Saturday, February 2, 2013

Persevering through the Holidays with Addiction

By Tia Parsley


There is nothing like the Holiday and Christmas seasons. It's the time of year for fun, excitement, decorating, spending time with family and friends, and entertainment. It's also a period of further pressure, and worry. The holidays can bring on additional costs, extra activities, less sleep, poor diets, unpleasant past memories, and an unwanted increase of stresses and anxiety.

Unfortunately, many that suffer with different types of addiction will backslide this holiday season. It is critical for those affected by addiction, and the friends of an addict, to anticipate the possibility of the extra stress so that they can develop plans to reduce the risk of relapse. The individual suffering with addiction can mentally prepare themselves for the upcoming events.

Positive things you and your family can do includes using acceptable coping strategies like relaxation, meditation, exercise, sensible diet, and positive self-talk. You can also use assertive communication to keep on track. The holidays are a great time to attend extra support group meetings too. An addiction support group is not for the one subjected to the addiction, but also for family and loved ones. Also consider seeing an addiction therapist.

Finally, when attending a holiday party where alcohol may be there, it's really important to take a sober friend for extra support, take non-alcoholic drinks, and plan to leave early. Refuse to attend parties where drugs might be available.The holiday season is a wonderful time to update names and numbers of sober family and buddies who will be supportive.

The holidays can be tricky with high-risk situations for those suffering with substance addiction. It can also be a time of replenished commitments and confirmations and an opportunity to think on how much has been accomplished through the process of recovery. If you are fighting with drug or alcohol use or addiction, be totally sure to find help and remember that you are never alone in the journey of alcohol addiction help and other substance abuse help.




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