Understanding Boredom as a Trigger for Your Addiction

Many people who get clean have triggers that make their addiction rear its ugly head. When you’re newly clean and sober, a lot of these triggers can be glaringly obvious. For example, a lot of people know that going to a place they used to use drugs is a huge trigger and entirely out of the question if they want to stay clean. You may also know that payday is a trigger because whenever you got paid, you would stock up on your drug of choice. But some triggers are not as apparent as others. Boredom is one of those triggers that you may not know about.

Why is Boredom a Trigger?

Boredom is a trigger for many reasons. When you were bored and in active addiction, your first thought was probably to get high or drunk. Now, you’re forced to think of a new task, hopefully, one that is entertaining.

Boredom also means that you’re not really rising to the challenges of recovery. Are you working the steps and going to meetings? Sometimes that’s not enough if you don’t feel like your life is being enriched.

Maybe it’s time to try some new meetings outside of your normal ones. Think about meetings that are outside of your comfort zone. For example, go to a morning meeting on the weekend if you usually go to an evening meeting. Or, if you live in the suburbs, drive up to the next town over to meet some new people.

Coping with Boredom

If you’re bored for some time, you’re going to need to make some changes. Finding a hobby, volunteering, or just exploring the world again can help relieve your longer-term boredom.

Finding things you enjoy will also help give you more purpose in life. Start to really learn what you love to do. Do you like to surf, do yoga, or spend the afternoon reading or writing instead?

Living a life of meaning is essential now that you’re clean and sober. Not everyone has the chance to turn their life around, but you’re clean and sober, which means you’ve embraced hope instead of fear. Use that hope to live a good life! Spend time getting to know yourself and the things you’d like to get out of life.

Help for Addiction

Do you or somebody you know have a problem with alcohol or drugs? Help is available. Give yourself a chance. Call us at 619-363-4767 for more information on how we can help you get started on the road to recovery.