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.