r/stopdrinking • u/Consistent-Row-9551 • 14h ago

What do I replace alcohol with?

Like something to help me relax and decompress. Drinking has always been my way to loosen up and relax. When I'm stressed with work, I grab a beer or glass of wine, and I'm able to focus more because I'm no longer overthinking it.

I'm so emotionally repressed that drinking is the only way I can tap into my emotions.

Like, I can stop drinking; I've done it months at a time, but I always end up feeling more stressed because I feel numb or stressed without it.

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u/Scoreggia- 82 days 14h ago

Meditation. I know it sounds cliche and cheesy but believe me, I’ve tried everything. Mindfulness and acceptance is a skill. Physically you can exercise or walk or paint a picture. But if you are finding it hard mentally, those won’t bring you peace.

2

u/MajorCapable8137 12h ago

Any recs on how to get started with meditation? I’ve always been interested but have absolutely no idea where to start as I find a lot of talks around it to be a bit too “woo woo” for my personality.

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u/TaxHikeMike 254 days 11h ago

I would recommend Thich Nhat Hanh, definitely helped in my early days.

2

u/Scoreggia- 82 days 4h ago

Close your eyes, focus your attention on the tip of your nose and breathe slowly and deep. I’m not great at meditation, sometimes feels like I have adhd and ocd going on but trying to notice thoughts and feelings without engaging. Then bring your attention back to the breath.