Holiday stress impacts the well-being of many people. For those who have an addiction and are in recovery, it can be even more challenging. If you are actively still using, you may even be at a heightened risk of overdoses. The truth is that the holidays affect addiction, so know what to expect and what to do when you need help. Pines Recovery Life Detox can be there to support you.
At Pines Recovery Life Detox, we recognize that holiday stress can be a trigger for addiction, so we provide dual diagnosis treatment to heal the underlying causes of addiction, such as a possible mental health disorder. If you or a loved one might benefit from additional support to remain in recovery and avoid self-medication during the holidays, reach out to our Pines Recovery Life Detox team today by filling out our online form or calling 800.263.3869.
Why Holiday Stress Causes Difficulties for Many People
Whether you are actively using or in recovery, holiday stress can add a lot of complications to your life. When you see how holidays affect addiction, you can see that you’re not alone in this process of getting help. Some examples of the causes of holiday stress typically include:
- Holidays add stress to an already complicated life.
- You have more to do during the holidays, and being too busy may limit your focus on your recovery.
- Holidays bring people into your life who may cause frustrations.
- Past trauma from holiday experiences may pressure you.
- Past experiences from holidays may tempt you to use them again.
Are you facing this type of stress in your life? The holiday stress you feel can be powerful, but it should not limit your overall health and well-being if you get the support you need. Our Pines Recovery Life Detox team is ready to help you enjoy the holidays with our comprehensive care for addiction.
How Holidays Effect Addiction Really Depends on You
An important thing to remember is that you remain in control over what happens to you during the holidays and with your recovery. For example, you may be putting too much pressure on yourself at this point. Are you doing too much or trying to make everything perfect for everyone? That is going to be too much pressure.
Another thing to look at is your expectations. If you are expecting that perfect holiday experience without struggle, you could be in for a problem. What’s most important here is to understand that you can control what happens during the holidays by simply being realistic.
If your recovery is on the line due to being around people, places, or things that are challenging for you, step away. Say no. Most importantly, make sure that holiday stress does not become more important in your health and well-being that it overshadows your ability to remain on the right track.
Other ways to maintain your recovery during the holidays include:
- Let hosts of holiday parties you might attend know ahead of time that you are in recovery. That way, they can add non-alcoholic drinks to the menu, for example.
- Take a trip out of town. If being around loved ones may cause holiday stress, find a destination that you can enjoy on your own.
- Have friends also in recovery that you can call if you’re tempted to relapse. When you have someone on the same page, it’s much easier to remain in recovery.
Treatment and Therapy Options at Pines Recovery Life Detox
Holiday stress can feel overwhelming to everyone, but you can combat that with a bit of help. First, work to actively keep your stress under control by investing in fun activities and simply not trying to do so much. This is important, especially in your first year after no longer using. You need time to heal and rebuild new memories that are positive experiences.
Second, don’t put your drug and alcohol therapy on the line. If you are at risk of using or you are using, reach out for comprehensive help. This may mean going to your recovery meetings and talking to your mentor more often. For other people, it means coming in for professional help and support. We can help you with this at Pines Recovery Life Detox. Our therapy programs are designed for stressful times. We offer a wide range of programs to support you every step of the way, including:
- Intensive outpatient program
- Partial hospitalization program
- Medication-assisted treatment programs
- Wellness therapy and programs
- Detox recovery center
Don’t Wait to Contact Pines Recovery Life Detox When You Need Help for Holiday Stress
Holiday stress can feel so overwhelming that you’re just unsure how to handle it. That’s okay. Recognizing how holidays affect addiction is crucial for you as you work on your sobriety. Yet, you do not have to do this on your own. With help from our compassionate counselors at Pines Recovery Life Detox, you can feel empowered to stay on the right course. Reach out to us at 800.263.3869 or contact us online to learn more.
