Drinking Out of Boredom: Why It’s Risky Business

In her time here, Karlie trained as a clinical supervisor and an Acudetox therapist. She has a passion for working with clients to help them develop a more profound sense of identity to navigate depressive and anxious symptoms. She’s passionate about working with clients to work through trauma and improve mental stability.

Keep a List of Supportive Contacts

I’m currently at work, and super tempted to pick up some drinks right now. It’d be far from the first time I drank on the job, even though I know it’s not a good idea obviously. Part of it is definitely that I’ve had a rough month and struggle with depression, but another part is simply that it’s a slow day.

Finding a new activity and hobby such as working out can provide something to look forward to each day. 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. Jordan developed her clinical approach in various inpatient, hospital, outpatient, and private practice settings.

Stay Active and Exercise Regularly

Don’t get down on yourself because you can’t get wasted at the bar with your friends anymore. And while these things might sound serious and scary, it’s important to note that it’s one piece of a larger puzzle. My social circle changed when I got sober because I realized that many of my relationships were based on getting drunk Sober living house together, and that was it.

Your Brain Needs Time to Recover

By exploring new hobbies and interests, you can effectively replace boredom drinking with more fulfilling and enjoyable activities. Repeatedly drinking in this way can lead to a condition known as alcohol use disorder (AUD), which is characterized by an inability to control alcohol consumption despite negative consequences. The more often someone drinks to cope with boredom, the more likely they are to develop an unhealthy reliance on alcohol. 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.

• There are plenty of situations where having a drink is a great way to celebrate an accomplishment.
• Self-medicating can drastically impact overall health and well-being.
• It’s an easy way to get some fresh air and enjoy yourself without the temptation of drugs or alcohol.

Therapy and counseling services can provide you with the support and guidance you need, and addiction treatment programs can help you address the underlying causes of your boredom drinking. By engaging in creative pursuits and learning new skills, you can effectively replace boredom drinking with more fulfilling and enjoyable activities. This will help you regain control of your life and improve your overall mental health and well-being. By practicing self-awareness and reflection, you can develop healthier habits and coping mechanisms to replace boredom drinking. This will help you regain control of your life and improve both your mental and physical health. Additionally, because alcohol can impair judgment and lower inhibitions, people who drink out of boredom may make unhealthy lifestyle choices, such as overeating or skipping exercise.

Alternative Activities to Replace Boredom Drinking

• While you’ve surely experienced boredom at some point or another, have you stopped to consider why?
• If you or someone you know is drinking alone because of a drinking problem, help is available.
• Some people may increase their alcohol consumption to escape their problems or keep their “spirits up.” Others may feel ashamed of their alcohol use and don’t want to be seen drinking in public.
• If someone expects that every Friday night they should be out on the town with friends, but they’re alone on a couch, it may be easier to justify boredom and self-pity, followed by booze.
• Feeling bored, sad, lonely, or anxious about something are all very human things to feel.

While boredom is to be expected and is nothing unusual, some individuals equate boredom with lack of productivity and negative connotations. In response, some people seek outlets that are detrimental to their well-being. Drinking out of boredom is common, especially among those suffering from other mental health conditions like anxiety and depression. Reflect on your drinking patterns and keep track of them to identify your boredom drinking triggers. With self-awareness, you’ll be better equipped to understand and address your habits. Volunteering and participating in community events can help you stay engaged, build meaningful connections, and reduce boredom drinking.

• Many people say that they drink alcohol to manage anxiety – to numb it or take the edge off difficult feelings.
• Not on its own, but maybe it starts a conversation and a friend comes over just to sit with you and make sure you’re good.
• Anything to change up that routine of drinking out of boredom and make it harder for drinkers to find a place to get comfortable.
• Drinking alone can become problematic when a person has a habit of doing it.
• Our brain starts needing more and more alcohol to experience the same level of reward or pleasure, resulting in increased alcohol consumption.

Chanel describes herself as a humanistic therapist focused on building rapport and trust. She knows that when both of those are realized, they can accomplish each client’s unique goals together. She specializes in mood and personality disorders as they relate to addiction and is passionate about healing trauma by way of brainspotting and other trauma therapy methods. She has a goal to visit every state capitol and has been to 29 so far! If she won the lottery tomorrow, Chanel said she start a bookstore with a bakery inside for guests to enjoy their favorite books with an excellent coffee and dessert.

Physical Exercise and Outdoor Activities

• Boredom, a state we’ve all experienced, can be a tricky beast.
• In more severe cases, drinking out of boredom can lead to severe alcohol abuse disorders.
• Try and find ways to build other people into your daily patterns.
• Boredom is one such emotion, and it can be surprisingly challenging.
• Early sobriety is a critical period when community and support networks are critical.
• While it doesn’t automatically indicate alcohol use disorder drinking out of boredom can expose users to the extensive list of short- and long-term health effects due to ongoing alcohol use.

This could include changing your daily routine, developing new hobbies, or getting involved with sober activities. In this way, recovery can lead to newfound passions and increased enjoyment in life. If this is the situation for you, then it might be time to reach out for professional help and get additional support in your recovery.