People who have quit drinking alcohol frequently report feeling that their social life has taken a nosedive. Even though quitting is a healthy choice for so many reasons, it can be hard to know how to fill up your time now that you are no longer focused on your addiction. Boredom can lead to relapse, so it is important to have a plan to stop drinking alcohol. It can be helpful to remind yourself of the bad effects, like getting a headache after drinking alcohol. Many people wisely choose to seek alcohol addiction treatment to help them recover. However, having lots of options for things to do instead of drinking can help when you are struggling.
Some of the Benefits of Not Drinking Alcohol
There is nothing but options when it comes to not drinking. Participating in sober activities allows you to be more present, engaged, and healthy. Here is a list of 50 things to do instead of drinking. Feel free to add items that align with your interests.
- Pet a dog or a cat
- Learn how to draw or paint
- Bake a fancy cake
- Swing on a swing set
- Call a friend
- Paint your nails (or someone else’s)
- Dress up in a costume
- Read a book
- Write a book
- Get a new haircut
- Clean out your closets
- Plan your dream vacation
- Go out to a coffee house
- Start learning to play an instrument
- Ask some friends to come over and play a game
- Put on your favorite album and sing along
- Make a photo album of your favorite people
- Help an elderly relative or neighbor
- Rearrange your furniture
- Write in a journal
- Play a video game
- Go on a walk and pick up some litter
- Go to the library
- Water your houseplants
- Plant a garden
- Do a workout
- Give yourself a spa treatment
- Meditate or pray
- Make a list of all the things you love
- Fix something around the house that’s broken
- Run the vacuum
- Ask a kid to tell you their best joke
- Go to a concert
- Watch something funny on television
- Build a birdhouse
- Send someone a letter
- Thank ten people for being awesome
- Open up your windows and feel the fresh air
- Change the batteries in your smoke detector
- Take your car for an oil change
- Get involved in local politics
- Sign up for a class
- Mow your lawn
- Make some tea
- Take your vitamins
- Do a craft
- Go for a run
- Learn how to knit
- Take a nice long nap
- Go to a support group meeting
The Importance of Reconnecting With Your Life
After you stop drinking, it is important to reconnect with things you used to enjoy or connect with new things you’ve always wanted to try. Part of the benefit of participating in alcohol addiction treatment is building up a support network of people who are also focused on recovery. Relying on that support network, engaging with old hobbies and new activities, and having lots of ideas for what to do instead of drinking can be a recipe for recovery success. Instead of asking yourself, “why do I get a headache after drinking a small amount of alcohol?” you could be asking yourself, “Which instrument do I want to play?”
Discover How Liberty Health Services Can Help You Stop Drinking Alcohol
If you or a loved one struggles with drinking and wants to stop, we at Liberty Health Services are ready to help. We are a premier substance abuse treatment center located in Derry, New Hampshire. We are committed to helping our clients, and their families heal from addiction and achieve lasting recovery. Reach out to one of our caring and compassionate staff members today at 855.959.4521, and let us tell you what we can do to help.
