The Truth About Relapsing During Thanksgiving

The holidays are a tough time for anyone struggling with addiction. Relapse rates increase and the general feeling of cheeriness and festivity can be replaced with insecurity and loneliness. If you're in recovery, you're probably anticipating the holiday season with a mix of excitement and dread.

On one hand, you're looking forward to spending time with family and friends. But on the other hand, you know that there will be triggers everywhere. From the food to the alcohol to the stress of being around family, it feels like there's potential for disaster at every turn.

For many people in recovery, the thought of relapsing is incredibly daunting. You know the consequences all too well. And yet, despite your best efforts, sometimes you may find yourself succumbing to the temptations of drugs and alcohol. Why does this happen?

In this blog post, we'll explore some of the reasons why people relapse during the holidays. At the end of this post, you’ll hopefully have a better understanding of your own struggles and this can help you get through the holidays sober.

Where to Turn When Triggers Are Everywhere?

Triggers are everywhere during the holiday season. From family gatherings to office parties, it seems like there's booze and drugs around every corner. Add to that the stress of dealing with family dynamics and gift-giving. It's no wonder so many people in recovery struggle during this time of year.

If you're used to spending Thanksgiving with your family and friends while sharing a meal and watching football, it can be hard to readjust to not drinking or using drugs during these activities. This is especially true if everyone else around you is drinking or using while you are not.

It's important to remember that just because you're in recovery doesn't mean you have to give up all the things you love about the holidays. The holidays don't have to be a triggering nightmare for people in recovery.
There are plenty of ways to enjoy the festive spirit without resorting to old coping mechanisms.

By being aware of your triggers and planning accordingly, you can make it through even the toughest holiday season sober and happy. And if you find yourself struggling, reach out to your support system for help.

The Emotional Struggle

For people in recovery who are struggling with their sobriety, this time of year can be especially difficult. The holidays are a time when we're bombarded with images of happiness and celebration. Everyone seems to be having such a great time, and you can't help but compare yourself to those around you. This can be a recipe for disaster.

The emotional struggle of wanting to be happy and celebratory, but feeling insecure and out of place, is real. Even if you're surrounded by loved ones, you can feel alone and isolated. This can be especially true if you're estranged from your family or if your family doesn't understand your recovery.

You may feel like you're the only one not enjoying yourself, which may lead you to believe that maybe drugs or alcohol would help you cope. It's easy to turn to substances as a way to escape the emotional pain you're feeling.

The holidays also tend to bring up a lot of emotions - both good and bad. It can be a reminder of happier times before addiction took over your life. You may long for those days again and think that using substances will help you recapture them.

Or, you may be faced with painful memories that make you want to numb out with substances. Either way, emotional turmoil can lead to relapse if you're not careful. But in reality, substances will only make the pain worse.

Reach Out for Help from the Best Drug and Alcohol Rehab in California

For anyone in addiction recovery, the holidays can be a trigger-filled minefield. From the abundance of alcohol at holiday parties to the stress of being around family, it's easy to see why so many people relapse during this time of year. But it doesn't have to be this way. With a little planning and a lot of self-care, you can make it through the holidays without relapsing.

Talk to your sponsor or another trusted friend about how you're feeling. Go to meetings even if you don't feel like it. And most importantly, be patient with yourself. It's normal to have good days and bad days, and Thanksgiving is bound to be a mixture of both.

Keep in mind that you're not alone in this—so many people are struggling just like you are. Reach out for help when you need it, and take things one day at a time.