The holidays can be a difficult time for people in recovery from addiction. There are triggers everywhere: family gatherings, parties, and even TV commercials can set off a craving. So how can you manage holiday stress and not relapse?
If you need extra help during the holidays, Insight Recovery Centers can help. Our team of experienced and compassionate providers understands addiction recovery and offers various outpatient services to help you manage your cravings and stay sober during the holidays. We provide individual therapy, group counseling sessions, and other evidence-based therapies to address the physical, emotional, and psychological aspects of addiction. Call 703.592.6946 or contact us online for more information.
Why Are Holidays Stressful?
The holidays can be stressful for many people, but the stress can be much more intense for those recovering from addiction. The sight of alcohol or other substances being used around them could trigger strong cravings that put their recovery at risk. Additionally, certain activities, such as attending family functions or parties, can present challenges due to their association with substance use. The feeling of loneliness or isolation that often comes with being in recovery can be amplified during this time.
Learning how to manage holiday stress healthily is vital to continue recovery.
4 Tips for Managing Holiday Stress
- Know your triggers – What sets off your craving? Is it certain people, places, or things? Make a list and avoid these triggers if possible. If you can’t avoid them, have a plan in place for how to deal with them. For example, if you’re triggered by being around alcohol, you might want to bring a non-alcoholic drink to share at gatherings.
- Set boundaries – It’s important to set boundaries with family and friends, especially if they don’t know about your recovery. Explain that you won’t be drinking or using drugs and why. This will help them understand and respect your choices.
- Find support – Lean on your support system of friends, family, and sponsors during this tempting time of year. If you’re feeling especially vulnerable, many great online support groups are also available.
- Seek professional help – If you’re struggling to manage your stress or cravings, seek professional help. A therapist can help you develop coping skills specific to your situation and triggers.
How Professional Help Can Support Your Recovery
Professional addiction treatment can be vital to your recovery, especially during the holidays. At Insight Recovery Centers, our team of experienced and compassionate providers understand addiction recovery and offer a variety of outpatient services to help you manage holiday stress and stay sober over the holidays. Our evidence-based therapies include:
- Individual counseling – Our experienced therapists provide personalized care to help you manage thoughts and feelings that could lead to relapse.
- Family therapy – We provide family therapy services to help improve communication and strengthen relationships.
- Group therapy – Our group therapy sessions are a great way to find support from others in similar situations, build coping skills, and learn relapse prevention strategies.
- PTSD treatment – For those with post-traumatic stress disorder, our trauma-informed therapy can help address the underlying issues that may be contributing to your addiction.
- Relapse prevention support – Our team provides relapse prevention education and guidance to help you identify warning signs and develop skills to cope with cravings.
At Insight Recovery Centers, we understand that finding the right treatment can be a challenge. That’s why we provide individualized care tailored to your unique needs.
Holiday Help at Insight Recovery Centers
The holidays can be tough for anyone in recovery from addiction, but there are ways to get through them successfully. Knowing your triggers and setting boundaries are two key ways to prevent relapse during the holidays. And finally, don’t be afraid to seek professional help if you need it. At Insight Recovery Centers, we’re here to support you throughout your journey to sobriety.
If you need additional help during this time, do not hesitate to call us at 703.592.6946 or contact us online.
