How to Cope With Addiction during the Holidays

LONG BEACH, Calif. - Dec. 16, 2021 - PRLog -- Moreover, if friends and family members celebrate the holidays with alcohol or other drugs, it can be extremely difficult to cope with addiction. The holidays don't have to become stressful or triggering for you when you're in recovery from addiction. You can organize a reasonable move to celebrate the holidays despite managing with challenges. You can lower your triggers and lessen your likelihood of return by implementing a plan to navigate your addiction and holiday activities.

Why Do Holidays Act as Triggers?

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the holidays can be "wrought with triggers such as music, fragrances, and traditions. These traditions might be triggering for persons who have had tragic experiences in life. Likewise, "there is pressure to conform to specific social and familial norms, greater alcohol presence, and increased interaction with family and friends. While the Christmas holidays are supposed to be a time of pleasure and joy, many people find it to be stressful or unpleasant. When there is no one to spend time with during the holidays, it might be difficult to feel lonely. People who wish to visit friends and relatives continue to face obstacles as a result of the epidemic. To keep safe this year, some folks will celebrate through video chat.

Others are required to spend time with family members who have challenging or competing belief systems during the holidays. Members of the LGBTQI+ community may find it especially tough to manage the holidays if their relatives do not accept them for who they are.

If you have mental health or substance-addictive behavior, you may well be tempted to use drugs or alcohol to deal with the stress of the festivities. When family members are not appreciative of you or are not respectful of your substance-use restrictions, the holidays can be unpleasant and leave you susceptible to relapse.

Get Addiction Treatment in Southern California during the Holidays

If the Christmas season is too stressful for you to handle on your own, you can seek professional support to avoid a relapse. With our comprehensive addiction treatment services, Gratitude Lodge is here to assist you in overcoming drug use disorders. To learn more, please contact us or visit our website https://www.gratitudelodge.com/ for admissions.