Why Are Holidays So Hard For Addicts?

The holiday season is a time for celebration but for people struggling with addiction, this can be a very tough time. If you have a loved one who has a substance abuse problem, maybe you are wondering: Why are the holidays so hard for people struggling with addiction? Why can't they just be normal and have fun like everyone else does around this time of year?

It can be difficult to understand what an addicted loved one is going through especially if you are not personally struggling with addiction. This blog aims to provide some insights on why this season can be hard for them.

1) 'Tis the Season of Overindulgence

The holiday season is a triggering timeframe for people who struggle with substance abuse or alcohol dependency because there can often be an emphasis on overindulgence in food, drink, and merry-making. For someone who has been trying to stay clean, this can pose a serious challenge as it's hard not to give in to temptation when there is so much around.

It is not uncommon for people whether in active addiction or recovery to get caught up in the holiday spirit. Alcohol is everywhere. Drinks are available at every turn and so many people get swept away by this festive mood that they can't avoid getting drunk.

2) Being Detached From Their Loved Ones

Many people struggling with addiction experience strained relationships with their loved ones. As the holiday season is the time for family and togetherness, this can be a painful reminder of what they have lost or are missing out on. This can result in some of them wanting to spend their holidays alone because being around people they love who are doing well in life is already difficult for them. For those who are spending time with their families, they often feel left out or alienated. They feel disconnected from the family members who may not understand what they are going through, or worse, those who do not want them in their lives.

3) Financial Difficulties

Gift giving is a practice that is often synonymous with the holidays. Almost everyone gets gifts, but for those struggling with addiction who haven't been able to find a stable source of income, it can be especially hard to get by.

They may feel embarrassed that they are not working during this festive season when others are busy shopping and spending money on each other. This embarrassment can make them avoid get-together and holiday parties because they do not have the money to bring a potluck dish or a gift for the kids.

4) Having To Deal with Addiction On Top of All the Holiday Pressures

For someone in addiction recovery, trying to live a life free from addiction is hard enough. Then they have to deal with all the pressures of this time of year too. This can be overwhelming and lead to relapse for some who are not properly prepared or equipped to handle all these challenges on top of their recovery program.

How can they attend their regular recovery meetings when everyone else is expecting them to turn up at holiday parties? A lot of people with substance abuse issues find it hard to juggle these responsibilities without being stressed out.

5) Dealing With Expectations to be Better the Next Year

Holidays are often a time for reflection as we take stock of the year ahead and make resolutions to improve ourselves or our lives in some way. We often think about what we could do differently next year--to better ourselves, to be healthier, more productive, and happier. People who are struggling with addiction find themselves thinking about this too, but they are often trying to figure out how they can improve their lives without turning back to addiction. This is a huge challenge because it's easier said than done and so many of them lose hope when the pressure of New Year's resolutions becomes overwhelming.

On top of that, they also have to deal with the expectations of their loved ones that they will do better the next year. This can cause them to feel anxious and stressed out, which are dangerous triggers to use or drink again just so they can forget about the pressure and all their worries.

If you have a loved one struggling with addiction and recovery, it is important to be supportive during this time. Make them feel your love and support without being judgmental or imposing your own expectations on them. At the same time, it is also important that you do not enable their addiction. instead, try to get them professional help when needed.

If you or a loved one is struggling with substance abuse, help is available.

Contact Anaheim Lighthouse today.