Boredom is often cited as trigger for drug and alcohol relapse. But what exactly is the connection?
Have you really thought about it? Boredom is a feeling that life is very dull, that nothing is going on, everything is monotonous, not exciting, and very tiring. 
Sometimes a vacuum is created when we stop hanging around people, places, and situations that used to occupy so much of our time; all those things related to drinking and drugging. In trying to do the right thing by avoiding them we end up with huge blocks of time with absolutely nothing to do.
Boredom simply means that nothing new is going on. The danger here is that one nothing new is going on, a natural inclination for addicts and alcoholics is to start thinking about stimulation and thrill seeking. And we all know something that works very well and very quickly, a return to drinking and drugging. There is a solution to avoid this deadly trap.
You must take action for yourself. Get off the couch or out of bed and start finding some new activities.
Put yourself in the position of being able to meet new people. This can be as easy as sticking out your hand and saying “Hi my name is…”
Actually do something you’ve been thinking about for a long time. Go scuba diving, sky diving, take the class at the local school.
Get interested in other people, extend interest or a helping hand to others. One of the best ways to get out of your own head is to start helping another person, they get the help they need and you feel good about yourself and giving it.
The key to overcoming boredom is to take action. Don’t just sit around and wait for things to happen, make them happen. The thought is just a thought nothing really happens until we take some action. Don’t let boredom become a dangerous drug and alcohol relapse trigger for you.
{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
You have to get active before you can conquer boredom therefore you can get over alcoholism.
Hi.. i have read this post .. actually i am suffering from this problem i.e stress i don’t know what to do as i went to so many doctors but didn’t got well if any one have suggestion for me please tell me .
Thanks
Boredom can really goes into something and might be the reason why people preferred to get drunk and addicts for some people and even myself believe that when starting to become bored we preferred to get drunk than to think the problem we have.
And to overcome the addiction of alcohol and drugs we should attend some drug addiction counseling to recover and be back again to normal life, not the boredom one nor the stage of addiction but the happy, peaceful and blessed life.
I think you are absolutely right, if people use the services provided there would be not a problem. Keep up the great work
Hi, this is a great article. I drink heavily at moment so have started to complete Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (so far I have it a fantastic insight into the causes of my actions and has made consciously aware of my mental development). By doing so I found that boredom was the consistent cause of my behaviour. Consistent routine and boredom just reinforces behaviour which could potentially lead to addiction and other mental health issues.
I can imagine due to the recession this is a common story. Thankfully I am starting a new job in the next few weeks which will amongst other things give me status, money, build my self-esteem, keep me busy and get me out to meet people.
It’s odd how when you have little money you always seem to able to afford to get wasted, I suppose it’s a bit like being a student again.
Very nice article, Bill. I have a theory that there’s a collective ADHD syndrome affecting society. A lot of people just don’t seem to be able to focus on things for too long. There seems to be an incessant need to have our senses stimulated 24/7 to escape boredom.
I had never really considered the relationship between boredom and drug/alcohol addictions. I would have to agree with John as a former drinker I replaced my life with daily routines and constant activity and that helped me give up smoking and drinking.
Cheewing gum for me was my blessing in giving up cigarettes.