How to Manage Recovery When ‘It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas’  

The holidays can be stressful for anyone but especially for those who struggle with alcohol, drug or substance dependency. Even individuals who have worked diligently to gain their sobriety face temptation to relapse during the holiday season. During the hustle and bustle of Christmas, most people find their calendars filling up with family gatherings, parties and holiday shopping days, all of which can be triggering and stress inducing. Here are some tips from the South Central Alcohol and Drug Detox Center for how to maintain your recovery progress and keep the season bright.  

Tip 1 -Avoid Triggering Environments: 

 One of the hardest aspects of recovery is having to remove yourself from groups of friends or family that prompt you to abuse drugs and alcohol. This can be very difficult and can create feelings of loneliness or isolation. Instead, focus on creating new memories with people who understand your goals. Decorate your tree, bake Christmas treats, volunteer within the community or watch a holiday classic. Whatever you do, do not return to the environments that you know negatively influence you. Do not repeat old behavior and expect different results.  

Tip 2 – Seek Support:  

Remember that you are not alone. As you navigate this season, do not hesitate to reach out for help. Whether you need to attend a meeting, find a sober friend to attend a party with you or you just need a word of encouragement, help is available. For more information on how to receive support, please call the South Central Alcohol and Drug Detox Center at 601-426-4381.   

Tip 3 – Stick to your Plan:  

If you decide to attend what could be a triggering event, it is best to plan ahead. One tip is to bring your own non-alcoholic drinks and sip them throughout the night or practice ahead of time how you will decline when someone offers you a drink. Remember that not everyone will understand your journey to sobriety and that is okay.  

Tip 4 – Anticipate Negative Emotions:  

The holiday season often evokes memories of Christmas past, when you might have experienced traumatic personal events. It is vitally important that you do not sit in silence with these memories for too long by yourself, for it is often in this situation that the nagging voice of relapse creeps in to say, “maybe alcohol or drugs will numb this pain.” Instead, deal with these painful memories in the company of others or with a professional. In the moment, when you are experiencing negative emotions remember that feelings are not facts and what we think about drives our behavior. Focus on today. Focus on progress. Focus on facts.  

Tip 5 – Get Help from Professionals:  

Lastly, if you do experience relapse or are currently actively struggling with alcohol or drug dependency, the South Central Alcohol and Drug Detox Center is here to help patients take the first steps toward sobriety through their unique inpatient five-to-seven-day detox program. 

 The program offers a relaxed and therapeutic environment where patients enjoy confidential, quality care from staff dedicated to serving withdrawal management to those suffering from substance use disorders. 

According to the National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics, “Over 96,700 people die from drug overdoses in a year,” and according to the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics, substance abuse remains an issue in our state with over 392 people dying from overdoses in 2023. SCRMC aims to reduce that number, which increases over the holidays, by creating a safe space to discuss addiction and receive practical solutions for those suffering. Christmas can be challenging but it is also a season of hope and joy, and our organization is here to help you enter recovery so you can celebrate the holidays sober this year. 

For more information, please call South Central Alcohol and Drug Detox Center’s Intake Advisor, Amanda Williams, at 601-426-4381.