The holidays are full of celebrations. You probably have a work party with all of your coworkers. You may have multiple celebrations with friends. Your family will also want you to celebrate with them. If you have a significant other, you may even have double the amount of celebrations. Someone who is currently in the recovery process of an addiction or is newly recovered may struggle during this joyous time. They are surrounded by celebrations, many of which include alcohol usage. They may be exposed to the friends who involved them in their addiction in the first place. You can get through this holiday season successfully with the following suggestions.
Evaluate your condition Not everyone is ready to celebrate and be surrounded by different addictive substances. Consider your individual situation. How long have you been clean? Are you clean? Did you struggle through your recovery process? How do you handle seeing others with alcohol or other substances? How do handle stress and uncomfortable social situations?
These are all important factors to consider when deciding if you are healthy enough to participate in a holiday celebration. As of 2014, there are an estimated 120 million plus individuals in the US who consume alcohol on a regular basis. Alcohol addiction is one of the most common types of addiction and often one of the most difficult to overcome, but alcohol seems to be everywhere.
Consider the type of party One of the important parts of a successful recovery is breaking the pattern of addiction. Most drug treatment centers insist that participants refrain from interacting with others involved in the same substance use as they once were. If the holiday party includes many of your friends who were once a part of your addiction, you may want to refrain from attending. If the event, however, is full of family who are supportive of your recovery process, use them as your strength.
Consider finding alternative celebrations Many drug treatment programs result in a close knit group of friends. They are there for one another and are familiar with the process. If you are not yet ready to experience a traditional holiday party that may exacerbate your alcohol or opiate addiction, find a completely sober event. Invite your new friends over, or invite family and friends over, notifying them that it will be an alcohol or drug free event. Those who really support you and your recovery will be more than happy to attend.
Contact your sponsor or a trusted person Most addiction treatment programs provide you with a sponsor. This is someone who has been in recovery for many years and has been through many of the temptations that you will experience. If you find yourself struggling with a holiday event that involves temptation, consider getting in contact with your sponsor. They can help you through the process and remind you of the progress you have made.
Check into an ibogaine clinic An ibogaine detox is one of the most beneficial types of drug treatment. Ibogaine is remarkably effective for obviating upwards of 98% of withdrawal symptoms associated with opioid withdrawal, and produces significant reduction in cravings for stimulants and alcohol. If you are still struggling with recovery, consider checking into an ibogaine clinic for full treatment. Even if you have a relapse during the holiday season, the ibogaine clinic can be helpful in getting back on track to recovery.
Over the course of the past decade, the landscape of addiction has changed dramatically within the United States. There were over 259 million prescriptions written for painkillers during 2012. This represents a 400% increase in prescription opiate use in only 10 years. The addiction epidemic continues to grow, making it more difficult for someone to recover completely. If you are struggling with addiction recovery, the holiday season is probably especially difficult for you. Consider evaluating your condition, the specific party, and finding alternatives ways of celebrating this holiday season. If you find it too difficult, find a drug treatment center that can help you through the process.
