Darcie finds fulfillment in working with the LGBTQ+ population, leveraging her skills to support and empower. The best piece of advice she’s ever heard is to never take advice from someone who does not have what you are seeking. Christy Schuett, originally from Aberdeen, South Dakota, holds a master’s degree in counseling from Northern State University.

Seeking treatment is never an easy step to take. The decision is often met with doubt, questioning if sobriety is attainable. It can also spark feelings of shame, guilt, and resentment. However, the variety of treatment options make it easier for individuals and families to focus on moderate consumption or complete abstinence.

Is Drinking Alone A Sign of Depression?

Additionally, she is trained in Brainspotting, offering a unique approach to trauma-informed care. However, because it’s so common, we can fail to recognize the importance of addressing it. Boredom can cascade into serious issues like battling loneliness, uncovering deeply seeded shame and self-loathing, and even feelings of high stress can become prevalent. Drinking out of boredom is how some choose to deal with the dull moments life throws at us.

Consistently consuming alcohol in any amount alters your brain chemistry.

• These are the kind of people who are hiding in plain sight, who you’ve never noticed before.
• Or, an innocuous “let’s grab a drink” text with a friend I haven’t seen in years.
• In fact, boredom is a genuine emotion, akin to happiness or sadness.
• Danny ensures he has as many techniques as possible to help people improve their well-being and achieve their goals.

It doesn’t have to be extravagant; can provide a change of scenery and stimulate your senses. Explore sober activities that interest you and give you a sense of fulfillment. It could be anything from painting or playing a musical instrument to cooking or gardening. The key is to find something that brings you joy and allows you to express your creativity – and in some cases, forces you out of your comfort zone. By engaging in a new hobby or passion, you not only fill your spare time with meaningful activity but also boost https://thecinnamonhollow.com/a-guide-to-sober-house-rules-what-you-need-to-know/ your self-esteem and gain a sense of accomplishment. Boredom can be a common relapse trigger for those in recovery, especially in the earliest stages.

Alcohol didn’t make life fun. It just made you not care.

I often think that the word being in recovery is misused. And the reason is that when I was drinking, I was literally recovering. Every single day of my life, I was recovering from a headache, hangover and watery eyes, and just trying to get through the day. Connecting with others in recovery can provide you with a sense of camaraderie, understanding, and accountability. In addition, you can also connect with others in recovery through online communities or social media groups.

Tracking Your Drinking Patterns

It searches for a spark, something to stimulate and captivate us. This might explain why, in such moments, we impulsively reach for distractions, like the remote or a social media scroll. If you’re unsure where to start, check out this guide on how to cope with loneliness through new activities and interests. The key is to stay curious and open to new experiences, which can create positive outlets for your energy. Whether your sobriety has you wallowing in boredom A Guide To Sober House Rules: What You Need To Know or self-pity, please know that it will get better.

Understanding the Link Between Boredom and Drinking

Serotonin is a neurotransmitter responsible for feelings of happiness, well-being, and pleasure. It’s also responsible for moderating moods and emotions. Serotonin depletion can cause major mood swings and feelings of sadness, anxiety, and irritability. To unpack some of the underlying reasons you feel bored right now, it helps to understand what alcohol does to your brain.

• Alcoholism profoundly affects the entire body, especially the brain, heart, pancreas, mouth, liver, and the immune system.
• If your social circle often revolves around alcohol, it can be challenging to break that pattern.
• That is the activity I’ve buried my energy into since quitting.
• See if there are organisations around you where you could help out, that would love to use your skills and talents.

However, boredom drinking can result in a damaging cycle that is difficult to break and can negatively impact ongoing mental health. It’s essential to understand the link between boredom and alcohol consumption to take control of your life and prevent drinking out of boredom. If you’re ready to break free from this habit and reclaim control of your life, the Stop Drinking Expert is here to help. With resources, articles, and support, you can learn how to live a healthier, more fulfilling life without alcohol. Sign up for a free quit-drinking webinar today and start your journey toward a sober, more rewarding future.

With time, you’ll start to develop that aforementioned tolerance, which means you have to increase the amount you drink to get the desired effect. In the absence of alcohol, regular life starts to feel dull and gray. It’s why so many people wrestle with depression and PAWS once they quit drinking. Over time, this can become a deeply ingrained habit.