Watch Out for Boredom

There are a lot of temptations in recovery. It’s recommended that people with substance use disorders avoid old people, places and things. These are simple ways to avoid a relapse. Old people may tempt you to use, hanging out with people who use alcohol and drugs, and old habits can trap you in a cycle of addictive behavior that leads to relapse. One of the biggest triggers, however, is one that’s rarely spoken of; boredom.

Why is Boredom a Trigger?

When you first started using your drug of choice, you probably were doing it recreationally. If you bored, sad, angry or happy, as time went on, you used to “enjoy yourself” and “relax”. Addiction will give you any and all excuses to get high. Boredom was probably a big trigger. Whether you used to get away from yourself, relax, or stop thinking about your problems, boredom was probably a part of all of those feelings.

Boredom can lead to complacency, depression, and loneliness. If you’re bored, you’re not working on your recovery or you don’t want to. Your thoughts may start to drift toward the “good old times” – times when you felt like your drug use was fun and under control. It’s easy to see how this can lead to a relapse.

Remember: you have a substance use disorder. It is a lifelong and chronic disease. Your brain wants to trick you into using, and it will tell you whatever lies you want to hear.

Overcoming Boredom in Recovery

If you’re bored in recovery, that usually means something is missing. Here are a few things to think about:

• Do you have hobbies or interests that you’ve been ignoring or gave up a long time ago? (In recovery, there comes a time to “do you”. Learning about your interests, and pursuing them while you’re sober can give you some relief.)
• Are you feeling depressed? Do you have trouble staying motivated? Do you feel hopeless about the future? (If so, it’s time to take care of your mental health, and speak to others in recovery for suggestions or see a therapist.)
• Are you practicing self-care? Do you feel burnt out and tired? (Self-care is a great way to stay motivated and take care of your individual needs. We have a few articles on self-care available if you search the blog.)

Boredom is something that everyone experiences, but people in recovery are particularly suspeptible to its effects. Keep your focus on your goals and the good things in life; this too shall pass. Working on your recovery program and making time for your favorite things will help keep you grounded.

Why Choose Sober Housing

At By The Sea Recovery, we offer the highest sober living standards. With healthy structure, sober living culture and above all safety, we provide a space for everyone to heal and continue their recovery journey. Get in touch with us at 760-216-2077.