While I have no desire to drink- nights are lonely

Recovery
#1

While I have no desire to drink- nights are lonely. My anxiety can be suffocating.

8 Likes
#2

Hey Jess! I’m right there with you. We just have to embrace the boredom. I try to get a later meeting in on weekends because the night owl in me is so use to those old nighttime activities. Though I’m anxious too I embrace the ability to sit with myself sober. Keep going!

3 Likes
#3

I feel the same way pal. Its almost learning how to live again because everything is associated with alcohol or drugs. I dont know how to even celebrate my sobriety or any occasion or just to function normally is a task.

3 Likes
#4

Whether it's a meeting or an activity, you now have the time to find what you want to fill your time up with. Splashing my face with cold water, doing some breath work (1-2 minutes for me) and going out for walks are helpful when an anxiety attack is ongoing.

2 Likes
#5

I've been going to the gym from 10:00-12:00 am on weekend evenings. So far, it's working.

1 Like
#6

Thank you! I will try the cold water strategy.

1 Like
#7

Hey Stacey! My drinking always kept me company at night until I passed out. Changing my brain has been an adjustment. I really appreciate your comment tonight- very relatable!

#8

Yes! Exactly, Vejaayy. I feel like a toddler just learning to walk sometimes.

#9

There are a lot of guided meditation on youtube. Starting at a only a few minutes long.
Finding some that worked for me was helpful at falling asleep.
If you have Netflix the headspace series including guides were really useful for me.
Distancing myself from screens and using a cuddly body pillow helped too.

#10

I will give the guided meditation a try. Thank you!

1 Like