These statistics are somewhat discouraging but it’s important to realize that relapse doesn’t have to be a part of recovery. With a solid support group, an understanding of one’s own personal triggers, and plans to counteract temptations, you can enter recovery once–and remain there. I’ve spent the last seven years researching and understanding alcoholism, addiction, and how people get sober. Additionally, I examine the way mental and physical health as well as our relationships with others impact the reasons people drink and their role in maintaining sobriety long-term.
If you’re in recovery from a substance use disorder, you already know how much work it took to achieve sobriety, and you’ll want to do everything possible to avoid having a relapse. It may seem that relapse is the last thing that could happen to you, but the truth is they are very common for people new to recovery. In addition to these types of activities, engaging in creative activities is helpful to relieve being sober and bored. From painting to coloring and DIY home decorating and gardens, being creative can do a lot to relieve boredom. It may take some time and effort to find out what you really enjoy doing, but it’s worth it. When you are in recovery, you’ll hear many of the same tips for relieving boredom; find a hobby, join groups, take up an old, forgotten talent or hobby, go to support groups, etc.
Finding Fun in Long-term Recovery
Sometimes admitting the truth to yourself is the first step. Remember, it’s not that sobriety is terrible, but that your brain is trying to grapple with the sudden loss of dopamine. But I’m going to explore solutions for people who sit at various points along the “sobriety is so boring” spectrum. Take what applies to you and leave whatever doesn’t.
- That being said, drinking FOMO is real and must be dealt with.
- To be honest about your boredom, particularly in recovery can be teeth on wool, at least the anticipation that the collective response will be unfavorable.
- Don’t be afraid to communicate how you’re feeling.
- Participating in new and thrilling experiences will show you there’s more to life than addiction that you can take advantage of in sobriety.
- When you are in recovery, you’ll hear many of the same tips for relieving boredom; find a hobby, join groups, take up an old, forgotten talent or hobby, go to support groups, etc.
- Finding new hobbies is another way to ensure you’re having fun in recovery.
- As mentioned early spare time is usually bad for recovery but you can re-devote yourself to your hobbies to fill the void.
And while these are great tips, when you’re in recovery for a longer period of time, these may become boring to you too. If you quit drinking and experience any new or worsening mental health symptoms, please consider therapy. The reality is there are plenty of exciting things you can do with this newly available free time. Here are helpful hobbies that are not only fun, but that can also strengthen your sobriety and help you fight sober and bored as well. Before you had rituals and obsessions but in sobriety you can fill those with times with daily tasks and readings. It’s tough in early sobriety but force yourself to do daily self-help tasks like making gratitude lists, reviewing daily readings on recovery, or calling your sponsor.
Sobriety Boredom Clobbering Club #1 – Learn Something New
I certainly would have if I’d read this article five years ago. This is the part where you figure out how to enjoy life without a little something extra to help loosen you up. So now comes the arduous task of learning how to manage the tough stuff without a chemical crutch like alcohol. Feeling bored, sad, lonely, or anxious about something are all very human things to feel.
I alluded to this in the paragraphs above, but service work is the ultimate boredom buster. Personally, I meet this demand by going to church, getting involved in community outreach (soup kitchens, homeless shelters, clothing pantries), and going to tons of meetings. Not only am I having fun but I’m never bored and I’m making a living.
Dry January 2024 – A Guide To Making It Work (From Sober People)
This same study also revealed that during the first year of recovery there were decreases in happiness and self-esteem, these rebounded significantly over the next few years. Additionally, data showed that 80% of those individuals in long-term recovery accomplished at least one major goal during this time. Whether your sobriety has you wallowing in boredom or self-pity, please know that it will get better. Even if you have no idea HOW things can change, trust the process and keep working on it. By removing the alcohol and making those necessary lifestyle changes, we increase the chances of becoming people who can enjoy the simple pleasure of life once again.
- I was on a podcast this morning, it’s called Self-Made and Sober.
- Additionally, data showed that 80% of those individuals in long-term recovery accomplished at least one major goal during this time.
- Because he is a member of a support group that stresses the importance of anonymity at the public level, he does not use his photograph or his real name on this website.
When serotonin and dopamine levels are low, we become less motivated and less interested in our surroundings. This can lead to feelings of extreme boredom and apathy. It’s pretty normal to reduce the entire experience of boredom how to stop drinking out of boredom in sobriety to missing alcohol and believing that getting drunk is the primary way you (and everyone else) have fun. Let’s create a list of non-drinking social activities. “I’m BORED!” is a common refrain here in r/stopdrinking.
