Addiction During Holidays

That Most Wonderful Time of the Year - or Active Addiction During Holidays?

If you or a loved one are in active addiction during holidays this year, it will more like this third verse of the old song:

There'll be scary ghost storiesAnd tales of the glories ofChristmases long, long ago.

’Tis the season to be jolly. Maybe for some, but not so much for those struggling with addiction.It’s time for merriment with family and friends but you’re not feeling it. You’re not feeling much of anything these days – unless you’ve had a few holiday cocktails, and then you feel okay. Otherwise, you feel drained, spent, and dull inside. Your life has become miserable: the weight of the world is on your shoulders.You would rather forget all of your social obligations, stay in, and relax with a few glasses of your favorite holiday beverage. The holidays were fun when you were younger, but now, they just remind you of unfulfilled expectations. If only you could return to the way things used to be, before you began struggling with addiction during holidays.

A good excuse to drink or - addiction during holidays?

On the other hand, maybe you really like getting together with family and friends because your traditional celebrations include alcohol. How festive is a family gathering without spiked eggnog, candy cane martinis, or champagne cocktails? It’s a special occasion so you can put off thinking about your addiction. True, holidays may be a time to relax and let loose, but not an excuse to go overboard. This isn't addiction during holidays, you tell yourself. It's just having fun.

"Stop talking about addiction!"

But I’m not struggling with addiction, you tell yourself. I have it under control and I can stop whenever I want – I just don’t want to. If you had my life, job, circumstances, or _____________ (fill in), you’d drink, too!It is an uncomfortable moment when you realize you’re dependent on alcohol. Anyone can stop drinking. You do that every time your bottle is empty. The challenge is staying stopped.

Alcohol is not your friend

If you’re spending all your free time together you may feel like alcohol is your best friend. It makes you feel better about yourself, as long as you’re drinking it. You simply can’t envision life without it.Stop and think: if you’d rather be alone at home with your alcohol, there’s a problem.Your addiction is not your friend. It will turn on you. It is only a matter of time before you end up in jail, in an institution, or dead. These are the inevitable outcomes for anyone who cannot overcome addiction.

Things are out of hand

You’re sick inside and out. You wake up with a pounding head, sweating, and your mouth is dry.I’m never drinking again, you vow. But time passes, and you begin to plan your next drink. You need it to feel normal.If your life feels like an endless loop of a Howlin’ Maggie song –

Alcohol. Oh, my Lord I'm gone, I'm gone.  I'm in your arms.  Please take me as your own.

– it is time to surrender.

The holidays are as good a time as any to seek treatment. Addiction during holidays is painful. Start your new year’s resolution today and contact us. Tomorrow can be the first day of your new beginning. Serenity Vista offers a unique, tropical perspective on a whole life recovery.