward, 7-stage process enabled him to change a lifelong addiction to alcohol.
- By seeking professional help, you can find resources to stop drinking and address ongoing issues that can make a huge difference in your recovery.
However, the variety of treatment options make it easier for individuals and families to focus on moderate consumption or complete abstinence. Some drink for pleasure or at social events, while others find themselves drinking for no reason at all.. Regardless of the intent, there are significant health implications that arguably make alcohol the most dangerous substance on the market. Self-medicating can drastically impact overall health and well-being.
Start journaling.
Still, alcohol is a highly addictive substance that can lead to dependency, especially when consuming frequently and in large quantities. Drinking out of boredom may indicate a deeper issue at hand. Drinking out of boredom can reinforce negative feelings and self-medicate. When referring to alcohol addiction, some may conjure up an image of a person consuming multiple daily bottles of low-end vodka and struggling to hold a steady job.
Take responsibility and choose the more creative and productive path. If you are an adult and active yet bored with work or mundane, tedious activities, push yourself to discover new adventures or make new friends. If your job represents a form of security but is painstakingly boring, explore new possibilities for employment even if you never fill out an application or get a job interview. It is a state of mind and requires a committed determination to change. Give us a call and we can help find the right treatment program for you or your loved one – even if it’s not ours!
Whatever the reason for your boredom, drinking can create a negative cycle around it. So whether you are an absent-minded drinker or a lonely or anxious one, what can you do to prevent drinking out of boredom? Here are 5 tips to help you make changes to your drinking habits that could help you feel better, for good. When you don’t feel you have anyone to talk to or anywhere to go, drinks can feel like a constant, a friend.