Addiction is a disease that entirely takes over our lives. We come to rely upon substances to control every aspect of our feelings. We use on good day, on bad days, on days when we are overwhelmed, and on days when we are bored. Using drugs becomes our only source of enjoyment and comfort, relieving us of feelings of boredom, stress, and anxiety. Many people entering into recovery are afraid that their lives will be boring without drugs or alcohol. The answer is more complicated than a simple yes or no. Our lives can be boring in sobriety if we don’t actively engage in a recovery program and simply try not to drink or use drugs every day. Without a long-term recovery program, we may never reach a “position of neutrality” where we no longer have to avoid potential stressors and are limited in where we can go and what we can do. The practice of not using drugs or drinking without working a recovery program is commonly referred to as “white knuckle” sobriety, so named because of the color of our knuckles when we are desperately hanging on to something or making a fist. On the other hand, we can choose to actively engage in our recovery. We can explore different areas of our recovery, such as our spirituality, meditation practices, various local recovery groups, and become involved. When asked if one will be “consigned to a life where I shall be stupid boring and glum” and if there is a sufficient substitute, the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous explains, “Yes, there is a substitute and it is vastly more than that. It is a fellowship in Alcoholics Anonymous. There you will find release from care, boredom, and worry. Your imagination will be fired. Life will mean something at last. The most satisfactory years of your existence lie ahead. Thus we find the fellowship, and so will you.” This is not limited only to Alcoholics Anonymous, however. There are a variety of different recovery programs that we can engage with and find the same release from boredom. Getting involved with others, exploring our personal and spiritual lives, and practicing the principles of recovery every day is anything but boring.
Your story can be one of fun and fulfillment in sobriety. You can make the courageous decision to seek help now and embark upon the rewarding journey of recovery. Oceanfront Recovery, a men’s treatment center in the heart of beautiful Laguna Beach, is staffed with a passionate team of care providers who utilize cutting-edge treatment modalities and provide clinically appropriate and therapeutic tools to clients. For information about individualized treatment options, please call today: (877) 279-1777
