She draws on DBT, CBT, Brainspotting, solution-focused work, and motivational interviewing—tailored to the person, not the label. 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.
- That’s why we might find ourselves reaching for a drink when we’re simply sitting and not doing much.
- Mental health needs as much attention as physical health, so if you are suffering, go and talk to your doctor.
- How you respond to setbacks is crucial to succeed and to begin making a change.
- People often use alcohol to enhance experiences, but this kind of drinking is problematic because it makes you dependent on alcohol to not feel bored or to have a good time.
The Dangers of Alcohol Abuse
Resources from government websites and trusted organizations provide valuable information to help you understand treatment options and prepare for the recovery journey. Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength, and with the right support, recovery from alcohol abuse is entirely possible. The reasons people start drinking alcohol are very different from 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. Justin was born and raised in Fort Collins, Colorado, where he began his clinical education at Colorado State University.
- She is a trauma-informed clinician who prioritizes the relationship between clinician and client.
- Meet and connect with such people regularly and let them know when you are feeling down or lonely.
- If she weren’t so damn good at her job, she says she would probably be an electrical engineer.
Join the Sober Curiosity Insider
Contrary to popular belief, it’s not just a result of having nothing to do. In fact, boredom is a genuine emotion, akin to happiness or sadness. When this emotion surfaces, it reveals our disconnection or lack of interest in our surroundings or activities. This might explain why, in such moments, we impulsively reach for distractions, like the remote or a social media scroll. Originally from Boca Raton, Florida, Danny moved to Denver to study at the University of Colorado and earned a master’s degree in counseling.
Situational Boredom Explained (And Why It’s So Triggering)
Between post-graduate work and additional training courses, she honed her skills in treating first responders and military personnel from a trauma-informed perspective. Jordan describes her approach as eclectic but most beneficial and includes a combination of cognitive behavioral therapy, solution-focused therapy, emotion-focused therapy, and family-oriented practices. Alcohol addiction rehab programs should address substance use as well as any underlying co-occurring mental health disorders. The most effective treatment provides access to ongoing therapy, skills training, group or peer support, relapse avoidance techniques, and prescribed medications, if necessary.
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. There is a strong relationship between boredom, stress, and drug or alcohol use.
Swapping our routines and habits that are damaging you for ones that can strengthen your body and soul will give you a really clear reason why you want to stop drinking out of boredom. If you have someone you trust, let them know if you are feeling down or lonely – so they know you won’t mind if they check in with you more often. See if there are organisations around you where you could help out, that would love to use your skills and talents.
How to Break the Boredom Drinking Cycle
Warning signs may include an inability to stop drinking, neglecting responsibilities, and experiencing withdrawal symptoms when not drinking. Many people underestimate the seriousness of these signs or fear stigma, which can delay getting help. It’s important to know that alcohol addiction is treatable and that early intervention can prevent worsening health and improve quality of life. Treatment plans are tailored to individual needs and may involve medical supervision during alcohol detox, counseling, and support through outpatient rehab or residential programs. Originally from New Orleans, Meghan earned her master’s degree from Arizona State University (2021) and became a Licensed Addiction Counselor in 2024.
Mental Health
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. They’re like bite-sized sober curious snacks that drinking because of boredom go perfectly with your morning coffee—no overwhelm, just small sparks of clarity to help you drink less without losing the joy. Over time, alcohol becomes the thing that keeps us in boring situations we don’t actually want to be in. But engagement is also the only path that allows us to feel fully alive in even the most ordinary moments. If you have been around Sober Curiosity for a while, you know that alcohol’s “help” often comes with fine print.
Describing her therapeutic approach as evidence-based, Courtney champions a humanistic or person-centered approach as the ideal foundation. Megan’s therapeutic approach is multifaceted, drawing from narrative, feminist, and existential therapy modalities. By employing these frameworks, Megan empowers her clients to confront their realities and comprehend the tangible impact of systemic factors on their lives. Outside of work, Christy finds solace in nature, enjoying activities like gardening and mountain biking, alongside cherished moments with her family and dogs. If she weren’t excelling in her current role, Christy would likely champion environmental activism, advocating for nature’s preservation. Christy Schuett, originally from Aberdeen, South Dakota, holds a master’s degree in counseling from Northern State University.
Create a Healthy Support System
That’s why we might find ourselves reaching for a drink when we’re simply sitting and not doing much. Finding resources for ongoing drinking issues, even when simply drinking out of boredom, can make a world of difference. Catching signs of abuse early also minimizes the risks of adverse health effects and increases the probability of achieving sobriety much more quickly. If you’re drinking out of boredom, read on to learn more about what this means.
Downplaying the seriousness of alcohol misuse and addiction can have impactful ramifications. In fact, alcohol is connected to over 60 different cancers and diseases. Even when consumed in smaller quantities, alcohol can have short- and long-term effects. Also know what you are going to drink and select from alcohol alternatives. Bars are more frequently providing alcohol-free beverages to help encourage safe drinking habits and reduce risks of accidents caused by driving while intoxicated. Always have a backup soft drink just in case you reach the bar and they are out of stock.
Regular exercise also improves overall well-being, increases energy levels, and helps regulate sleep patterns. This consistent connection will help foster healthy relationships in recovery with people who can support you and what you’re going through in the present moment. 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.
Avoiding boredom isn’t always possible, but changing how you respond to it is. And before long, our brain would even stop searching for an exit or try to make the situation more engaging. Instead it would just default to drinking whenever a sign of boredom arose. 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.