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Try and find ways to build other people into your daily patterns. Different activities will in turn create different thoughts and even the smallest change can start to make a big difference. If you are filling voids in your life with alcohol, then you need to decide what else can fill you up instead. Boredom is a key reason people give for drinking too much and drinking out of boredom like this can become almost a subconscious activity, something that you do whilst doing something else. Drinking because of boredom happens because home is where we feel safe, unjudged – it’s where we can relax. But at home, it’s easy to get a bit too comfortable… you can get a long way down a bottle when you are sitting in front of the TV half-watching some series to pass the time. If you want to reduce the amount of alcohol you drink, it makes sense to avoid busy bars and thirsty friends.
Will being sober make me happy?
Being sober means nothing is slowing down your brain function and the appropriate amount of dopamine is communicating with nerve cells in your brain. The end result is a happier lifestyle in general.
It’s common to believe that there is no possible way that life can be fun without alcohol or drugs, but this is dysfunctional thinking that is actually part of the process of denial. These old unhealthy thinking patterns take time to break and put you at greater risk for relapse. For this reason, establishing healthy (and fun!) habits and behaviors is essential to success in early recovery. It’s okay to take risks in recovery if those risks don’t involve drugs or alcohols, even encouraged. The best way to stop boredom is to step out of your comfort zone and do something you never could have done while drinking or using. You could swim with sharks, or try mountain biking, or try new food.
I drink because I feel lonely
And at 41 years old, Albert started his journey of sobriety and has not touched a drink for the past 17 years. It was there that he discovered Alcoholics Anonymous, a group where people meet up to share their experiences to help each other have the strength and hope to recover from alcoholism. His drinking habit got worse after his parents died. After three suicide attempts, he was taken to IMH where a doctor admitted him for a 23-day detoxification. He also used to drink-drive and had gotten into several accidents while drunk.
Learn how to get control or stop drinking with this mental model called First Principles Thinking. The information here on the Soberclear website isNOT meant to be used as a substitute for medical advice. If you need a medical diagnosis and treatment plan, you are advised to speak to a doctor or suitable medical professional. The mindset you use to stop drinking is extremely important. If you are thinking about writing a schedule, one of the best ways to do it is in the evening.
The Dangers of Boredom When in Addiction Recovery
Addiction support groups, like AA meetings for those in recovery from alcohol use and NA meetings for those in recovery from other substances, can offer the benefit of social engagement and fellowship. These qualities may feel impossible to find elsewhere. Other people are another great way to fight boredom. Fortunately, groups of people are frequently available to aid those in addiction recovery. To overcome the power of boredom, a person must become more active in their recovery. Boredom grows anytime there is a lack of action. Fortunately, there are many things you can do to overcome boredom in sobriety.
Can I enjoy life without alcohol?
You may have relied on alcohol or other substances to relax in social settings, and you might wonder if all the fun and exciting times of your life are behind you. It's possible to learn to enjoy yourself without alcohol, but it may take time and practice.
In the meandrinking because of boredom, the Soberish community is here to support you and help you get there. Feeling bored, sad, lonely, or anxious about something are all very human things to feel. If nothing else, it starts to chip away at any notion you might have that you’re unworthy. Start with going for walks for minutes every day. Pursue outdoor activities like kayaking or fishing. 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.