This time of year is special for most. The holiday season means family, gifts, hopefully some time off and more, but what about people that are in recovery and battling addiction? How does the holiday season impact those who are adjusting to a new life of sobriety? Let’s get into it and discuss the reality that some people are trying to survive this season without relapsing and going back down a path they shouldn’t go. This season means something different for everyone.
It is important that we identify what could serve as triggers this season whether you are in recovery or are a loved one of someone battling addiction. Hands down this season means for most INCREASED STRESS. The pressure of meeting family expectations, managing finances and social events can all be overwhelming and triggering to someone in recovery. Next is SOCIAL TRIGGERS. Those holiday gatherings that we often get invited to include alcohol or some type of substances. What may be a simple holiday party for some is a test for others when it comes to their sobriety.
The next one is EMOTIONAL TRIGGERS. The holidays can often bring up unresolved emotions and memories related to past substance use, loss, and trauma. CHANGES IN ROUTINE believe it or not this season can pose as a test for those in recovery as well. A lot of us in recovery rely on a routine which can be disrupted during the holiday season leading a person possibly to having feelings of instability.
FEELINGS OF ISOLATION is next on the list as some of us are unable to participate in certain social gatherings, etc as part of our pathway to remaining sober, especially if our family and friends don’t really understand our new life sobriety. FAMILY DYNAMICS can also be triggering and can cause relapse during this season. At times old conflicts and unhealthy dynamics can arise which are stressful. It is important to note that it is important to know who is healthy for you to be around, even family when it comes to your recovery needs.
FEAR OF JUDGMENT, is another one that impacts us when we’ve chosen sobriety at times. People including family sometimes don’t understand our new life, which can lead them to judge, comment, etc. This is extremely stressful and can be triggering for someone who has chosen to fight their addiction problem. The next one is OVERINDULGENCE TEMPTATION. Believe it or not, the abundance of food can lead to overindulgence in other areas which can trigger a relapse. It is important to note that being addicted to one thing is far different than having an addictive personality.
LONELINESS can also lead to a relapse as well. Especially during the holiday season. People without a strong support system or a group of sober friends may feel lonely this season. In a season where togetherness is promoted, this can be extremely hard for the individual whose entire social circle might have changed once they stopped abusing substances. The last one in the list for today is UNREALISTIC EXPECTATIONS. The pressure to feel happy and festive when you may not feel that way at all can be daunting. Feelings of inadequacy as well as disappointment during this season can arrive for people in recovery during this season, especially while building a new foundation.
All in all the holiday season can be tough for a lot of people. That is what it is important to learn about what the people we love who may be in recovery are going through as well as understanding our own triggers if it is us that recently started the journey of sobriety. If you or a loved needs more information or help, please don’t hesitate to contact us today. We are here to walk with you during this season and beyond as we know how important support is.
