The desire to be sober for the holidays will not prevent a person in active addiction from seeking refuge in drugs or alcohol. Once a person develops physical or psychological dependence, an extended period of sobriety is required before the brain starts releasing feel-good chemicals in response to feel-good situations.
Active addiction prevents people from holding themselves accountable for their actions. Addiction stays with you throughout your life, including during the holidays. However, the holidays can amplify this condition and make it harder to keep on the right path. At Crestview Recovery, a vital part of our goal is to help people convert feelings of guilt and inadequacy into accountability mindfulness. If you suspect that one of your loved ones is struggling with addiction, contact Crestview Recovery by calling 866.262.0531 to learn more about our inpatient Portland rehab center.
Struggling with Addiction Around the Holidays
The holidays bring about many changes in people’s day-to-day life. Your time is likely more limited because you have much more to do and take care of. A few indicators that substance use is developing into addiction include the following:
- Organizing events around your drug or alcohol needs
- Treating family members unfairly due to intoxication or withdrawal
- Being unable to handle emergencies due to cognitive impairments
Some people can use drugs and alcohol to cope with stress around the holidays without experiencing the life-altering consequences faced by drug addicts and alcoholics. This may seem unfair, but it’s important for people to recognize their limitations and seek help when they need it.
Be Aware of Feelings, But Don’t Get Lost in Them
One of the steps you can take to help yourself overcome some of the frustration associated with the holidays is to set realistic expectations. The holidays don’t need to be perfect to be worthwhile. Try to take setbacks in stride and express gratitude for small moments of peace, togetherness, and tranquility. You don’t need to try to stop yourself from feeling negative emotions; acknowledge them and try to move on. One strategy for being newly sober during the holidays is to try to learn one new thing about each member of your family before the holidays are over.
Put Time Into Yourself During the Holidays
Another strategy for staying sober through the holidays is to take care of yourself. No matter what events are going on during the holidays, you don’t want to start using drugs or alcohol again. It may be beneficial to look into substance use treatment if you see relapse on the horizon. Other strategies for staying in recovery during the holidays include:
- Keeping appointments with your therapist
- Working closely with your sponsor when times get tough
- Taking walks outside, staying active, and eating healthy food
- Connecting with friends and family members
- Substituting screen time for meditation
Try not to feel pressure to make everything perfect. Getting through the holidays without relapsing is a major accomplishment that should be celebrated. If you feel like your family doesn’t understand, we recommend calling your sponsor or a friend you met in treatment. Staying sober through the holidays might feel impossible, but this achievement is within your grasp if you have the right support.
What Causes Stress Around the Holidays?
People often feel that they are pulled in many directions around the holidays. Spending money on gifts is stressful. Parents often feel pressure to overspend on gifts. All of this adds up to increased levels of stress. It can make the thought of using drugs and alcohol stay present in your mind. If you feel stressed during the holidays, take a moment to write down a few stressful events and alternative reactions. While certain events might seem stressful, it’s our reactions to them that often cause problems.
You Are Not Alone in Your Battle
If you are struggling with active addiction, the holidays are an ideal time to find help. You do not have to delay getting the support and care you need. It is essential to invest in yourself at this point. That may mean entering into drug and alcohol treatment if you don’t want to take the risk of relapsing during the holidays. Consider the following treatment options:
- Men’s drug addiction treatment
- Women’s drug addiction treatment
- Intensive outpatient treatment programs
- Outpatient treatment programs
- Mental health treatment programs
You’re Never Alone – Call Crestview Recovery Today
At Crestview Recovery, we welcome you to reach out to our experienced team to learn more about the addiction treatment plans we offer. We know that addiction treatment may be last on your list of priorities; however, being sober is the best gift you can give to your family.
Are you struggling with addiction during the holidays? Do you want to find a way to get back on track to achieving your goals? Reach out to our dedicated team at Crestview Recovery today. We can provide you with the support and guidance you need to achieve your best outcome. All you have to do is to call our team at 866.262.0531 to learn more.
Since 2016, Dr. Merle Williamson, a graduate of Oregon Health Sciences University, has been the Medical Director at Crestview Recovery, bringing a rich background in addiction medicine from his time at Hazelden Treatment Center. He oversees outpatient drug and alcohol treatments, providing medical care, setting policies, detox protocols, and quality assurance measures. Before specializing in addiction medicine, he spent 25 years in anesthesiology, serving as Chair of Hospital Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee and Chief of Anesthesia at Kaiser Permanente. This experience gives him a unique perspective on treating prescription drug addiction.
