Triggers for substance abuse can happen anywhere, 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. The best way to support relapse prevention for addiction triggers during the holidays is with therapy as part of an addiction treatment program.
At Serenity House Detox & Recovery, we understand that the holiday season can be challenging when trying to stay sober. Get a head start on the holidays by enrolling in one of our addiction counseling programs. We can help you prepare for the difficulties that arise due to addiction and holidays. Call us today at 866.294.5306 to learn more about the benefits of addiction counseling.
The Correlation Between Addiction and Holidays
Although the holidays are typically a joyous time to celebrate with your family and friends, that all changes when you are in recovery. Many holiday get-togethers include festive alcoholic beverages as people try to cultivate a little holiday cheer and enjoy some time off from work. When you are working to overcome addiction, the last thing you need is an additional trigger for relapse.
Triggers in addiction are any person, place, or thing that makes you want to use drugs or alcohol. Negative thoughts and feelings can cause them; however, some positive emotions can also trigger substance use, such as desiring a drink to celebrate a birthday, holiday, or personal achievement. When experiencing a trigger, you think about your preferred drug or alcohol and experience cravings. Anything can trigger a relapse, and what triggers you may not be the same as what triggers someone else. The only way to rid yourself of these struggles is to overcome them repeatedly until your brain stops connecting substances to stress relief or celebration.
Common Holiday Addiction Triggers
The holiday season is rife with addiction triggers. These triggers include:
Abnormal Daily Routine
A structured routine contributes to strength in recovery, and a diversion from that 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 prime holiday addiction 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.
Manage Your Addiction Triggers at Serenity House Detox & Recovery Florida
Whether you are tired of dealing with addiction and its triggers or you suffered a relapse after recovery, a licensed detox center provides the support you need for a fresh start in sobriety. Serenity House Detox & Recovery Florida offers services for healthy withdrawal from alcohol and drugs any time 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 & Recovery 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 & Recovery now at 866.294.5306. Your days of using drugs and drinking too much can end with this call.
