Holidays and Addiction

The holidays can be a great time to have family get-togethers, work parties, opportunities to celebrate, and create holiday cheer. However, the holidays can also be a very stressful, financially difficult, and depressing for some people. For someone who is addicted to drugs and/or alcohol, or someone who is struggling in their sobriety, the combination of these things can be a recipe for disaster, or at least a time of greater temptation and chance of relapsing. It can be difficult for someone who is struggling with addiction to go to all of these holiday events because of the added stress, pressure, and temptation (when these things are present). It is also tough to go to these functions if they feel they are known as "the drunk" or "the addict". Some may even justify their drinking or drug use during these functions because they feel it is how everyone knows them and others just expect them to be that way. Some may avoid holiday parties all together because they do not want others to feel uncomfortable, or like they cannot serve alcohol at their party because they are aware of a drinking problem or someone's fight for sobriety.

Family and friends of an alcholic or drug addict may also feel extra stress during this time because they are not sure how to address certain situations. It can be difficult on family and friends, of someone who is active in their addiction, to feel like they can have people over without fear of the addict ruining it, or embarrassing them by getting drunk or high and acting inappropriately. Families may also struggle with how to best support their loved one who is struggling with sobriety, especially if they are new to sobriety. They are often faced with decisions like whether it is okay to serve alcohol, it may be what they have traditionally done in the past and they feel their guests expect it, but they want to support their loved one in their sobriety and not be responsible for adding temptation if their loved one relapses.

The holidays do not have to be a time of stress, shame, loneliness, depression, embarrassment, and temptation. If an addicts craving is strong enough, it is not difficult for them to find an excuse to take a drink, or use drugs "just one more time". Don't let the upcoming holidays trigger past addictions. Here are a few helpful hings to insure happy sober holidays:

• Find strength in whatever you use every other day of the year to remain sober (a song, prayer, exercise, AA meetings, NA meetings, sponsor etc..)
• Communicate with family and friends if you are not feeling especially strong in your sobriety. By letting them know, you will be doing both of you a favor.
• You may find shame or embarrassment from slipping but you won't find shame in asking for a little support.
• Family members can help by taking the focus off of alcoholic beverages. Even where alcohol is being served, drawing emphasis to other activities will help.
• Have alternative non-alcoholic beverages available and avoid asking others why they aren't drinking, you never know their situation.
• If you are feeling stressed, depressed, or weak take some time out and go for a walk or take a nap.
• If you get a craving, try eating something sweet. Cravings for alcohol and drugs effects the same part of the brain that craves sugar.
• Consider taking a supportive friend who is aware of your situation, or someone who has been sober for a while, with you to parties for extra suppport, understanding, and strength.