There’s no doubt that Christmas can be a challenge for your recovery from addiction to alcohol or drugs. It can seem like everyone else is indulging and enjoying themselves, and that’s simply because they are, and they can. Christmas is a traditional time for merriment, joy, and getting together to eat, drink and share that special time of year.
The excitement and nostalgia all this fun creates can be an incredible challenge for anyone who needs to avoid picking up that first drink or drug – but that doesn’t mean you won’t get through it.
Remember – Christmas is just another day
No matter what time of year it is, or where you are, no substance ever enters our sober bodies without us putting it there. If you’ve been free from relapse for some time, there’s no reason why you can’t get through every day of the Christmas period by using the same strength that you used yesterday and the days before that.
For several days in December, there may certainly be more temptation in your way, but that doesn’t make you any weaker. If you can get through 24 hours once, you can and will do it again. Every new year sees treatment centres braced for a surge in demand after Christmas – you don’t need to be one of those people.
Your own safety is more important than the event itself
You can’t be there for your friends and family tomorrow if you relapse today. If that means you have to keep your distance from certain events and parties, then so be it. Even if this is your first sober Christmas, you’ll already have an idea of your strengths, weaknesses and triggers.
If you find yourself in a situation you aren’t comfortable with, take yourself away from it immediately and speak to someone who knows what you’re going through. The people closest to you will want you to stay well, while there are thousands of other addicts going through the same experiences as you right now.
You are not alone
Getting through the Christmas period without succumbing to addiction can be an empowering experience. However, never forget how difficult it was to get through those first few hours and days of your recovery. Hopefully, you won’t ever go through that again, but always remember that you will never have to do it by yourself.
Most addicts will be familiar with a feeling of isolation, both at Christmas and all year round. However, by considering the best ways to accept, understand and treat your problem, you’re already becoming stronger. There are many national drug and alcohol support networks you can use, as well as treatment centres you can contact for advice.
If you are seriously concerned about relapse over Christmas, then don’t hesitate to reach out and put yourself in a safe place. Contact a provider of drug and alcohol rehab in Surrey to learn more about how to cope with your addiction over Christmas, and apply the same strength to every other day of the year.
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