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Monday, Dec. 5, 2016

ADDICTIONS & HOLIDAYS

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Maintaining sobriety can be difficult

The holiday season can have polarizing effects on certain people – for some it is a time of togetherness and celebration, while for others it brings a weight of stress and pressure. This can be true for many, but particularly the holidays can be challenging for those in recovery from addiction. Whether it’s the dynamics of extended family, financial pressure or the temptation of holiday parties, remaining steadfast in sobriety can become a difficult task no matter what phase of recovery one might be in.

While the ideal picture of the holidays is family and friends coming together to share a warm meal and gratitude, the reality for many is that it can be a time of social discord and familial dysfunction with days of overindulgence. For those in recovery or even those with an active addiction, the fundamentals of sobriety and substance abuse are even more paramount during the challenging season. Having the awareness and education in understanding addiction are considered the best tools in fighting the disease. This allows for those struggling, those who are working to maintain their sobriety or for the families of those individuals to prepare for what may come and how best to deal with those situations.

“Times can be difficult for someone in recovery, holidays especially,” said Erin York, a licensed addiction counselor in Shreveport. “Becoming aware of these times that can lead to triggers are vital to one in recovery. Having a solid plan of action before these times approach can prevent a relapse to drugs or alcohol to cope with uncomfortable situations.”

Exploring and understanding one’s triggers through individual counseling or an addiction recovery program is important in roadmapping recovery, and particularly during the holidays in an attempt to avoid compromising environments or situations. Be mindful of what parties to attend, if the environment will have temptations of drugs or alcohol, and if it’s the appropriate social setting. While invitations to office or friends’ holiday parties can be declined or avoided, it can more challenging to avoid a family event or gathering. For some, family issues may have deep roots and if unresolved, can be a common trigger to use. It can be helpful that in preparing for these events, the individual anticipate what interactions may occur and have a game plan for how it should best be handled.

In addition to having the education and awareness of addiction, how it works and the challenges that come, it is equally as vital that the individual have support through their journey. Again, this holds especially true during the holidays. Talking with a therapist, support group or friends and family who are also educated on the disease can provide someone with the added help they might need to survive the season.

“I encourage people in recovery to speak to their sponsor about the holidays coming up and some options to ensure relapse does not occur,” said York. “Typically, local self-help groups such as AA and NA provide a safe place for those in recovery to come together and celebrate a holiday. Some people in recovery will want to be with their families. If you are in recovery, try communicating with your family that you will be coming, and drugs and alcohol should not be present. Not all family members can support this decision, for alcohol is a part of some families’ celebration.”

It may be helpful to keep busy, focus on a positive perspective and reflect on the sober days that have been accomplished. Game plans may include arriving late and leaving early, or avoiding certain environments entirely. The company which is kept may be one of the bigger factors in a successful and sober holiday season. As the individuals or groups who comprise someone’s support network play an integral part in their recovery.

“For the recovering, knowing when to avoid holiday gatherings can be tough, but having a sponsor or friend accompany you to an event could save your recovery. To the family, if you know your loved one is in recovery, and you can avoid drinking at your next gathering, do so, for you are saving their life, and supporting them on their journey,” York said.

For self-help support, research the nearest AA or NA groups available or ask for references from any addiction specialist or mental health professional. If surviving the holidays with sobriety feels overwhelming, always reach out for support.

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