If “for no reason” pops up frequently in your list, it might help to seek a CBT professional to understand your why in those situations. The American Psychological Association recommends CBT to root out “faulty or unhelpful ways of thinking” that may be driving unhealthy behaviors. Bored drinking is a surefire way for sneaky calories to throw off your weight-loss goals.
Tips For Addressing Boredom in Early Recovery
People may turn to alcohol as a way to cope with these negative emotions, but in doing so, they may be putting their mental health at risk. Many scientific studies have proved a positive relationship between boredom/loneliness and excessive alcohol use. But you don’t need to do that 24/7, and it takes time and distance from that thing, like your bottle of wine, to allow yourself to look around and be open to other things. And if you can’t think of what your interests are, right away, start following someone else’s passion.
• Volunteer Your Time
Such a comprehensive treatment is most effective in achieving recovery. There are various strategies available to help you overcome boredom drinking and maintain a sober lifestyle in 2024. By implementing these strategies, you can effectively overcome boredom drinking and maintain a healthier lifestyle.
- Some of the things they experience in early sobriety that may lead them to go back to drinking.
- Seeking treatment is never an easy step to take.
- Sunset, get up early and watch the sunrise, eat some popcorn, call a friend, go for a bike ride, cuddle a kitten, borrow a puppy, go window shopping.
- Just one glass gives the illusion that boredom has disappeared.
Why a Full Continuum of Care Works Best for Addiction Recovery
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. As with anxiety, COVID has seen rates of loneliness soar, as people have been forced apart for months, or have lost connections to friends or social groups. Many people admit to drinking drug addiction treatment out of boredom because they feel lonely. When we feel bored, we notice our own thoughts.
Even when consumed in smaller quantities, alcohol can have short- and long-term effects. One source of unhappiness is, unsurprisingly, boredom. Sitting in traffic, for instance, is one of those things that https://ecosoberhouse.com/ most people would rather forego. Other tasks like laundry and cleaning the house can cause boredom and be a source of anxiety.
- Self-awareness and reflection are essential in identifying triggers for boredom drinking.
- Engaging in physical exercise and outdoor activities can boost your mental wellbeing and help you resist the urge to drink out of boredom.
- It gives you something to work with, and you’re not spending money on a ton of new clothes.
- Therapy and counseling services can provide you with the support and guidance you need, and addiction treatment programs can help you address the underlying causes of your boredom drinking.
Planning interactions according to “Sober in Seven” can help reduce feelings of loneliness and prevent reliance on alcohol. Having a list of supportive contacts is beneficial because it can provide you with immediate access to people who will encourage and support you on your journey to recovery. This proactive approach will empower you to break the cycle of loneliness, addiction, and more loneliness, ultimately leading to a more fulfilling life in the present moment. The Reframe app equips you with the knowledge and skills you need to not only survive drinking less, but to thrive while you navigate the journey. Our daily research-backed readings teach you the neuroscience of alcohol, and our in-app Toolkit provides the resources and activities you need to navigate each challenge. Boredom can indeed lead to cravings for alcohol, but it doesn’t have to be this way.
Go to a late-night yoga or fitness class, or take one virtually. It can be a pain drunk and bored when all you want to do is veg out on the couch, but you’ll sleep soundly and wake up feeling refreshed. Have everyone chip in a few bucks and snag some canvases and paints from a local craft store. Snacks and non-alcoholic drinks top it all off.