For many people, the holidays signify a special time spent with family and friends, the sharing of food and gifts, and expressing gratitude.
It’s a joyful couple of months, but for individuals living with addiction, it’s often emotionally draining – and dangerous. According to the CDC, the most dangerous times of the year for drug and alcohol-related deaths are December, January, and March (nearly 91,000 deaths have been reported for the month of December since 1999). However, many still don’t seek the drug and alcohol rehabilitation treatment that they need.
The pressure to participate and manage a chaotic holiday schedule can be difficult when your life, as a person living with addiction, already feels ‘unmanageable.’ Tack on the additional stress of navigating complex family dynamics, as well as parties where celebrations include drug or alcohol use, and the scenario becomes even more challenging.
Despite these challenges, many people who need rehab or a recovery program avoid treatment during the holidays. Some reasons include:
- Not wanting to ruin a family celebration by not being present
- Fear about missing work and not getting paid or losing their job
- Fear that they cannot face the challenges of the holiday season without substance use
- The “new year, new me” mentality, where individuals convince themselves that they can wait until the New Year to seek professional help
- Living in denial about their addiction and believing that they can quit at any time
At Crest View, we believe that the gift of recovery is the best thing you can give to yourself and your loved ones this holiday season. Read on to learn why.
You’ll avoid relapse triggers.
Whether you’re in recovery now, or looking to start the journey, the holidays present an array of triggers that can set you off course, including:
- Parties centered around substance use, particularly alcohol
- Financial concerns
- Busy schedules, changes in routine, and pressure to participate in a multitude of activities
- Negative family dynamics
- Large crowds
By seeking drug and alcohol rehabilitation during this time, you’ll dodge these risks.
You’ll reduce anxiety and depression.
Many are familiar with seasonal depression, but depression is also prevalent during the holiday months. In fact, one study found that while about 35 percent of individuals said the holidays made them happier, 25 percent reported higher levels of depression. Additionally, almost 62 percent of respondents reported being moderately anxious during the holiday months, with only 18 percent saying they had no anxiety at all.
For an individual living with addiction, this burden is even more severe, and research shows a strong correlation between substance abuse and mental health disorders. By seeking treatment during this time, you’ll eliminate this risk.
You’ll give your family (and yourself) peace of mind.
Treatment means you’ll avoid the possible consequences that come with substance use during the holidays, such as alcohol poisoning, overdose, or driving under the influence. Families are often relieved their family members are in treatment, because they know they are safe.
The timing is ideal.
There’s really no perfect time or scenario for going to rehab or a recovery center; the best time is always now. However, the holidays do present a uniquely opportune time to seek treatment. Most college students are on a break, work often slows down in December, and people are using up their personal time off to recharge for the new year.
You’ll start the New Year on the right foot.
It’s almost resolution season, and there’s no better way to start off 2021 than in recovery. By getting sober now, you’ll enter the New Year with a positive mindset and momentum to keep you healthy and strong in the months to come.
You’ll finally give yourself and your family the gift of action, instead of words.
Have you been preaching to your loved ones that you’ll seek help “sometime soon?” Let your actions speak louder than your words this holiday season.
You’ll set yourself up for a lifetime of joyful holidays in the future.
We know that the holidays are near and dear to many people, and that you may have traditions you can’t fathom missing. However, we encourage you to reframe your mindset. By sacrificing one holiday season away from family and friends, you’ll set yourself on a path toward endless joyful holidays in the future.
You’ll spend this special season in a safe space, with like-minded individuals navigating a similar journey.
At Crest View, we take pride in the fact that, when you enter our doors, you’re entering a safe, inspiring, and uplifting place. We’re here to help you become the very best version of yourself. When you come to Crest View, you’ll have 24/7 access to our empathetic support staff, and you’ll connect with others who are on a similar path and facing similar challenges. We’ll help you remain sober during a vulnerable time. And, importantly, we’ll celebrate the holidays together!
The holidays already look different this year.
Because of COVID-19, many extended families will have to spend the holidays apart to prevent the continued spread of the virus. While this an unfortunate reality, it also means that by seeking treatment now, you may not “miss out” on as much family time as you normally would.
Important to note that, despite the pandemic, Crest View is still open, as we remain committed to providing our addiction recovery services in the face of this global pandemic. We are, however, taking strict precautions to ensure a safe recovery environment for our patients, employees, and visitors.
Is now the right time for you or a loved one to seek treatment?
Are you ready to seek treatment this holiday season? Or are you still unsure if now is the right time? Give us a call and we can help you assess your level and need and talk to you about your options. Even if Crest View is not the right fit for you, we’re here to help you find a treatment center that is.
