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The National Institute of Alcohol (R) suggests that 88,000 people die because of alcohol-induced causes. If you are a person with alcoholism or a recovering alcoholic, it is essential for you not to slip. Wondering how you can control your cravings?
I know it is easier said than done, but often, all you need is to push yourself out of the reverie to fight through your urges. When you know the outcomes, opting for an alternative doesn’t seem like a bad option.
Here, we will talk about some of the alternative activities to drinking that can help you sustain a sober lifestyle.
How to Spend Your Time Instead of Drinking?
Sometimes, giving in to the urge to pick up a bottle is easy. You only have to hit the nearest bar and get a drink. But, if you are on the road to recovery or even someone who is trying to quit alcohol for good, there are several things to do besides drinking.
Don’t give in to the urges; talk to someone who can help bring you out of the situation if needed. It might be tough to stop drinking, and you might feel like you’re you’re losing control, but trust yourself not to make things worse.
Let us look at some alternate things to do when you want to drink, shall we? Scroll down.
1. Take Yourself Out On a Walk
Going for a walk is a refreshing way to clear your mind and boost your mood. Walking offers a healthy distraction, whether it’s a stroll through the park or exploring a new neighborhood.
It helps reduce stress, improves mental clarity, and keeps you active, making it a great alternative to other habits.
2. Get Some Reading Done
When you feel the urge to drink, reading a book can be a great way to distract yourself. It helps keep you on track and avoid setbacks. Grab a book nearby and start reading with a clear mind. If you don’t have one, use your smartphone to find something engaging.
Find a quiet spot to focus, and pick a book you already enjoy for better concentration. This small step can help you manage your thoughts and stay in control.
3. Try Your Hands At Meal Prep
Meal prepping is a great way to distract yourself from drinking. It’s time-consuming and helps shift your focus away from things that may cause setbacks. While it may seem tricky initially, once you start chopping and preparing ingredients, you’ll get the hang of it.
The process keeps you busy and your mind off alcohol. It may not be glamorous, but it’s an effective and healthy way to keep yourself occupied and on track.
4. Volunteer At The Local Charity
Volunteering might not seem like an obvious alternative to drinking, but it works wonders. Helping others gives you a sense of fulfillment, which can reduce the urge to drink. You don’t have to do much, but giving back boosts your mental health and confidence.
It also provides a positive escape when negative or overwhelming thoughts take over, offering a break and clear perspective when your judgment feels clouded.
5. Indulge In a New Hobby
When you feel like drinking, try picking up a hobby you’ve always wanted to explore, such as painting, photography, or playing music. You can take a class, find online tutorials, or simply dive in and experiment.
The options are endless, and it’s a fun way to stay engaged and focus on something creative and fulfilling instead. It’s all about what interests you!
6. Go Out For a Drive
If you’re feeling a relapse coming on, avoid driving yourself and let someone else take the wheel until you feel more in control. Even small steps like this can help. Riding in a car allows you to focus on your surroundings and distracts you from the urge to drink.
Keep the windows down and let the fresh air calm your mind. If needed, stop the car, take a deep breath, and give yourself time to relax before making any decisions. It’s a simple but effective way to clear your head.
7. Meditate
Meditation is a great way to manage the urge to drink. You can meditate alone in a quiet room or join a group. It’s a myth that you need to meditate for hours; even 10 minutes can bring peace.
Focus on your breathing or chakras to calm your mind. Keep it simple—no need to overdo it. The goal is to release negative thoughts and find mental peace through concentration.
8. Try Out Some Mocktails
If you’re craving a drink, try making a healthy mocktail instead. It’s a great way to satisfy your desire for a “drink” without alcohol. Making and enjoying different mocktails can help shift your focus away from alcohol cravings.
If you don’t have ingredients at home, buy some, but avoid going to a bar where the presence of alcohol might increase your temptation. Mocktails can be a tasty and effective way to manage your urges and keep your mind off drinking.
9. Hit The Gym
If you’re tempted to drink again, going to the gym can help. Relapse can disrupt your brain’s balance and make you feel worse. Exercise releases endorphins, which improve your mood and brain function.
This makes working out a great alternative to drinking, helping you feel better and stay on track with your goals. Hitting the gym is a positive way to handle cravings and boost your overall well-being.
10. Try Journaling
Journaling might not seem like a typical way to handle alcoholism, but it’s a great tool when you’re alone. It helps manage your thoughts, which can be a big challenge on the path to recovery.
Writing down your experiences and feelings can remind you of your progress and keep track of your journey. It provides a way to reflect on your struggles and understand yourself better. Start by jotting down your quick thoughts, and use it as a healthy outlet when you’re struggling.
11. Listen To Your Favorite Playlist
Music is a powerful way to manage difficult feelings. When you’re struggling, put on your earphones and let your favorite songs take over your thoughts. Instead of focusing on negative thoughts, immerse yourself in the lyrics and melody.
Music can gradually help calm your anxiety and provide relief. If you’re bored with your current songs, create a new playlist with fresh tunes. It’s all about finding what brings you peace and helps you feel better.
12. Indulge In a Bath
Baths are a great way to relax and can be a perfect alternative to drinking at night. If you’re feeling anxious, take a warm bath and add a bath bomb and a few drops of lavender oil for extra relaxation. Soak for 15-20 minutes, or longer if you like.
Don’t worry about getting wrinkly—just enjoy the relaxation. Taking this time for yourself helps take your mind off your struggles and gives you a chance to unwind.
13. Call a Family Member or Friend
If your thoughts feel overwhelming, calling a family member or friend can be helpful. Sometimes, you just need someone to listen and support you. A trusted person can help lift you out of negative thinking.
Call your mom or a close friend when you feel the urge to drink, and let them help you through it. Don’t face your struggles alone—rely on people who care about you and are willing to support you.
14. Watch a Movie
Watching a movie is a great way to relax and distract yourself from drinking. It helps clear your mind and take your focus off the urge to drink. Choose a movie that grabs your attention and keeps you engaged, or go for a light-hearted comedy to lift your spirits.
It’s a simple but effective way to find an alternative to drinking and keep yourself occupied with something enjoyable.
15. Bring Out Your Inner Shopaholic
Shopping can be a useful way to cope instead of drinking. It doesn’t have to be expensive—just browsing around can help. Shopping can clear your mind and give you time to make better decisions.
It’s a good way to distract yourself and get a fresh perspective. Whether you’re buying something or just window-shopping, it helps you take a break from negative thoughts and focus on something more positive.
16. Eat Something You Love
When looking for alternatives to drinking, enjoying some food can help. You don’t have to go all out—just indulge in something you like, whether it’s healthy or not. The key is to use food occasionally as a distraction, not as a regular habit, to avoid problems like overeating.
Eating tasty food now and then can take your mind off alcohol, but it’s important not to rely on it too much. Make sure you find other coping methods to maintain a balanced and healthy approach.
17. Get Some Quality Sleep
Getting quality sleep is essential when recovering from alcoholism or trying to quit. A consistent sleep schedule helps your body and mind recover and can reduce cravings. Going to bed early and sleeping well through the night is important.
If cravings become overwhelming, a 1-2 hour nap can help manage them and make you feel refreshed. Remember, everyone’s experience is different, so find what works best for you.
If you have been worrying about the things to do instead of drinking, these are the best alternatives. It comes down to handling your weaknesses and opting for a healthy outlet instead of giving in to your desires. If you feel nothing is working and things have worsened over time, consult a therapist.
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Sep 2020Written by Somapika D
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Sep 2024Edited by Ankita
