Overcoming an addiction to alcohol or drugs is one of the most challenging and commendable things that a person can do. Just about everyone has seen how much damage addiction can do to a person, so it feels good when you can overcome addiction and cut drugs and alcohol out of your life.
At least it does in theory, anyway.
While we will always encourage anyone struggling with addiction to seek treatment, we also understand that getting rid of something that has taken up so much time and energy leaves something of a void in your life, even if that something is harmful. If almost all of your social activities involve drugs and alcohol, life can seem very boring once you’re sober. You might have to avoid any gatherings where alcohol might be served, or you might have to cut yourself off from friends who might encourage you to drink. You might even not know what to do with yourself if you’re used to being drunk or high most of the time.
So, does all of this mean that sobriety is inherently boring? Absolutely not. You can learn to live an exciting and fulfilling life without ever touching drugs or alcohol again; you just need to have the proper mindset and find other things that interest you. First of all, you cannot romanticize alcohol or drug use. This can be difficult, especially since so much of our society tends to do just that. We’ve all heard stories about how much fun people can have when they go out drinking with their friends. Perhaps you have some stories of your own. You might find yourself reminiscing about those times, but you might not think about being hungover after a night of drinking, or getting in trouble at work for still being drunk the next morning, or facing a DUI charge if the police pull you over. Drugs and alcohol can ruin your life, and you should never let memories of a “fun” night of drinking convince you otherwise.
Second of all, you need to find ways to occupy your time now that you’re sober. Think about your interests and what you liked to do before you started drinking or using drugs. Those interests will still be there, and there is nothing keeping you from picking them up again. Anything that helps you create meaning in your life will do, whether that is painting, playing music, writing, or getting more exercise. You might even find yourself devoting more time to a career, either one you already have or something entirely new. There is plenty that you can do to occupy your time, none of which involves drugs and alcohol.
Finally, remember to be honest with yourself. Overcoming an addiction is never easy, especially since it requires you to re-evaluate your entire life. You might feel lonely and depressed, and that might make you want to relapse. These feelings are normal, and you should never think less of yourself if they threaten to overwhelm you. If things get too difficult, there are resources available to you. You can talk to a friend or family member who can remind you why you wanted to become sober in the first place, or you can talk to a crisis counselor if you feel like things are getting out of hand. If you have triggers that might make you want to start using drugs and alcohol again, take note of them and do your best to avoid them. Most importantly, don’t give up. It is possible to overcome what you are feeling and find ways to avoid a relapse.
When to Seek Help
Since very few people can overcome an addiction to drugs and alcohol on their own, it’s important to know when to seek help, even if you are currently sober. If you are struggling with addiction or even if you feel like your boredom is going to push you off the wagon, don’t hesitate to call us for help. Our counselors are standing by 24 hours, and they will be happy to provide assistance if you need it. As strong as addiction can be, remember that you are stronger as long as you don’t give up. Call us at 833-610-1174.