Addiction Triggers Abound During Holidays

A message from Amatus Health CEO Mark Gold

To Our Dedicated Amatus Team Members:

As we follow the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) on the global community, the health and safety of our employees and clients remains our top priority.

Our company serves a population that needs us the most during this most unsettling and unprecedented time. We, as the corporate teams, hold vital functions to support and allow our front lines, our facilities, to operate and provide quality care. Because our facilities’ services are contingent on our work, our offices will remain open until mandated otherwise by governing bodies.

Just as it is our mission to care for our clients and be there in time of need, it is on that same token that we take pride in caring for the needs of our employees. To that end, please:

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.

Avoid close contact with anyone who is sick.

Stay home when you are sick.

When coughing or sneezing, cover your mouth and nose with fixed elbow or tissue, and throw away the tissue immediately, wash hands after as well.

Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

Do not shake hands.

Maintain social distancing of at least 6 feet whenever possible.

We recognize that you may have concerns and circumstances that would make it difficult for you to work from the office. If this is the case, please reach out to your supervisor to discuss further. Depending on your role, scope of responsibilities and the reason for your absence, you may be allowed to work from home at your supervisor’s discretion. If remote work doesn’t meet the approved criteria or if working remotely is not possible, you will be asked to utilize your PTO if you do not wish to come to the office.

We have amazing teams across Amatus and its companies. This moment reminds us that we’re all connected. We’re called upon to be our best selves with patience, understanding and compassion, so that we may stay committed and persevere together in all the days and years ahead.

As we go forward, we’ll be sure to keep you updated, and know that we always value your questions and feedback.

If you have any questions, please direct them to your supervisor.

Mark Gold | Chief Executive Officer

Triggers for substance abuse can happen anywhere, anytime. But the holidays offer so many addiction triggers that relapse is common during these periods. Although holidays represent the happiest times of the year, many people experience pitfalls due to holiday stress and other factors.

About Addiction Triggers

Triggers in addiction cause negative thoughts and feelings. When experiencing a trigger, you think about your preferred drug or alcohol and experience cravings. Anything can trigger a relapse. The only way to rid yourself of these struggles is to beat them time and time again until your brain stops connecting substances to stress relief.

Common Addiction Triggers During Holidays

The holiday season is rife with addiction triggers. These triggers include:

Abnormal Daily Routine

A structured routine contributes to strength in recovery. The opposite of a solid daily routine creates space for relapse. The holidays are hectic and unstructured, with many events not experienced throughout the year. These crazy schedules and unusual circumstances are definite triggers.

Money Problems

Most people experience money problems during the holidays. Traveling to see family, buying gifts and other money pressures work like a minefield of triggers. Familial stress and shame contribute to these triggers.

Depression and Loneliness

For some people, solitude during the holidays causes feelings of depression and loneliness. It is also a time when you miss lost loved ones more than other times throughout the year. These are addiction triggers for many in recovery.

Availability of Drugs and Alcohol

Social and family gatherings go hand-in-hand with alcohol and drug availability. Drinks usually flow during the holidays, particularly when family and friends get together.

When Triggers Cause Relapse

Whether you’re tired of dealing with addiction and its triggers or suffered relapse after recovery, a licensed detox center provides the support you need for a fresh start in sobriety. Serenity House Detox in Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach, Florida offers services for healthy withdrawal from alcohol and drugs anytime of the year. These services include:

Residential detox
Dual diagnosis detox
Medical detox
Drug and alcohol detox
Detox program for men and for women
Individual, family and group therapy
Holistic approach to treatment

Serenity House Detox opens the door to sobriety, where you learn how to manage triggers and prevent relapse. It is never too late for recovery through a professional and accredited detox program. Call Serenity House Detox now at 866-294-5306. Your days of using drugs and drinking too much can end with this call.

About Addiction Triggers