Do you know someone showing the classic signs of addiction, either to drugs or to alcohol? If so, you may have a unique opportunity to give one of the greatest gifts of all: the gift of recovery. You cannot push someone into recovery and should not force them into an addiction treatment program. But you can be a friend, lending sympathy and support when it is needed most. People struggling with substance use disorder tend to find the holiday season the most challenging for quitting. Even those who have completed treatment deal with triggers and temptations to use. One of the top ways you can help someone you love is supporting sober living for the holidays. In doing so, you may be helping your friend or loved one down the path to recovery.
At New Start Recovery, we understand that it is not easy to encourage someone to get addiction help for the holidays, but it is possible. If you need advice on helping a loved one with addiction recovery, give us a call at [Direct]. We are here to help people in recovery, along with their family and friends who love them. Knowing how to support someone in recovery without pushing them away or enabling them can be tough, but we will be here to guide you through.
Why Do People Need More Addiction Help Over the Holidays?
The holiday season is supposed to be a joyous time to spend with family and friends to celebrate all the blessings you have in your lives. So why is the season not necessarily merry and bright for those in recovery? Here are some possibilities:
- Some of their loved ones may not be on speaking terms with them due to problems related to the addiction.
- Their social circle may only consist of those they drank or took drugs with, and they have not developed sober friendships.
- They may be stressed about holiday expenses if they lose their job due to addiction or cannot work during treatment.
- Alcohol at holiday parties may be a major trigger, but they do not want to miss out on time with their loved ones.
As you can see, the holidays can bring up stress for those in recovery since they are expected to participate in the celebration with family and friends. Declining invites and missing out on the fun can feel isolating, but in some cases, it may be the only way they can remain sober.
How to Offer Addiction Help for the Holidays
People may not always reach out for help, but you can make things easier by taking the initiative. Here are some ways to do so:
- Learn everything you can about alcohol and drug dependence and related conditions. Allow your empathy and understanding to grow.
- Speak up. Let your friend or loved one know that you are worried about them. Express your concerns, but avoid accusations.
- Express your love and concern early on; do not wait for your loved one to hit rock bottom. Emphasize that you want to help, not pry; that you want to offer compassion, not judgment.
- Do not expect your loved one to stop without getting help; clinical detox and addiction treatment are almost always required. As such, one of the best things you can do is help your loved one find a good detox center near you.
- More than anything, be there to offer your encouragement. Make sure your loved one knows that you are there to talk whenever they are ready.
This is a season of giving, and if you know someone who needs detox and recovery, then your friendship might be the greatest gift of all.
New Start Recovery: Your Resource for Supporting a Loved One’s Addiction Recovery
If you have been struggling with supporting a loved one through addiction treatment, look no further than New Start Recovery. We are here to answer your questions and guide you on the best way to help your loved one in addiction recovery. Call us today at [Direct] so you can help someone you care about have a happier, sober holiday season.