Why You Need Addiction Recovery During the Holidays

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For many people who are experiencing drug or alcohol addiction, there never seems to be a “right” time to go to rehab. This is especially true around the holidays. It can be easy to convince oneself that their substance abuse is not that bad or that they will quit once the season is over. When something as profound as addiction is occurring, the person who is experiencing it may not even realize just how bad their situation has gotten, even if they have lost all control. Giving yourself and your loved ones the gift of sobriety is why you need addiction recovery during the holidays. 

What Triggers Addiction During the Holidays?

There is no doubt that the holiday season is one that countless individuals look forward to. From baking cookies and spending time with family, to gift-giving and ringing in the New Year, the holidays are filled with all kinds of joy.. But this time of year is not always as joyful for some as it is for others. 

People who have first-hand experience with drug and alcohol addiction often find themselves having a harder time than most during the holidays. This is not to say that they dislike the season or don’t enjoy it, but that it comes with challenges. Whether a person is currently addicted to drugs or alcohol or in recovery, there are a number of triggering events that can occur that can compromise their health and wellbeing at the holidays. Consider the following:

  • Spending more time than usual with family members (some of whom are rarely, if ever, seen)
  • Attending parties, events, and gatherings were others are drinking alcohol or smoking marijuana
  • Feeling more loneliness than usual, especially if a person does not have a strong support system 
  • Getting overwhelmed and fatigued easily from commitments and holiday-related obligations

The holidays can be completely over-stimulating and stressful for many people, especially those in recovery or who are actively abusing drugs or alcohol. Attempting to deal with addiction during the holidays no matter what stage of addiction a person is in can be more of a challenge than some may think. 

How to Recognize If You Need Help 

The obviousness of the severity of addiction is often easier to hide during the holidays. The busyness of the season, coupled with celebrations, make it easy for people to overlook the obvious signs of addiction. Especially for people who are new to recovery, or even for some long-timers, it is extremely critical that you can independently identify if you are struggling with addiction during the holidays. Of course, loved ones may step forward and make mention to you about their concerns, but it is not wise to wait for the actions of others in this instance. 

If you are currently addicted to drugs or alcohol, there are a handful of various signs that you should consider when trying to determine if you need help or not. Consider your relationship with drugs or alcohol.

  • Do you feel like you cannot function without substances?
  • When you are unable to use, do you develop painful withdrawal symptoms?
  • Have you made attempts to stop using before but have been unsuccessful in doing so?
  • Is your use increasing in intensity because you are being triggered by the holidays?

If you answer “yes” to even just one of these questions, seeking addiction recovery during the holidays is essential. 

If you are in recovery from drug or alcohol addiction during the holidays, make sure you are regularly checking in with yourself. Asking yourself some of these simple questions can help you determine if the holiday season and potential other factors are weakening your recovery to the point of potential relapse.

  • Are you paying close attention to your feelings and expressing them well?
  • Do you continue to go to therapy and/or meetings to bolster your recovery?
  • Are you feeling like you are in control of your sobriety at this time?

Benefits of Addiction Recovery During the Holidays

Going to rehab during the holidays is not something that most people want to do. In fact, it might even be the last thing some people might want for themselves. However, regardless of the time of year, it’s important to get help — if if you’re getting into addiction recovery during the holidays. Addiction can have devastating consequences and putting off getting help can be catastrophic.

Attending addiction recovery during the holidays has several benefits. Not only will you be able to share in the company of others who are experiencing a similar situation to you, but you will also be able to give yourself the best gift of all by getting back in control of your life. The benefits are endless; however, some of the most important ones include the following:

You Can Avoid Triggering Situations 

There is no doubt that the holiday season is triggering for everyone, including those battling addiction. If you enter into addiction recovery during the holidays, you can either completely remove yourself from all triggering situations, if you attend inpatient rehab, or partially if attending an outpatient program. If there are people, places, or things during the holidays that cause you to want to drink or use again, staying away from them is key. Getting yourself in a treatment program can help.

Develop Skills to Prepare You for Next Year

Every holiday season is special for one reason or another, but if you are attending addiction recovery during the holidays, keep in mind that it is possibly the one time you won’t be able to engage in activities as usual. Simply stepping out of the hustle and bustle of the holidays for one year will not only help protect your physical and mental health, but also give you the time to develop powerful coping skills that can prepare you for the next year and the many years ahead. 

Use this Holiday as Restorative Time 

Most people feel like they need a vacation after the holidays because of how busy they can get. If you enroll in addiction recovery during the holidays, you can use that time to restore yourself physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. You are under no obligation to maintain holiday commitments. Rather you can give yourself the greatest gift of all by focusing on your needs. 

It does not matter if you are still using drugs or alcohol or if you are in recovery. If you feel like you need that support to get or stay on track, reaching out for help is a must. Depending on your situation, consider re-enrolling in a program as a refresher to bolster your recovery. Every little bit of support can help.

Drug and Alcohol Rehab at Clear Behavioral Health in Redondo Beach

No one should have to deal addiction during the holidays, but unfortunately this disease stops for nothing. At Clear Behavioral Health in Redondo Beach, our team provides the highest quality of care so that each and every one of our clients can go on to enjoy many more holiday seasons. 

If you would like to learn more about us, please visit our website by clicking here. To get help and speak to someone right away, call us at (877) 799-1985.

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