Why the Holidays are a Good Time for Addiction Treatment

Putting off treatment can be very appealing during the holidays. For me, it was an excuse to put off facing my addiction. After all, everyone parties over the holidays, and I didn't want to miss out on all of the fun. Then when I woke up on New Year's day, hungover and sick, I would tell myself that now is the time. But as soon as that wore off, I was right back to drinking again.

The problem is each day really does matter. By putting off getting help, I was disappointing my family and friends, even myself. Especially myself. I would get so depressed that I'd drink even more. It was a vicious cycle I couldn't break free from.

Then one of my drinking buddies disappeared during one holiday season. I had no idea what happened to her, and I was worried. When she reappeared, she told me she was away for treatment and had been sober for over 30 days. She encouraged me to get help, but I wasn't ready to hear it, not until another holiday season loomed before me.

Taking the Plunge

My friend and I had drifted apart, but I figured she would be the person to talk to about finally getting help for my addiction. So, I gave her a call and she referred me to the same center she went to. I packed a bag, swallowed my last drink, and arrived there on Christmas Eve.

I quickly learned that the holiday season is a perfect time to get treatment. Here are some reasons why:

• More Availability - It turns out that many addicts were thinking the way I was, and decided to put off treatment until after the holidays. This was a plus for me, because I was able to avoid the crowd and select my preferred program right away. There was no waiting or settling for something less than what I wanted.
• Protect your Privacy - Being absent from work over the holidays meant that my co-workers simply assumed I was on vacation. Being gone for a block of time then attracted less attention from friends and colleagues.
• Eliminate Temptation - Tucking myself away in rehab kept me away from all of the holiday parties and family gatherings where alcohol was being served.
• Still Able to Celebrate - My rehab facility was fully decorated for Christmas, and every client had a present waiting for them under a beautiful Christmas tree. They had events planned all week and hosted a New Year's party for clients and their families.
• Emotions run High - Most of us find ourselves reflecting during the holiday season. Away from all the chaos in my life, my reflection served a purpose, because I had the time to begin to understand and deal with the issues that led me to my addiction. This understanding was a very important part of my journey to sobriety.
• It's an Investment - I found that skipping that one holiday season with family and friends was an investment in myself and everyone I love and care about. And I had all year to get used to my sobriety until another holiday season rolled around. By then, I had support systems in place to keep myself on the straight and narrow.
• No Insurance Deductible - Because I checked in near the end of the calendar year, my insurance deductible was already met, which was one less stressful thing on my plate.

Remember, sobriety is the greatest Christmas gift you can give your loved ones and yourself, and you deserve it!

The Anaheim Lighthouse is a modern and effective addiction treatment center in Southern California. To talk to us about treatment options at our affordable drug and alcohol rehab that fit your needs, contact us today.