The holidays are normally a time for celebration and happiness. Unfortunately, for a recovering addict they can be fraught with temptation. There will be people drinking and using drugs at office parties, get togethers, and other gatherings. It can be extremely difficult for someone to resist the temptations of the holiday season. Many people choose to return to using drugs due to holiday loneliness, depression, stress, and anxiety. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, relapse is not a signal of treatment failure, just a setback. Fortunately, there are ways to avoid relapse during the holiday season.

Attend Gatherings that Do Not Involve Drugs

Although the types of gatherings you enjoyed previously involved ingesting narcotics, there are many holiday parties that do not involve anything more than alcohol. There are also sober parties for those that choose not to drink. Many people today, choose not to drink or do drugs while they are celebrating.

Throw a Party of Your Own

By throwing a party of your own you will not only keep yourself occupied but give your sober friends some place to go for the holidays. The preparation for the party and the actual party itself will give you something to do to get your mind off both the cravings and the psychological impact of the addiction.

Make your Own Christmas Cards

Design and print your own cards and then send them to all of your friends and family. This will allow you to use your creative side and keep your mind off the addiction. Also your friends and family may appreciate the time you took to design cards just for them.

Attend Counseling Sessions

Counseling does not stop just because it is a holiday. Many people choose to engage in more counseling sessions during the holidays simply because it is a stressful and depressing time for many. You can speak with your regular drug and alcohol counselor about increasing sessions.

Attend Community Support Groups

By attending community support groups, you meet other people who wish to stay off drugs. Many of these groups have gatherings of their own that promote sobriety and fun. Attending these functions is a good way to celebrate and remain sober.

Set Up a Buddy System

Although it might sound strange, find someone who is available during the holidays that you can talk to or get together with when you have issues with cravings, depression, and stress. Usually there is at least one family member, friend, or support group member that can help when you are in need.

Consider Going Inpatient During the Holidays

If you really think that you will not be able to handle it, considering checking into an inpatient rehab for the holidays. The holidays are a difficult time for many and even harder for those that are recovering from heavy drug use. A brief stay in an inpatient rehab might be worth not having to go through detoxification again.

For more information about avoiding relapse during the holidays give us a call at 800-934-1582(Who Answers?) .