I don’t have a super large problem with alcohol but enough that I can feel my body and mind eroding from it. I can also feel myself slipping deeper into these habits and I want out before it consumes my life. My problem is when I get home from my day I get so bored and all I can think to do is drink. I have adhd so I get task paralysis often and drinking helps with it. I don’t want advice that includes going on meds because I’ve tried that but I can’t take them consistently and they end up just making me feel weird because of it.
I would however like engaging hobby ideas or alternative drinks that don’t include alcohol or weed (also relatively cheap)
The other problem is I’ve been using alcohol to sleep. Just drink enough to pass out and I don’t want to be doing that anymore. I need an activity that will make me sleepy at night.
I’ve tried to start up hobbies I used to like in the past but nothing keeps my mind focused enough on the task and they always end up feeling like a chore (reading, sewing, crochet are all things I used to do. I play video games consistently but it’s too easy to drink and do that). I have a large interest in learning about new things but after college any academic books feel like homework. I have a cat and play with him every night but he’s got a short attention span like his dad so he only keeps me focused for so long (been trying to train him and he does not understand the concept lol).
Idk if anyone has any ideas on what to do or how to deal with my thoughts when I’m bored, but if you do I’d greatly appreciate it!
Welcome to TS
you are using a mind altering substance to self-medicate. you do have a massive problem.
read around, there are several threads on hobbies, boredom, adhd and very good ones on ressources of recovery, how to make a plan, tips for newcomers and constant relapsers.
use the search function to look up keywords.
your sobriety and recovery are YOUR responsibility and you need to put work into it, daily. no shortcuts.
ODAAT
Maybe find a recovery group and still come here ,exercise and diet can help you with your sleep problem. im sure there are places there who are looking for volunteers get out there help others good for you mental health
Make plans ahead of time like going for a walk or going out to eat or doing something.
The answer to boredom is to stop being boring - go to a meeting, it can be ANYTHING. You could even go play ultimate frisbee just fill your time with things other than nothing lol
Welcome to the community
Changing your daily routines and habits can be challenging in the beginning but if you really want this it can be done. I used to start drinking literally the moment I walked in the door . Like I needed to down a drink before I could even change out of work clothes so I can definitely relate . I’m 7 months sober now. Flavoured sparkling water and zero sugar pop became my new best friends and as far as activities to stay busy I tried many. Everything from adult colouring books and paint by number to walking and gardening once the weather got nicer. I also stayed very active on here and read and listened to various sober literature. I have to say though that this community was and is probably the biggest part of my success with all the supportive people here. So take some time to read around and participate. Hopefully it can help you as much as it’s helped me. As far as sleep goes it is usually quite elusive in early sobriety but if you can tough it out for a bit , it will get better. Sometimes taking magnesium or melatonin before bed can help.I wish you well on this journey. Just take it ODAAT.
