6 Ways to Deal With Boredom in Addiction Recovery

Boredom and isolation are known relapse triggers for people with substance use disorders. An important way to safeguard your sobriety is to be aware of this and take steps to mitigate it. However, doing so might make it easier for those around you to understand why you’re changing your drinking habits. Some friends may even relate to your goals and decide to join you in cutting back. Your journey in learning how to quit drinking alcohol may be difficult but is well worth it.

• And the truth is that this “just not drinking” thing is your ENTIRE JOB right now.
• Things that people do during that day that don’t involve recovering or boozy brunch.
• Fortunately, there are many things you can do to overcome boredom in sobriety.
• Many people are using alcohol to cope with the stress of everyday life right now.
• So much of an addict’s life is spent thinking about, obtaining, or using drugs, but when that’s taken away when you go to inpatient treatment, you’re left with a lot of free time.

Unfortunately, drinking alcohol because of boredom makes you feel worse which in turn, makes you feel even less confident about going out and making new connections. But self-medicating like this is not just bad for your body, but it is also likely to make your mental health worse. Parties, seasonal events, family meals or work gatherings might spring to mind. Drinking alcohol is often seen as a very https://ecosoberhouse.com/article/what-is-the-life-expectancy-of-an-alcoholic/ social activity, but in truth for millions of people, it’s the total opposite. The association between drinking and having a good time has been perpetuated and promoted for years by companies marketing beer, wine, and spirits. Given the ubiquitous nature of alcohol advertising, you might look forward to having that drink as soon as you walk through the door at home or meet your pals at a bar.

Scientific Progress in Fighting Addiction: Deep Brain Stimulation

Ignoring the harmful effects of alcohol consumption and regularly indulging can have short-term and long-term effects on your health. If you find yourself bored without alcohol or drinking simply because you’re bored, you might be developing an unhealthy relationship with alcohol. Regular drinking is often considered socially appropriate and normal, but if your drinking extends to when you’re alone, that’s a red flag. There’s a very fine line between social drinking and problematic drinking, and one could easily lead to the other and cause serious health implications. Addiction leaves a big hole to fill and if you don’t keep yourself occupied that hole will fill with negative thoughts and actions. Before long you’ll happily accept the newfound peace that boredom can bring.

Having these goals in mind can keep you on track with quitting alcohol. For some people, alcohol consumption can become problematic. Sunnyside members cut back on their drinking by an average of 30% in the first 30 days of using the app.

Patient Support

However, I’m not saying that when you stop drinking, all boredom will instantly be relieved. That being said, if you are able to start your sober journey with a feeling of happiness, these challenges can be easily overcome. The first try may be uncomfortable or unfulfilling, but with practice, the results will improve and it may become more enjoyable over time. Of course, not every new activity will spark a positive reaction, so it’s important to not give up and continue to experiment if the first attempt falls flat. The brain naturally releases neurotransmitters like dopamine as a way to reward a behavior and encourage you to repeat it.

Some members of your social circle may respond with dismissive gestures, like rolling their eyes, or stern verbal objections. Instead, shift your attention drinking out of boredom and time to more supportive friends and family members. You don’t need to gather all your friends in one room and make a big announcement.

Appreciate Your Boredom

Understandably, life often comes wrapped in challenges and stress. But using alcohol to remedy pain, anxiety, or sadness isn’t a sustainable solution. Nonetheless, there’s always room to show yourself more grace and kindness by reaching out for help if you feel you’re spiraling down the wrong track. Finding a safe space to talk about your feelings, emotions, and concerns is one of the best ways to shed light on your situation and create actionable plans to manage it. To do so, you may wish to seek help from a coach, counselor, or healthcare professional. Tracking your drinking with the Sunnyside app also helps you evaluate your habits and measure your progress along the way.