Reasons why I can’t (or won’t) drink/ use:
I don’t stop at 1 (I binge drink)
1 is too much and 1,000 not enough
Drinking leads me to using
I blackout quite a bit
I feel guilty, shameful, and self-hatred after I drink
I take meds for depression
Meds make intoxication worse
Hangovers get worse and worse
Recovery from hangovers gets longer and longer
I embarrass myself
Drinking makes me lazy and selfish
I don’t enjoy hobbies, keep up with tasks, or spend quality time with loved ones when I drink
I suffer depression, self-pity, and anxiety after I drink
Things get worse, not better
People I drank with were not truly friends (we just had something in common)
I become who I hang around
Horrible decisions
Total waste of time
What to do instead:
Meet a friend for coffee
Go see a movie
Talk a walk/ride a bike
Draw, paint, read a book
Go to the library
Search local paper for free events
Go out to dinner or try a new recipe at home
Go to a recovery meeting
Start a journal/ art journal on sobriety
Go for a photo walk (take pictures)
Call and talk to a loved one
Volunteer at organization important to you
Take your dog to the park
Try a new place for dessert or bake something at home
Create a spa night at home for yourself
Go grocery shopping for yourself (healthier options)
Make a list of things you used to enjoy and want to do again
List of triggers and how to avoid them (your truth)
A goodbye letter to your addiction
Positive reasons for being sober (why you fight this battle)
Feel free to add more ideas for others