Things to do without going to the pub?

[saree83]

Hi,
I'm trying to control my drinking but it is usually boredom that causes me to relapse.  What are some things to do at the weekend that doesn't involve just going to the pub.  Especially when the weather is bad?
Thanks

[ibizan]

Great comment...I so agree!A BIG part of recovery is learning to like urself....be comfy in your own skin....by urself in your own space.There are so many humans recovering and not who cannot stand to be by themselves in this frenzied noise saturated overactive world we live in....and learning to be quiet and enjoy the quiet within and outside of urself is worth working towards.I have to laugh at those who walk run and drive with a cellphone plastered to their ears,the frenzied texting,the speeders go nuts if their not in a relationship...so many in a hurry to go where?for that moment again becomes yesterday.....and tomorrow!:)I SAVOR my quiet time....with a good book,a good animal magazine....and my fav being alone with my cats and greyhounds watching Discovery channel or a good segment of Animal Planet!oops forgot..making beaded blingy Pandorama necklaces and bracelets!

[littleflower1980]

Time will pass without alcohol. Today will become tomorrow. And sometimes, you have to break it down: "I'm not going to drink today." or "I'm not going to drink this hour." Eventually, you can get there. Just remember, your life will march on without the alcohol, and honestly, you'll probably be happier.
I live in New England...it gets really boring in the winter here too! So I undertand. You don't really need to find "things to do". Finding people to "do things with" is easier. Get your friends to go to a movie, or a museum, art gallery, coffee shop, book store, play, park, etc. SOOOO many things can be enjoyed without booze!
I have learned that alcohol was killing the nurturing ways, creative ways and in all ways productivity of my soul/self/heart.
I sincerely hope you catch yourself.
Wishing you love and luck.

[enocenip]

You've touched on a very important point. Years ago, I read in the book "Alcoholism" (Gitlow & Peyser ) that one can't really recover until one is able to find happiness in sobriety - in short, until you 'get a life.' Rational-Behavior therapist Windy Dryden calls this 'vitally absorbing interests.' ('Ten Steps to Positive Living' - which I highly recommend). You've got to have a life, future plans, work, healthy interests, and non-drinking friends that share those interests with you. In the 'sobering' film 'Rain in my Heart' (which you can see on YouTube), one of the alcoholics comes out and says she drinks partly to relieve boredom, although you can see that in her case it's too late. So don't wait until it's too late....  

As I look back over the years I can see it plain as day. I fell under the influence of drugs and bad kids in high school to the extent that I wasn't studying and getting excited about my future.

The horrible thing about alcohol is that it ruins your personality and character. It destroys you as a person, takes 'you' away and substitutes an empty shell that is selfish and inward-looking when, if you'd only stop and look around, you see so many people facing desperate odds and still struggling every day to make a good life, even finding the strength to help others along the way. Indeed, that's part of AA's approach. Helping others recovery becomes that 'vitally absorbing interest.'

Ending the drinking is hard enough, but it's only the beginning. You have to find your own vitally absorbing interests, set _reasonable_ goals and work hard as heck toward them at a pace you can handle without turning back. To do that, you need your brain. If you've already destroyed it, like so many of the kids I knew I once knew who are now dead or in the gutter, then the bog will have you and you will sink slowly down into the muck in pain and anguish.

[Jacker]

The weather is bad here, so today I'm holed up with a good book.  Think about registering for a class or joining a gym.  I know that it costs money, but like Ibizan said, how much do you spend at the pub?  This year I rejoined a weekly horseback riding class in an indoor arena.  It's only once per week, but it gives me something to look forward to, and my coordination is coming back (yay!)

I have a good friend who started taking a Martial Arts class when she quit drinking....now she's a Blackbelt and teaching others.  Just think about the activities you enjoy or something that you've always wanted to try.  This is also a good way to find non-alcoholic friends.  

[saree83]

Thanks, I guess there is lots to do, it just needs some imagination and to stop making excuses

[ibizan]

well...how much money do u spend in pubs drinking that u could spend doing other things u enjoy?bundle up for a walk.....layer the clothes......i know u have fab art museums over there...small admission or free?volunteer work?do u love animals?all kinds of neglected abandoned animals in shelters and they operate on  a shoestring and would love volunteers to help....could meet some cool ppl who aren't in2 the party scene!

[saree83]

I'm 24, I really enjoy going for walks but then when its cold its too tempting to warm up in the pub.  I like going to the cinema, watching live music and shopping but these things are expensive.

[ibizan]

how old r u dear?what kinds of things do u enjoy doing minus drinking?