How To Break the Boredom-Alcohol Loop

Every month, we launch fun challenges, like Dry/Damp January, Mental Health May, and Outdoorsy June. You won’t want to miss out on the chance to participate alongside fellow Reframers (or solo if that’s more your thing!). These stories remind us that boredom isn’t merely a state of inactivity or idleness — it can also be a time for reflection, creativity, and unexpected discovery. Her expertise encompasses group and individual work, with a particular focus on trauma.

Americans Are Drinking More Alcohol Than Ever

In fact, alcohol is connected drinking out of boredom to over 60 different cancers and diseases. Even when consumed in smaller quantities, alcohol can have short- and long-term effects. There will always be a long lost friend who arrives on your doorstep looking to catch up over a few drinks. Be ready for these moments when they arrive, and they will, give yourself a wry smile, then make the choice that fits with your goals. The Anxiety and Depression Association of America says that alcohol and other substances can worsen anxiety symptoms. About 20% of Americans with an anxiety or mood disorder such as depression have an alcohol or other substance use disorder.

Alternative Activities to Replace Boredom Drinking

• To stop drinking alcohol, you first need to understand your relationship with drinking.
• But I’m going to explore solutions for people who sit at various points along the “sobriety is so boring” spectrum.
• When 22-year-old Jake noticed that he was drinking five to six days a week, he initially didn’t see any problem.
• In addition, the decision to stop drinking altogether may help you lose weight faster.
• You may also consider joining an online support group to help you feel less alone.
• You’ll get to meet new people and be a part of something positive.
• By building a strong support network, you can access the encouragement and guidance you need to stay sober and successfully overcome boredom drinking.

So it’s not that sobriety is inherently boring; it’s that your serotonin and dopamine levels are now very low. Dopamine is another neurotransmitter that is responsible for feelings of pleasure and happiness. It is also responsible for regulating movement and emotional response. Dopamine depletion can cause apathy, boredom, and lack of motivation. Alcohol’s reinforcing effects can be attributed to the way cortisol interacts with the brain’s reward system, causing a person to feel pleasure and therefore reach for more of it when stressed.

• Recognizing and addressing personal triggers that lead to boredom drinking is crucial for maintaining a sober lifestyle.
• We provide a biopsychosocial assessment for treatment before recommending any program or plan of action.
• Addiction treatment is available, as well as practical tips and confidential advice.
• Here are some tips to stop drinking alcohol out of boredom.
• It’s important to know that if your body has developed a strong dependence on alcohol, trying to quit “cold turkey” can be hazardous to your health.

Be mindful of your friends’ drinking habits

You will need powerful reasons to stay committed to it; otherwise, environmental and peer pressures will drag you off the wagon. Strong fears move you away from self-destructive behavior, while a strong why pushes you towards improving your life. The research shows that the numbers are even worse for people in recovery from drug addiction. People dealing with less obviously destructive addictions like pornography or food typically fare even worse. For example, one of my worst habits was needing to have a drink in my hand.

Addiction Treatment Programs

Take that first step on the road to recovery and make better choices, every day. Here are 8 benefits I’ve observed from 9 years of sobriety. You need to find new hobbies to take the place of things you used to do while drinking. You need to find new activities and people to socialize with if all of your previous social activities revolve around boredom.

• Be ready for these moments when they arrive, and they will, give yourself a wry smile, then make the choice that fits with your goals.
• Letting others know about your choice to stop drinking may help motivate you to stick with your decision.
• Whatever the reason for your boredom, drinking can create a negative cycle around it.
• Finding a new activity and hobby such as working out can provide something to look forward to each day.