Sobriety Doesn’t Have to Be Boring

1. Sobriety Doesn’t Have to Be Boring Many people wrongfully believe that they can’t enjoy life without drugs and alcohol, or that sobriety has to be a boring. Of course as a recovering drug or alcoholic addict it can be difficult to relearn how to enjoy life without the substance you use to rely on. At times you may feel miserable and bored. However, the truth is there are a plethora of ways in which you can enjoy a drug-free or alcohol-free life. In fact, boredom after leaving an inpatient drug treatment facility Los Angeles can do more harm than good. Why You Should Avoid Boredom During Recovery Boredom and loneliness during recoveryis a common relapse trigger. It’s not unusually for someone to begin missing the “excitement” of their old life when things get too dreary. According to an article by CBS, a study done by the university’s National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse have revealed that “young people

2. ages 12 to 17 who are frequently bored are 50 percent likelier than those not often bored to smoke, drink, get drunk and use illegal drugs.” Boredom can be especially dangerous during early stages of recovery when an individual may still be struggling with their urges. Therefore, it’s important to find fun activities to engage in after leaving an inpatient drug treatment facility Los Angeles . Once you’re able to conquer your urges to get a next drink, you’ll be amazed by what you can accomplish. Sure, transitioning back to reality after addiction and resuming a normal lifestyle isn’t a walk in the park - It takes time, commitment and gumption for any recovering addict to develop a drug-free lifestyle. Sobriety isn’t easy, but it’s worth it. Small Steps, Big Strides Many recovering addicts prefer to take the shortcut on their journey to sobriety. Who wouldn’t want to overcome the feelings of doubt, anxiety, fear and shame that often lingers long after treatment? Not to be the bearer of bad news, but when it comes to drug or alcohol recovery, the long route is always the safest options. Quite often people who believe that they can grab life by the horns after rehab end up returning to their old habits. While it’s important to enjoy life after addiction treatment, taking small steps is the best way to adjust to a new life. Find Fun Activities

3. As an addict your life was probably centered around heavy drinking and alcohol use – when you’re not getting high, you’re busy worrying about getting the next fix. For this reason, it’s important to develop new interests leaving an inpatient drug treatment facility Los Angeles to fill up the void left by substance abuse. Simply going to the cinema to watch a movie in great company is an excellent way to overcome boredom. And if you prefer a more intimate gathering, you can always stay home, turn on your favorite show, grab some popcorn and call up a few friends. For those of you who prefer more interactive activities, ten pin bowling can be a simply but fun activity for a sober night out. Yoga, Tai Chi and other forms of meditation activities are also a great way to relax and adapt to your new life. Set And Pursue New Goals

4. Perhaps one the most important steps on your journey to recovery is setting new goals and to start pursuing those said goals. Set goals based on your personal aspirations and what you want to accomplish in life. Goals such as overcoming any character flaws that had made you vulnerable to addiction in the first place is a great starting point. Working towards emotional stability is also important for overcoming any urges that may lead to relapse and help you to get in touch with your feelings. We are all unique, so it’s important to remember that each addict recovery is unique based on their individual experiences. When it comes to sobriety, there’s no “one-size- fits-all” rule that apply, just as each addict requires an individualized treatment approach. At BLVD we offer personalized treatment plans that resonates with each client and put it to use for their individual situations. Our treatment programs offered at our inpatient drug treatment facility Los Angeles are designed to keep clients entertained while getting them the help they desire. If you’re on your journey to sobriety but feel you need professional help, give us a call. We understand that sobriety is a lifelong commitment and that’s why we like to maintain a close relationship with all our clients even after treatment. Contact us today at (888) 898-2073. Sources: CBS: Teen Boredom Breeds Drug Use The National Institute on Substance Abuse: DrugFacts: Understanding Drug Use and Addiction US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health: Hitting the Wall: Youth Perspectives on Boredom, Trouble, and Drug Use Dynamics