Going through addiction rehab during the holidays and coming out the other side is an incredible achievement. Once you’ve gotten through a treatment program like this, it can still be a challenge to maintain your sense of well-being. But when the holiday period rolls around, this can become more of a struggle than ever.
Relapsing is incredibly common during the winter festive period and for a variety of reasons. Whether you feel secure in your emotions right now or you know you’ve had trouble in the past, this time of year could cause extreme upset. However, knowing about this in advance could help you to face the upcoming potentially triggering situations.
Everyone Around You is Drinking (Especially During the Holidays)
This is one of the biggest reasons someone in recovery can relapse during the holidays. When everyone around you is drinking, you can feel left out, and even peer pressured into taking part. Being surrounded by substances such as alcohol on every table and in every hand can even be enticing.
In situations like this, it’s best to keep your answer to a short and sweet ‘no’ when someone offers, but we recognize just how hard even summing up the courage to say that can be. Relapse is often down to the social element.
The Holidays Can Be Stressful in Many Areas
Holiday anxiety is common in both those attending an outpatient program and those who have never been to rehab at all. For the latter, it’s this sense of time pressure around preparing for the perfect holiday season that can cause breaks in your alcohol or drug rehab. You’re in a constant rush and that ticking of the clock can set you over the edge.
This is also a time when your anxiety is high due to socialization. Say you see family members again for the first time after a full or partial hospitalization; you can feel the need to halt your recovery journey. The urge to relapse can be strong due to the heightened pressure of feeling judged or scrutinized, and like you’re unable to deal with it alone.
FAQs about Holiday Triggers in Recovery
Q: What are “triggers” in the context of recovery? A: Triggers are specific situations, people, or feelings that can provoke a desire to return to old habits. Anyone who has been through an intensive outpatient program will be familiar with identifying their personal triggers.
Q: Why is the holiday season particularly difficult for someone in recovery? A: The holiday season is often filled with unique stressors and situations that can be incredibly triggering, regardless of how long you’ve been in recovery. These can happen unexpectedly, making them difficult to prepare for.
Q: How can I prepare for holiday triggers? A: The best first step is to identify what could be specifically triggering for you. This awareness allows you to excuse yourself from a situation when needed. It’s also helpful to plan what you might say to people if they ask why you’re not participating in certain “festivities” or inquire about your life.
Ready to Transform Your Life?
The journey to recovery and self-sufficiency is a path of courage, and you don’t have to walk it alone. As we’ve explored, overcoming the intertwined challenges of substance use and housing instability requires a holistic approach, one that addresses not just the symptoms, but the root causes. Evolve Indy provides the structured support, evidence-based therapies, and stable environment crucial for building a new foundation for your future. Lasting change is not only possible; it’s within your reach.
Take the First Step Toward a Brighter Future
Your path to a stable, sober life starts with a simple conversation. Contact our admissions team today to learn more about our Partial Hospitalization, Intensive Outpatient, and supportive housing programs. We can verify your insurance, answer your questions, and guide you toward the Evolve Indy program that best fits your recovery needs.
Why Choose Evolve Indy?
At Evolve Indy, we do more than just treat addiction—we empower transformation. Our unique model integrates clinical care with real-world support, helping you develop the life skills, coping mechanisms, and community connections needed to thrive. With a focus on individual care and long-term success, we are committed to being your partner in building a healthy, independent future, right here in Indianapolis.