I’ve always struggled with finding better habits as I sober up on others. When I stop drinking I smoked weed. When I stopped smoking I started drinking more. Now that I stopped both I find myself vaping (but I used to smoke cigarettes) and struggling to abstain from reckless sexual activity. I have started to knit and crochet more, but keep find myself reaching for my vape. This one is out and I am becoming anxious as I don’t plan to buy another one. I wish I could workout more, but I don’t have the time or energy, plus once I begin doing that it turns into an addiction of its own and I fall into my eating disorder habits. I keep praying on it and asking my higher powers for the strength to kick these unhealthy cycles. It’s just so damn difficult.
In my experience, the addict brain is ingenious at finding ways to express itself. When alcohol alone wasn’t enough for me, I turned to porn and risky sexual behavior. I know i tend to be obsessive even with my healthy, nondestructive hobbies. For me, right now, it’s about abstaining completely from booze and bad sexual activity. It is difficult. This isn’t my first try getting sober, but I intend for it ti be my last. Thankfully, we have community here.
I can relate to the all or nothing thinking @DaliaRaexn
Yeah. I’m very much that kind of personality in general. Working on it lol.
I knit too, and do jigsaw puzzles, Lego sculptures, board games. I drink a lot of tea and eat a lot of Altoids to quiet my cravings. Gardening in the summer. I also find volunteering to be a great way to spend your new free time.
If this aint me… its like my brain doesnt know how to do anything normally. I either get obsessed or I give it up. Trying to make sure im obsessed with recovery above all else but its not easy to change gears.
I think the staff & counselors at rehab knew this was common for us. We are often go hard till the wheels fall off folks. Likely why we did group meditations and learned that life’s gonna be slow at times & we should take that time to relax, reflect and simply be present. I try to do it a few times a day for a min or two and it is helpful for me.