Many of us get stressed out before and during the holiday season although for some people struggling with addiction, it can be even more challenging. Addiction is a relapsing illness which means that people can return to substance abuse at any stage after completing rehab treatment, even several years later. Relapse is often triggered by stressful situations highlighted in addiction therapy as being a person’s individual stressors. In the most part, once someone has recognized what leads to them craving substances, they can avoid those situations. However, the holiday season brings additional pressure to join in the festivities which can be hard for someone in recovery. Here we take a closer look at what you can do.
The Most Common Stressors and How to Avoid Them
Generally speaking, people in recovery report the following as being potential threats to their sobriety:
1. Family Dynamics
Whether you are in recovery from addiction or not, family dynamics are the most common stressors during the holiday season. It is a time of year when many people don’t choose to get together but rather do so out of a sense of obligation. Just because you are related to people, it does not mean personalities don’t class and it’s important to make sure the holidays are a joyful reunion rather than a miserable gathering. There’s never a guarantee someone won’t make an unpleasant remark at a family occasion and the best advice is not to engage in order to avoid a stressful confrontation.
2. No Family
Not having any family to get together with during the holidays is a problem for a large number of people overcoming addiction. Loneliness is difficult at any time of the year but is especially challenging during the festive season when others are enjoying the warm embrace of family. People facing loneliness in recovery should try and ensure regular contact with a support group during the holidays as a way to connecting to others. Volunteering at homeless shelters or soup kitchens is another way of combating loneliness that offers distinct rewards.
3. Hosting Responsibilities
The household hosting festivities face considerably more stress than their guests. The pressure is on to prepare the most incredible meal of the year, set in beautifully adorned surroundings where every whim of the guests is catered for. The person with all this responsibility usually bears the brunt of the stress but it can be alleviated by delegating tasks to others, pre-cooking and preparing the dinner ahead of time or even order in and get someone else to do the hard work!
Get First Class Detox and Treatment in Orange County, CA at Capo Canyon Recovery
The holiday season does not have to mean you have to avoid social gatherings and events to protect your sobriety. At Capo Canyon Recovery, we offer personalized treatment programs that allow you to identify and cope with your individual triggers for substance abuse. Our programs are available at our exclusive addiction recovery center in Laguna Niguel, CA which is set in beautiful surroundings. Find out more about how to cope with your recovery during the holidays by contacting Capo Canyon Recovery today.
