Among other things, you might find you have more energy, that you’re sleeping better, or that it’s easier to maintain a healthy weight. It’s important to note that these changes will vary depending on how much alcohol you typically consume, how frequently you drink alcohol, and other individual factors. If you are experiencing withdrawal symptoms or are concerned about your health, it’s important to seek medical advice. In order to change your drinking habits, your first step is to take a close look at your current behaviors and find patterns.

• Early sobriety is a critical period when community and support networks are critical.
• This option may not be for everyone, so consulting with a healthcare professional is essential to decide if it’s right for you.
• This provides quick access to those who empower you on your recovery journey.
• Finding a therapist can also be a great starting point if you’re uncomfortable opening up to your healthcare professional.
• The current pandemic has highlighted how boredom can trigger the misuse of substances, particularly alcohol.

Can I Taper Myself Off Alcohol?

Losing relationships to the substance can be challenging but anchoring to others in recovery can be the very thing you need to feel worthy of recovery. Alcohol can be in a unique position of being both the solution drinking out of boredom 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. Volunteering is a great way to reconnect with your community.

The Boredom Drinking Loop

She believes she was probably a rodeo queen in another life and recharges by spending time with friends and family. Describing her approach as eclectic, Darcie seamlessly combines person-centered and evidence-based practices. Drawing from her background in local improv groups, she infuses sessions with laughter and humor, fostering a non-judgmental space for clients. Darcie believes in collaborating with her clients, tailoring interventions to suit their individual needs.

Support Strategies for Quitting

On the one hand, you have no idea what you’re supposed to do with yourself. A lot of people don’t feel good when they first get sober, so it’s totally understandable if your feelings are all over the place. Acute anxiety and depression from the withdrawal process can ease within a few days to a week.

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. Learning healthy coping skills, unfortunately, is not as intuitive as it might seem. Dealing with monotony and underlying mental health issues typically requires self-awareness and outside assistance through various forms of therapy addressing underlying conditions. If you quit drinking and experience any new or worsening mental health symptoms, please consider therapy. By becoming more involved in your community, you can effectively replace boredom drinking with meaningful connections and activities that improve your overall mental health and well-being.

Below is a timeline of what some people might experience. Alcohol can increase the risk of high blood pressure and certain types of cancer, among other harms. In addition, the decision to stop drinking altogether may help you lose weight faster.

Prepare for potential alcohol detox

Melody is here to help as you adjust to a life with less (or no) alcohol. 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.

• Talk therapy is an important part of treatment for alcohol use disorder, but Dr. Streem says just about anyone who is making a life change, like quitting drinking, can benefit from therapy.
• Many scientific studies have proved a positive relationship between boredom/loneliness and excessive alcohol use.
• She has a goal to visit every state capitol and has been to 29 so far!
• In particular, she’s committed to helping decrease stigma around mental health issues.
• Strong fears move you away from self-destructive behavior, while a strong why pushes you towards improving your life.

Alcohol is the only drug where people think you have a problem if you don’t do it. You can seriously pursue your goals and invest in the type of life that you want. I’ve found that people are sensitive to this and they usually step off after you say that.

Start journaling.

Consuming alcohol stimulates the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter that plays a significant role in our brain’s reward system. It signals a feeling of satisfaction, pleasure, or reward, encouraging us to repeat the behavior that led to this good feeling. She typically works with people interested in taking a holistic approach to treating their addictions. This will include healthy eating, movement, meditation, mindfulness and spirituality.

Set a Clear, Attainable Goal

That’s why at our rehab center, we make sure that we provide you with life skills, recreational activities, and holistic therapies to help you rediscover your passions and interests. Located in beautiful Orange County, California, our addiction treatment center offers a peaceful environment for healing and personal growth. Whether you’re struggling or just want some extra guidance, consider reaching out for support from professionals who are trained in addiction treatment. You’re afraid that if you stop drinking, you’ll miss out on a great social life. Instead of worrying that people will leave you behind for your bad behavior, you’re afraid that people will do it because now you seem too good. Many people struggle with drinking out of boredom, and even if they don’t particularly like alcohol or its effects.