You probably get bored from time to time. You find yourself in a mood when nothing seems interesting or exciting. It seems like every activity under the sun would be a drag, but you also are not too pleased with whatever it is you are currently doing either.
You probably get lonely from time to time. You find yourself at loose ends with no plans and no one to talk to. You might even feel lonely sometimes when you are with other people if it feels like they don’t understand you or have much in common with you.
You probably feel as though you are languishing from time to time. You find yourself feeling stuck because you can’t seem to make progress at work or in your relationships or what have you. It might feel as though your current situation is your permanent situation, and that might not be so great.
Boredom, loneliness, and a sense of languishing are all common emotions, and it is perfectly natural to feel them now and again. For a person in recovery from a substance use disorder, however, these three situations—which are often intertwined in one way or another—can be problematic if allowed to linger too long.
Let’s take a look at ways to avoid that so you can keep your recovery intact.
Battling Against Boredom
As we have noted, boredom is going to arise once in a while. But you do not have to let it settle in and start to chip away at your recovery. Instead, we suggest cultivating a few interests and activities that you can always immerse yourself in when boredom comes along.
Those interests and activities can be just about anything that does not tempt you to return to drug or alcohol use. Maybe you read (or reread) a book by a favorite author. Maybe you hunt for the next item in a collection you are putting together. Maybe you go for a walk and listen to music as you stroll.
Whatever you choose, these sorts of hobbies and other activities can give you a way to restart your mind when it is bogged down with boredom.
Lean Away from Loneliness
The solution to loneliness might seem obvious. If you are alone—and therefore lonely—you can improve the situation by getting together with some folks.
In recovery, however, it is extremely important that you are intentional with your choices when it comes to hanging out. Make sure you are calling up friends or family members who are supportive of your recovery, and avoid reaching out to anyone associated with your time using drugs or alcohol.
If your friends or family are not available when you are feeling lonely, it might be a good idea to go to a 12-Step or other recovery program meeting. There you will be surrounded by others who know what you have gone through—and what you are going through now. That can be a real comfort, and that connection can help you set feelings of loneliness aside.
Lift Yourself Out of Languishing
When it feels like nothing is going your way, it can be easy to conclude you are languishing. You don’t get the promotion you have been angling for. A relationship that seemed promising fizzles out. You start a project—or many projects—but never seem to get to the end.
Languishing can feel a lot like failure—and it can be self-replicating, making it harder and harder for you to regain your footing. And that can make it tempting to return to drug or alcohol use to set that feeling aside.
To prevent that from happening, it is important to develop a growth mindset. That means remember that you can always learn and improve and move toward your goals. It might not be easy (it probably won’t be easy), but it is possible. A spirit of gratitude and a healthy dose of positive self-talk (like affirmations) can help you keep moving forward so that you no longer feel stuck in a never-changing situation.
Let Us Help You Get Your Recovery Journey Underway
The Aviary Recovery Center, located near St. Louis, Missouri, is consistently recognized as one of the top substance use treatment facilities in the country. We provided personalized treatment for substance use disorders as well as co-occurring mental health disorders—like anxiety, depression, or an issue grounded in trauma—that may be entangled with drug or alcohol use.
Our exceptional inpatient program includes medically supervised detoxification, allowing you to get substances out of your system safely and in an environment free of temptations. Detox if followed by a rehabilitation program that provides resources and support to prepare you for returning to your day-to-day life. Rehab includes group and individual therapy, both of which can help you learn how to live a life without drugs or alcohol.
When your time in residential treatment comes to an end, you will still have access to resources and support. Everyone at The Aviary Recovery Center is invested in your recovery, and our aftercare program can help you start your recovery journey with confidence.
