For those in recovery, the holidays pose particular challenges. Alcohol at family functions and social get-togethers, such as Valentine’s Day and St. Patrick’s Day, can create a problem that you want to avoid following detox and recovery programs. Learn more about the triggers that can lead to relapse in the form of a holiday hangover and how to avoid seasonal depression, otherwise known as seasonal affective disorder or SAD. If you or a loved one face mental health challenges and substance use disorders, come to Serenity House Detox & Recovery Florida to get back on track with an effective detox program. Call our team today at 866.294.5306 for more information.
What Is SAD?
Seasonal affective disorder typically occurs in the winter and begins and ends at the same time annually. Many people feel down when the weather turns colder and the days grow shorter. However, others also experience seasonal depression in the summer. If weather changes affect your moods and threaten your mental health, seek professional help rather than relying on alcohol to boost your mood.
Our dual diagnosis program provides comprehensive support during detox for clients with co-occurring mental health and alcohol use disorders.
How Does a Holiday Hangover Complicate SAD?
When you’re with family members or old friends, it’s easy to fall into familiar habits. However, you can work out strategies to avoid relapse by deputizing your buddies as wing persons. You may still have to avoid some gatherings, but you can’t hide forever. The sooner you find workarounds, the sooner you can say goodbye to the holiday hangover and hello to lifelong sobriety.
Coping With Family Triggers
During the holidays, some family members may stress you out and test your mental health. If you have family members that drink profusely, you’re entirely within your rights to avoid parties that include them. Instead, skip the drama and spend time with family members who support your sober living goals.
Here are some high-level tips to help you resist cravings and avoid a holiday hangover that can send you careening back into bad habits:
- Say no. Save yourself some stress and avoid gatherings likely to include alcohol.
- Avoid arguments. Have a few sayings under your belt that help you avoid stress and save time when making the rounds at family parties.
- “I’m sorry to hear that.”
- “I don’t quite agree but see where you’re coming from.”
- “You’re very passionate, aren’t you?”
- “I’m sorry, but I am not up to speed on that topic.”
- Bring backup. Tap a favorite sibling or cousin to help you get through the night soberly.
- Be picky about how late you attend. When it comes to office parties and happy hours, you can choose which to attend and which to skip for the sake of sobriety.
- Bring your own beverage. If you feel obligated to make an appearance, bring your own beverages such as nonalcoholic beer or sparkling cider.
- Create an after-party event. Double book evenings where you can’t miss a get-together but don’t want to stay too long. You can always attend an evening Alcoholics Anonymous meeting, go to an evening church service, or watch a movie with sober friends.
Seek Addiction Detox in Jupiter, FL
You may not be able to stay away from all uncomfortable holiday parties. However, you can find ways to manage your stress. If you do slip up, it’s never too late to schedule time in an alcohol detox program as part of your recovery. Our services include:
- Prescription drug detox program
- Benzos detox program
- Opiate detox program
- Painkiller detox program
- Cocaine detox program
A holiday hangover represents more than just a headache and upset stomach. When you go through detox and recovery, you make a promise to yourself, and you must keep it. Develop the support system you need to manage difficult events that may trigger mental health disorders such as SAD. Contact us at 866.294.5306, or contact us online today whether you find winter weather or holiday festivities have caused you to relapse. We will get you in a detox program designed for you.
