Loneliness will be amplified.
If you either don’t have anyone to spend the holidays with or your substance use will eventually make people distance themselves anyway, the loneliness during holidays will be amplified. Couple that with Seasonal Affective Disorder and just the general lack of sunlight during these months, which can heighten your substance use. Research demonstrates that the most dangerous times for drug-and-alcohol-related deaths are December, January, and March. Research by the American Addiction Centers has demonstrated that the majority of people in the US are either moderately or immensely stressed during the holidays. It is important to learn how to cope with loneliness and addiction during the holidays.
Giving the gift of change.
If you were to ask yourself and your loved ones if you feeling more whole and congruent, content with yourself, and moving in a positive direction is what you were giving them for Christmas, how would they respond? If you were to give them a choice between you being home for the holidays, but still using versus you being gone for the holidays and receiving treatment how would they respond? How about giving yourself that choice? These are all important questions to be asking yourself as you decide what is more important to you.
Save yourself and others from painful experiences and emotions.
What has happened in the past when you have used during the holidays? Difficult to remember? If so, coming to treatment for addiction during the holidays will give you a chance to start to create new memories during the holidays. Do you want another holiday where your family is crying or worrying about you? Do you want another holiday where you are filled with guilt and want something different? The holiday season is difficult enough without someone in addiction present. The best gift that you can give your loved ones this holiday, or the best first step in making amends to them, may be to getting the help that you deserve. Which may be attending recovery during the holiday season.
November and December are the two months of the year that people request time off from work the most.
This means that being gone for treatment during the holidays won’t be as damaging to your professional life. Since people are already requesting off work the most during these months, you will have the opportunity to focus on yourself, your mental health, and your recovery.
Start the New Year fresh!
A new year means that people are beginning to look at themselves and what they want to change. Starting the New Year sober will present an opportunity for you in many ways. Being clean and sober is a popular New Year’s Resolution. This means that you will be more likely to find more people who are attempting the same thing you are. Social support is a key component to behavior change, which is what being clean and sober is!
If you or someone you know is suffering from addiction, give us a call at the Top of the World Ranch in Milan, Illinois. Come join us at our beautiful ranch. We can be reached at (844) 814-8885, or you can email [email protected].