By Lauren Timmermans, LAC, MBA, CSAT
Primary Therapist, Gentle Path at the Meadows

The holidays can be an exceptionally challenging time for people who are struggling with sex addiction, chemical addiction, or other mental health issues.

Addictions frequently intensify over the holiday season. Family conflicts are bound to surface, stress levels can—and usually do—increase, loneliness becomes more apparent, and depression pops up more than you might anticipate. In addition…

• Family obligations tend to increase over the holidays and, in turn, increase stress levels.
• People with addictions can sometimes come from families with a history of similar issues, so the holidays can shine a light on those struggles and imperfections.
• Individuals may believe they need to “white knuckle” through the holidays in to avoid disappointing friends or family members.

Oftentimes, even in the face of a clear chemical or process addiction and increasingly troublesome consequences, many individuals fight to get help during the holiday season. But, this time of year can actually be the perfect time to seek treatment.

Don’t Wait

Addicts often make statements such as, “If I can just get through the holidays I will get help in January.” Others may tell themselves they cannot hurt their family by being away during the festive months. They may believe that their partners, children, and family of origin would never understand, nor forgive them.

But, in reality, the festivities associated with the holiday season may make it especially difficult to keep from spiraling out of control in active addiction. The temptations are abundant and the chances that you could end up making yourself and loved ones miserable by trying to “white knuckle” for another month or two is great.

Worse, as sex addiction, chemical addictions, or mental health problems intensify, you put yourself at risk for accidents, legal issues, and other consequences that could be circumvented by getting support as soon as you or a loved one recognizes and acknowledges problematic behaviors. So, for some, addiction rehab may be the safest place to be during the holidays.

It can also be the ideal time of the year to get the help you need for logistical reasons. Many individuals can plan time away from work or other obligations during the holiday season with more ease. And, if you or your family has experienced the pain of your addiction during the holidays in previous years, the dedication to sobriety during this time of year can show your commitment to recovery.

Give Yourself and Your Loved Ones The Gift of Sobriety

Going to treatment can be a hard decision to make, especially during the holidays. However, going to rehab can be the right start to a happy, healthy, and peaceful life. Missing one or two celebrations may just be the key to making sure you are present for the next 30 holiday seasons. Focusing on the road to sobriety is the best present you can give anyone that cares about you. You will be safe, supported by a clinical and medical team, and well on your way to recovery by the New Year.

Call The Meadows Intake Team today to learn more and find out if one of The Meadows Behavioral Healthcare programs—The Meadows, The Claudia Black Young Adult Center, Gentle Path or The Meadows Outpatient Center—might be right for you. Call Today 1-800-244-4949 of fill out the form on our website.