Great work on your 2 weeks! 
Keep checking in and doing all your recovery activities. The holidays can be daunting as we link our free time with drinking. Just know that sober holidays are possible and so amazing. You actually remember everything you did and have the energy to do so much more. Remember that we are always here so you will not be alone.
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Been a while. I was gone on holidays for a bit. Now waiting at the airport to go home. Flight is delayed and I am bored.
Good news: just did 2 weeks no DOC.
Bad news: did not manage to stay Alcohol nor gambling free. In fact these were some of the worst weeks for those 2. It’s like I can’t ever have it all. I downloaded a site blocking app, I’m hoping it helps.
While I am super proud of myself for the 2 weeks, it’s like I can’t appreciate it because it’s ruined by other problems. My brain is exhausted. I’m so tired from all of this.
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Great to see you back and well done with your 2 weeks. I know how much of a black cloud out other addictions can have on us. You will be able to kick them in the same manner you are starting to thrive with this one. Keep hopeful, work your recovery and you will be able to be free of it all.
Be proud of your 2 weeks. That was not easy…one step at a time 
Not a great day mentally, beating myself up pretty bad this last little while. Trying to figure out how to improve my success rate. Thinking a lot about how to get dopamine without having to use… but that’s where I am not sure where to start. The weather this weekend is going to be very wet so I can’t do anything outdoor. Any suggestion on what to do?
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There’s plenty you can do exercise, watch tv, clean the house, read a book, get yourself a good waterproof jacket there’s no such thing as bad weather just poor choice of clothes I can add to this list but I hope you find something
Have a good read around and make a plan, just living from day to day without working on your recovery daily won’t success as you see. Recovery takes work.
Above and beyond keeping myself busy, anyone have any suggestions of dopamine producing activities that could be helpful? There’s working out obviously and you’re right I just need a good jacket and water proof pants. But I need help getting thru the impulses.
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How are you doing? Hope your day got better since you wrote this morning.
Conor had some great suggestions. Check out threads for hobbies which may help kick in the dopamine. 
some off the top of my head…
Creating things (like art, puzzles, music, sculptures, knitting)
Baking or cooking new things
Exercise or just being physically active. Doesn’t have to be outdoors (can use You Tube for assistance with dance moves, yoga, boxing, HIIT workouts …etc)
Gardening (can do some planting indoors too if weather is off)
Just make sure to not go searching for the dopamine fix in addictions. No good will come from that. ODAAT!
I do think puzzles might be the way to go. Honestly I’ve always enjoyed them so I will try to buy some to work on mindlessly.
On the plus side i finished my school semester, it was not easy but I passed all 3 classes. Very happy about that. Definitely need to find better ways to celebrate a momentous occasion for myself. Everyone defaults to drinking. So how to have a sober celebration? Something new I will need to learn. It’s a process and I need to learn this new process!
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Love puzzles…sometimes the local library has them available to check out so you don’t have to buy. Check out our puzzle thread…Share your jigsaw puzzle pics
Congratulations on finishing your classes and passing 
Many sober ways to celebrate. Treat yourself to a dinner/ movie. Or a weekend getaway. Maybe something special like jewelry or clothing?
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Not gonna lie my big plans for today have turned into a nap on the couch. But I will get up and do stuff! I did make an appointment with my therapist so I’m happy about that. I am trying to think of an exercise I can do, like workout class or something.
School starts up again next Monday so I have a week to sorta build a schedule and a structure that can promote sobriety.
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Bought a puzzle today, kept myself busy while I was watching TV which was a nice way to pass the time. Content about it.
Might go to bed early, tired.
Not gonna lie today was difficult, felt like “oh just one beer” but decided against it, very proud of myself. Still need to deal with the underlaying issue.
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totally should be proud - another day sober won~ keep going strong 
Look forward to seeing your finished puzzle
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@JMS19 how is that puzzle going?
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Man, it is not easy!!! Been getting some pieces here and there and got the outter frame done. But it’s a very chaotic puzzle with lots of pieces that ressemble each other. Slowly but surely!
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The biggest piece I have put together is 750. I keep starting a thousand pieces and abandoning it few days later. Lol
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I decided that 1000 was the only way to go and I regret it!
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Baby steps…it feels overwhelming at first but great feeling as you chip away at it and see it come together…as long as you have the space for it…
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I like to go to a craft store or a Target and get one of those craft kits for kids: ceramic painting, beads, sand art whatever looks cool, even a lego set. Ill go home and PLAY, let out some creativity, and just focus on having fun. I dont know if that scientifically releases dopamine, but I get a kick out of it and having a finished product gives me a little rush of pleasure.
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It’s definitely way more difficult than expected but it’s been a good distraction. I am sure once I get a bit more to it done it’ll flow easier. I think I may have been a bit overly ambitious but now I’m like determined