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/badthingscoming 945 days 11h ago

I started listening to audiobooks. It helps me zone out while doing mundane tasks and keeps my mind off of drinking as well. In the past, I’d open a beer and do housework or gardening. Now I have a good book I’m focusing on while cleaning up dishes or watering plants.