And I’ve wandered around there with my daughter. And it gave me what I call an anchor activity for the long days during the pandemic. If I go there at 11am or 2pm, and spend an hour, then I’ve done something, then I’ve seen something that I’m more amused and happy to settle down at the end of the evening and not feel bored. But believe me when I tell you that I realized that longer term sobriety was an exciting new adventure. Whether or not you realize it, drinking is the shame cycle. And it held me in a place where I was stuck and where my world got smaller and smaller.
Building a Supportive Social Network
Your friends are out getting drunk, the same as they always do. Meanwhile, you’re at home wondering how many days it would take someone to find your body after you’ve choked on those peanut M&M’s you’ve been knocking back during your latest Netflix binge. Now that you know the chemical reason for your boredom, let’s explore additional Sober living house factors that might be contributing to these feelings. Alcohol robs you of the ability to feel naturally motivated and inspired. Those feelings don’t come back immediately when you quit.
Creative Pursuits and Learning New Skills
Before moving to AspenRidge, Nate served as operations director at a local organization that has sober living homes throughout the Denver area. When he’s not working, Nate enjoys horticulture and is very active in Denver’s recovery community. While alcohol abuse is common, it doesn’t mean you have to face it alone.
- It’s essential to understand the link between boredom and alcohol consumption to take control of your life and prevent drinking out of boredom.
- Seeking treatment is never an easy step to take.
- Think of times or places where alcohol is normally found.
- However, as the saying goes, this too shall pass.
Why Drinking Out of Boredom Is So Risky
When feeling bored, many people turn to drinking alcohol as a way to enhance their experience and provide an enjoyable sensation. However, this can often lead to overindulgence, resulting in numerous health risks. By participating in addiction treatment programs, you can effectively address your boredom drinking and take the necessary steps towards a healthier and more fulfilling life. Physical exercise and outdoor activities offer a great way to stay active, have fun, and improve your mental health. Engaging in physical exercise and outdoor activities can boost your mental wellbeing and help you resist the urge to drink out of boredom. Some fun and exciting examples of physical exercise and outdoor activities include kayaking or fishing, camping, spin class, yoga, Pilates, CrossFit, Zumba, Bootcamp, and Class Pass.
As a drinking trigger, boredom affects more people than you might think. In a 2022 survey i drink when I am bored of Sunnyside members, 5% said boredom triggered them to drink. The only triggers that ranked higher are unwinding after a long day, habit, relieving stress, and celebrating something important.
Take what applies to you and leave whatever doesn’t. I realized that sobriety was not fundamentally boring. Alcohol merely blurred my perception of social situations. It’s hard to fill that time, especially when dealing with alcohol cravings and triggers.
Drinking is Not the Answer to Boredom
Depending on the severity of the symptoms, your doctor may even recommend medication to help treat depression and anxiety. Getting drunk did not magically change the dynamics of that situation. We were all just sitting around and getting drunk, perfectly content to not really do anything together. Sometimes we would watch a show, but even that become untenable for me after a couple of drinks because I did not have the attention span for it. My friends and I got together for happy hours after work.
- This is probably new for your friends and family, too.
- Boredom is totally natural and we all feel it, but it can be hard to find a way out of your rut.
- You know, it that’s on the alcohol, then fair enough, if you’ve done your job and get rid of all the alcohol out of your house and you have no real temptations there, then you know, what the hell?
Additionally, she has a master’s in holistic wellness and is trained in EMDR therapy for both in-person and virtual settings. Kathleen has more than 15 years of experience treating people who have a substance use disorder. 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. According to Medical News Today, the average adult in the United States experiences around 131 days of boredom per year.
Drawing from her background in local improv groups, she infuses sessions with laughter and humor, fostering a non-judgmental space for clients. Darcie believes in collaborating with her clients, tailoring interventions to suit their individual needs. Christy Schuett, originally from Aberdeen, South Dakota, holds a master’s degree in counseling from Northern State University. Her journey began with crisis intervention for families, evolving into roles in community counseling, corrections, and residential facilities. Christy’s worked inthe field for more than 30 years.
How do I stop drinking out of boredom?
Look at the photography tours, look at where to bike. Look at the best brunch places and the best coffee shops. It’s important to think about what you’re consuming on social media. Be deliberative, who you’re looking at, and what you’re watching. This can be another way to inspire you, for a healthy and exciting life without alcohol, but also to not focus on everything that’s going on in your life that you’re not partaking in. I mean, literally, stop following the winery that you’ve been following forever.
