The summer holiday season can be a joyous, festive time of year. But for people in recovery, the holiday season can also be overwhelming as there is the fear of having a relapse. The summer holidays can present triggers to those recovering from drug and alcohol abuse. Crestview Recovery’s drug rehab program can help you stay clean and sober. If you believe that you may have a relapse, it is essential to follow the steps below to protect your sobriety. Also, reach out to an addiction specialist for more information about our addiction treatment options for you or a loved one by calling 866.262.0531.
Advocate For Yourself At Holiday Celebrations
Many people drink alcohol at holiday parties to help them unwind. While drinking alcohol might not harm someone who does not have a problem with sobriety, it might cause you to relapse. If you feel anxious to attend a party where there will be alcohol, do not attend. Remember that your ability to stay sober is your ultimate goal. Therefore, do not attend if it will cause you unnecessary stress. However, if you believe that you can attend celebrations, do not be afraid to advocate for yourself. If asked to drink, remind people that you are in recovery. Be firm yet patient and kind with people. And in time, you will be able to identify a supportive network of friends who will want you to have sober fun at the party.
Prepare Your Exit Strategy
Always be prepared to leave a party that includes alcohol or drugs. Your purpose for attending the party will be to visit family or friends and have a good time. However, if the socializing relies on alcohol or drugs, be ready to leave. A great solution is to bring a friend who understands your desire to stay sober. Your friend can help you go without conflict and hold you accountable not to use drugs or alcohol.
Be Aware of Your Emotions
The season can make us all emotional for a variety of reasons. Some people are missing lost loved ones. Others are stressed over money. And others might feel lonely or depressed. If you are working with a mental health therapist, make sure that you do not cancel your appointments during this period. Your therapist will help you navigate your emotions, identify triggers that might make you relapse, and identify problem-solving strategies if you feel the urge to not use drugs or drink.
Avoid Conflict With Family
Just as the summer holidays are filled with fun, sometimes family can add stress or present conflict. If this is the case, protect your sanity and your sobriety. For example:
- If you have a sibling who will try to coax you to have a drink, do not attend.
- If you do not feel comfortable discussing your recovery treatment, make that clear to others in attendance before the event.
- Make the hard decision not to attend.
Remember that your mental health is more important than spending time with people that might trigger you to have a relapse.
Host a Sober Holiday Event
If you are looking for fun and the ability to celebrate your sobriety, why not host an event for your friends who have a similar experience? Whether you participated in heroin addiction treatment, opioid addiction treatment, or alcohol treatment, others are searching for an opportunity to celebrate their life and success. You can also invite your friends and family willing to support your recovery treatment and do not mind not having alcohol or drugs present.
Addiction Treatment Starts at Crestview’s Top Drug Rehab
Navigating the season does not have to be hard. However, if you feel like you might have a relapse, reach out to Crestview Recovery. We offer heroin addiction treatment as well as opioid addiction treatments for those in need and a broad range of other treatment options, including:
- Partial hospitalization
- Intensive outpatient program
- Dual diagnosis treatment
- Medication-assisted treatment
Our goal is to help participants reduce their dependence on drugs or alcohol while also improving their physical and psychological health. Contact us today at 866.262.0531.
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.
