Are we ever truly “bored?”

Recovery
#1

I see this a lot, primarily as a reason for potential relapse either before or after the fact. But how possible is it really to truly be bored in 2022?

When I was a kid in the 80s, if it was raining outside, I had a TV with maybe 8 channels. And maybe some toys. And that was it. And I still never got bored.

Now as adults, we have the whole of human knowledge on a device we can put in our pockets. Most of us have at least a hundred TV channels, not to mention however many streaming services. Video games, gyms, food delivery, take a walk, take a nap, you don’t even have to buy a book anymore. Just download it.

My point is, are you REALLY bored? Or are you just unable to enjoy anything more than alcohol? I know that was my problem. And it’s taken a few years at least to learn to love my hobbies and interests in sobriety as much as I loved alcohol when drinking. To me, saying “I’m bored” is just another way of saying “I don’t want to enjoy anything except alcohol.”

Food for thought. Happy Tuesday!

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#2

Hey Brandon! I see your point. I just looked up the definition of boredom: the state of being weary and restless through lack of interest. It’s the “through lack of interest” that is the problem. As you said, we are bombarded by stimulus to keep our attention 24/7/365. Haven’t we all had days when we have little to do, but are content and don’t feel bored? Then other days, in the same exact situation we are bored and restless?? It’s definitely a mental condition

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#3

That really spoke to me. I have even made the statement that I don’t want to do anything except drink or without drink. I really hope it does not take me long to learn to enjoy my hobbies and other things. Thanks for the thoughts it was helpful to me

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