But if you consume alcohol, these signs might indicate drinking out of boredom that boredom is a drinking trigger. As a drinking trigger, boredom affects more people than you might think. In a 2022 survey 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.

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• So, when we’re bored and our brain is looking for that dopamine hit, it can often recall that alcohol was a past source of reward.
• He further describes his approach as science-driven, constantly reviewing the latest literature and theory.
• It teaches you to sit with your feelings, including boredom, without feeling the need to escape them through substances like alcohol.
• In fact, boredom has been linked to anxiety, depression, and even addiction.

Boredom can be scary, but incredibly essential in recovery and is an essential step in recovering from substance abuse. Alcohol has been shown to artificially boost serotonin and dopamine in your brain, which are two of the main neurotransmitters responsible for mood regulation. It’s really common to attribute all ennui in sobriety to missing booze and thinking that the main way you (and everyone else) enjoy yourself is by getting wasted.

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The reasons people start drinking alcohol is very different than the reasons they continue to drink alcohol. Boredom and isolation are known relapse triggers for people with substance use disorders. An important way to safeguard your sobriety is to be aware of this and take steps to mitigate it. Studies have shown that drinking as a coping mechanism is strongly linked to depression, anxiety, and emotional instability. When combined with the isolation or loneliness that often accompanies boredom, alcohol can push people further into mental health issues that require professional help to resolve. This article from Stop Drinking Expert explains more about the link between alcohol and depression.

Drinking Out of Boredom

A well-organized routine can include work, exercise, meals, and time for self-care. Learning a new skill keeps your mind active and engaged, providing a sense of purpose and accomplishment. You can learn a new language, take a cooking class, or enroll in a course at a local community college. When you challenge yourself to learn something new, you build your confidence and expand your knowledge base, which can help create a fulfilling life in sobriety.

How to Deal with Boredom in Sobriety

At Recovery Centers of America, we offer a range of programs for substance use disorders and mental health conditions. From addiction treatment to aftercare and alums programs to weekly events and meetings, we are committed to helping you every step of the way. You can also incorporate mindfulness into everyday activities like cooking, cleaning, or walking. When you’re present in these activities, you can find peace and fulfillment in the present moment. Mindfulness also helps you recognize triggers that may lead to relapse, such as stress, anxiety, or negative emotions. This way, you become more aware of your thoughts and feelings and learn to manage them healthily, reducing the risk of relapse.

• You’ll find it easier to settle into the activity should boredom strike.
• If you’re drinking out of boredom, read on to learn more about what this means.
• By exploring new activities and connecting with others in recovery, you can break away from boredom and enjoy a meaningful and fulfilling sober life.
• “Getting through the week” might be your rationale for pouring a glass of wine.
• Our Treatment Advisors are available 24 hours a day to help you or a loved one access care.

If your social circle often revolves around alcohol, it can be challenging to break that pattern. However, suggesting new activities or meeting for coffee instead of drinks can help create healthier habits. This guide to a sober lifestyle offers great tips for navigating social situations without alcohol. If you find yourself reaching for a drink out of boredom, try going for a walk, heading to the gym, or even taking a dance class.

For example, CBT might help you realize you look at boredom in a negative light. You might believe you should always be doing something useful or constructive, so you reach for a drink to calm the negative emotions boredom creates. If you’re not sure whether boredom is a drinking trigger, keep a running list of when you feel the urge to drink. If some urges seem to pop up “for no reason,” it might be because there was nothing else in those moments to occupy your mind. If bored drinking becomes a habit – or if it’s occasional – it can affect your ability to sleep soundly. And if you routinely drink on other occasions too, you’ll experience worse sleep disruptions.

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Kathleen has more than 15 years of experience treating people who have a substance use disorder. Hailing from Boulder County, Courtney embarked on her academic journey by earning a bachelor’s degree in psychology. She furthered her education by completing a master’s of science in clinical mental health counseling from Capella University. Additionally, Courtney obtained certificates in Alcohol and Drug Studies and is certified in Branspotting, a clinical treatment technique aiding individuals in processing trauma. Learning healthy coping skills, unfortunately, is not as intuitive as it might seem.