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. That’s why we might find ourselves reaching for a drink when we’re simply sitting and not doing much. Alcohol is one of the world’s most commonly accepted drugs, so it’s also regularly left off the list of addictive drugs that negatively impact people’s lives. Mental health needs as much attention as physical health, so if you are suffering, go and talk to your doctor.

For those tasks that cannot be eliminated, many of us tend to default to numbing or distracting ourselves from them. We scroll through social media, snacking without thinking, or if drinking is in the mix, reach for a glass. Frankl believed that existential boredom signals a crisis of meaning—what he called the “existential vacuum. From a cultural perspective, boredom doesn’t just feel uncomfortable—it feels wrong. Most of us would literally rather zap ourselves with pain than sit quietly with our own thoughts.

Boredom Drinking Alcohol Abuse Rehab Programs

This can be hard if your social life previously revolved around drinking. It’s even harder if your loved ones don’t support your sobriety. If you’ve found yourself noticing, “It seems that I drink because I’m bored and lonely,” the answer lies in our brain’s reward system. Understanding this relationship between boredom and alcohol is crucial for breaking an unhealthy cycle of drinking out of boredom and finding more fulfilling ways to spend our time. Originally from Boca Raton, Florida, Danny moved to Denver to study at the University of Colorado and earned a master’s degree in counseling. Danny spent the first nine years of his career working in youth residential treatment.

Tip 1: Get conscious about what’s driving your drinking out of boredom

Alcohol can be in a unique position of being both the solution to and the cause of pain. Yet, no matter how much pain it causes to the individual or family, alcohol is one of the most difficult substances to remove. Boredom is totally natural and we all feel it, but it can be hard to find a way out of your rut. So seek the help of other, non-judgy supportive people to help you stop drinking out of boredom. When you don’t feel you have anyone to talk to or anywhere to go, drinks can feel like a constant, a friend. Unfortunately, drinking alcohol because of boredom makes you feel worse which in turn, makes you feel even less confident about going out and making new connections.

How to Stop Drinking from Boredom: The 4 Pillars of an Alcohol-Free Life

So much of this list is not just about finding things to do, but treating the underlying causes of extreme boredom in sobriety. I kept a notebook and pen beside my bed in case I woke up in the middle of the night with a brilliant song lyric or poem. But also, don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and get involved in activities around your community. But it’s comforting to know that you don’t have figure it out on your own. Depending on the severity of the symptoms, your doctor may even recommend medication to help treat depression and anxiety.

  • And before long, our brain would even stop searching for an exit or try to make the situation more engaging.
  • Boredom is totally natural and we all feel it, but it can be hard to find a way out of your rut.
  • AspenRidge Recovery offers online treatment programs that make it possible to receive recovery care while still maintaining a flexible schedule.
  • I found myself planning little outings when I got sober because I needed to figure out what it meant to have fun again.

How to Break the Boredom Drinking Habit with These 4 Tools

By removing the alcohol and making those necessary lifestyle changes, we increase the chances of becoming people who can enjoy drinking out of boredom the simple pleasure of life once again. It is very common for people to replace alcohol with sugar in the beginning, which is detrimental not only to your waistline and physical health but your mental well-being as well. When you begin to view your negative thoughts and feelings as problems to be solved rather than the embodiment of who you actually are, you liberate yourself. Getting outside and communing with nature is scientifically proven to reduce stress and improve mental health and cognitive function in both kids and adults. When I quit drinking, I was lucky to have a spouse that supported my decision.

After completing her bachelor’s degree, she continued her education at the University of Denver and earned a master’s in clinical mental health counseling with a side specialization in addiction. During grad school, she treated clients involved in the legal system as well as at a detox facility. After graduating, Karlie gained experience working in a residential program for eating disorders and a private practice before joining the AspenRidge team. Originally from Nashville, TN, Jordan moved to Colorado with her family at age five. She has worked in behavioral health since graduating with her bachelor’s degree in 2019.

  • Plus, you might meet some cool people, and that’s always a double win.
  • For individuals with underlying mental illnesses such as bipolar disorder or personality disorders, alcohol abuse can exacerbate symptoms and complicate recovery.
  • Our brain starts needing more and more alcohol to experience the same level of reward or pleasure, resulting in increased alcohol consumption.
  • ” …and I’d be sent off to do chores I definitely didn’t want.

What is Wet Brain? Symptoms Every Heavy Drinker Should Know

Drinking out of boredom is common, especially among those suffering from other mental health conditions like anxiety and depression. To break the boredom drinking loop asks us to upgrade the beliefs that alcohol is the answer to boredom and to build the skill of find engagement and joy even in the tedious tasks. Boredom drinking isn’t just a personal habit—it’s a learned response reinforced by decades of cultural cues.

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Still, alcohol is a highly addictive substance that can lead to dependency, especially when consuming frequently and in large quantities. Drinking out of boredom may indicate a deeper issue at hand. Self-medicating can drastically impact overall health and well-being. It’s also a common reason many become dependent on substances. Not only this, self-medicating can lead to and exacerbate mental health conditions leading to a dual diagnosis condition. We focus on rewiring the belief, building the skills, shifting the mindset to change how you respond to life’s boring, stressful, or emotionally itchy moments—without needing to numb them away.

Addiction

It’s why we might suddenly find ourselves reaching for that remote, a candy bar, or for some, a bottle of alcohol. Boredom, a state we’ve all experienced, can be a tricky beast. But remember that, scientifically, boredom is an emotion — just like appiness or sadness.

You’ll meet millions of fellow Reframers in our 24/7 Forum chat and daily Zoom check-in meetings. Receive encouragement from people worldwide who know exactly what you’re going through! You’ll also have the opportunity to connect with our licensed Reframe coaches for more personalized guidance. Take control of the aspects of your life that you have some influence over and watch the world change around you. Outside of work, Brionna finds solace in arts and crafts, particularly crocheting and creative writing.

Many ex-drinkers find that boredom after quitting alcohol is one of the hardest emotions to deal with—especially when alcohol used to be their go-to solution for downtime or restlessness. We’re wired to avoid boredom because it feels deeply uncomfortable—so much so that many people would rather endure physical pain than sit quietly with their own thoughts. That discomfort makes alcohol feel like a quick, easy escape. In ancient times, boredom nudged our ancestors into survival-serving action. In modern life, when survival is mostly guaranteed, boredom gently jogs us to search for meaning and a deeper sense of purpose. Will eating salads and drinking water make your boredom go away?