The holiday season is a time of joy, togetherness, and celebration for many. Families and friends unite to share love, laughter, and lasting memories. However, for individuals struggling with addiction, this time of year can be especially challenging. It’s common for people to consider postponing addiction treatment or rehab during the holidays. They may think, “I’ll start fresh in the new year,” but in reality, delaying treatment can have serious consequences.
Substance Abuse Escalates During the Holidays
The holiday season is often associated with increased substance abuse. For some, the stress of holiday preparations, family gatherings, and the financial burden of gift-giving can trigger a desire to use drugs or alcohol as a coping mechanism. A study published in Addictive Behaviors found that drug and alcohol consumption tends to rise during this time of year due to added stress and social pressures. Putting off treatment, even by a few weeks, could worsen symptoms and increase the likelihood of damaging effects, making it even more challenging to recover in the future.
Emotional Challenges During the Holidays
For individuals struggling with addiction, the holidays can be emotionally charged. Feelings of loneliness, sadness, and regret often intensify during this time. It’s important to remember that addiction is not just about physical dependence but also about emotional and psychological factors. Delaying treatment can prolong the emotional turmoil associated with addiction, making it harder to confront and overcome these issues in the long run.
Addiction’s Impact on Relationships
Addiction can strain relationships with family and friends. The holidays often include additional time with loved ones, and the stress caused by addiction can be particularly evident. In addition to devastating physical effects, delaying starting a rehab program for the holidays can escalate already tense situations, which may further damage relationships.
Increased Isolation
A common sign and symptom of addiction is isolation. As substance use intensifies, many withdraw from social activities and separate themselves from even close friends and family. Those who struggle with addiction may also emotionally distance themselves from people, even during crowded festivities and gatherings. While being in an addiction treatment program during the holiday season may feel like a separation, being in the care of professionals and around peers with similar experiences can help break the cycle of isolation and help a person learn to rebuild social connections.
Seeking treatment during this time can help you find a community of peers and professionals focused on addiction recovery, and can help you break the cycle of isolation and rebuild social connections.
The Importance of Self-Care
The hustle and bustle of the holiday season can be physically and emotionally demanding. During this season, people tend to focus solely on the needs of others, neglecting their own needs and emotions. Forgetting self-care could lead to feelings of stress or burnout for anyone but can further worsen the toll on the physical and mental health of those with substance use disorders.
While missing the festivities of the holidays may feel selfish at first, seeking addiction treatment is an important step in prioritizing personal wellness. Reaching out for help and getting the treatment needed to overcome addiction can improve physical and mental health, as well as strengthen relationships, which in turn can lead to happier, more meaningful holidays in the future.
The Cost of Addiction
Addiction is not just a physical and emotional burden; it is also a significant financial burden. The costs associated with obtaining drugs or alcohol, legal fees due to issues caused by substance use, as well as healthcare expenses can quickly add up to an enormous amount, draining resources. It is estimated that illicit drug and alcohol use costs the nation $500 billion each year through court costs, property damage and theft, emergency healthcare, and decreased productivity.
This figure doesn’t account for the heartache chemical dependency causes family and friends through stress, neglect, anxiety, and the general chaos addiction creates.
Treating addiction is an investment in a better future, making recovery a truly priceless gift for the person affected by the disease and their loved ones, and one that can keep giving for a lifetime.
Setting a Positive Example
Our actions serve as a model for behavior, especially for younger family members, friends, or colleagues. Delaying addiction treatment until after the holidays sends a message that it’s acceptable to put off getting the necessary help for a serious problem.
Taking the step to get treatment when needed instead of putting it off for a “more convenient time” sets a positive example of taking responsibility for your health and your actions.
Recovery isn’t a New Year’s Resolution
Especially during the holiday season, many individuals struggling with addiction convince themselves that their New Year will resolve to quit using or quit drinking. While the first of the year can be a motivating factor, you shouldn’t wait to get help, and the reality is that New Year’s resolutions often fail.
According to a study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychology, only about 8% of people achieve their New Year’s resolutions. The National Institutes for Health also found that “approach” oriented resolutions vs. “avoidance” oriented resolutions are more likely to be successful. Resolving to take a step toward a healthier life for yourself and your family doesn’t need to wait until January 1.
Putting off addiction treatment or rehab during the holidays may seem tempting, but it’s a decision that can have serious consequences. The emotional challenges, strained relationships, and potential crises associated with addiction can worsen during this time. Seeking treatment during the holidays is a proactive step towards recovery, self-care, and rebuilding the relationships that addiction may have strained. It’s a commitment to a healthier and more fulfilling life, and it sends a positive message to loved ones who care about your well-being.
Remember, addiction does not adhere to a calendar, and the sooner you seek treatment, the sooner you can embark on the journey to recovery. Don’t let the holiday season be a reason to delay the help you need to overcome addiction. Instead, make the holiday season a time of renewal and transformation, setting the stage for a brighter, substance-free future.