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How Drug Addiction Can Affect Your Family During the Holidays

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Jessica Wilson
How Drug Addiction Can Affect Your Family During the Holidays

When you think of the holidays, you think of rounds of gift-giving under the Christmas tree, endless dinners and parties that go on for days, and lots of family members in one place. To make that happen, there’s a slew of travel plans to make sure everyone’s there. People who haven’t seen each other for years sharing end up sharing a couch in the living room. With people of different religions, beliefs, and attitudes all in one place, it’s not surprising that there were plenty of clashes. That’s one of the reasons why lots of people find the holidays stressful. In the last few years, though, stress levels have been high because of the pandemic. Now, there’s the stress of having to deal with the losses in the family, or the inability to spend the holidays with loved ones because of the lockdowns. It’s a whole different ballgame.


Drug Addiction and the Holidays


Some people find solace in drugs, using them to cope with the holidays. Here are some of the scenarios that might happen:


·      If you already have a problem with addiction, being forced to be with other people during the Christmas season and exposure to overindulgence can lead to relapse.


·      If you don’t have an addiction, though, but you’re in an environment where taking drugs isn’t anything out of the norm, you might start taking drugs to deal with the stress and upheaval of the holidays.


·      If you already have addiction problems, you might hide the addiction. But the deception becomes more difficult during the holidays, as you fear that your loved ones might find out.


·      You might also encounter physical or emotional triggers when you pay a visit at home.


These situations can lead to alcohol dependence, abuse, or relapse. Also, in the wake of the pandemic, many families have gone through the holidays under lockdown, separate from family members. That’s been tough, too, especially for those who haven’t seen their loved ones since the pandemic started. For some, part of coping with the problem was turning to alcohol.


Dealing with Addiction and the Holidays


Whether it’s the overindulgence, awkward family dynamics, emotional triggers from past trauma, or more, you can prepare for the holidays by getting treatment. Look for drug rehab in Arizona to receive the specialized care and help you need. If you know that you have a problem with addiction, stop drinking and seek out help. Here are other ways to help you cope with the holidays, or the aftermath of the holidays:


·      The holidays are just like any other day. That will help you keep things in perspective. If you’re struggling with addiction, you can take this time as an opportunity to finally share your struggle with the people you love.


·      You’re not alone. There are plenty of resources that can help you. Learn more about them by asking around.


·      Continue with your routine. If you are currently receiving alcohol treatment, stay active in the program. Don’t use the holidays as an excuse to binge if you don't want to go back to square one. 

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Jessica Wilson
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