4 Reasons To Seek Addiction Treatment Over The Holidays

The holiday season can be both joyful and stressful, and it often requires people to step away from their usual routines.

As a result, many people dealing with substance use disorder (SUD) wonder if they should wait until after Christmas, Hanukkah, or Kwanza to look for a treatment facility.

However, there are several reasons to consider beginning addiction treatment over the holidays.

1. Take Advantage Of Scheduled Time Off

Although holidays do create specific stressors, the holiday season can also be the perfect time of the year to attend an addiction treatment program if you have scheduled time off.

Some people delay looking for treatment options because they don’t want to take time away from work or school, but if you have some time off, you can make the most of it by seeking addiction care.

Some treatment programs require living on-site, but others may only recommend 24-hour care for a short period, or not at all, with the bulk of treatment happening through an outpatient program.

2. Build A Support System For Holiday Triggers

The holidays can be a difficult time for people dealing with addiction, and in particular, alcohol addiction, as there are many opportunities to drink during this time of year.

Family gatherings and other holiday parties may put you in close proximity to alcohol. For people with alcohol addiction, being near alcohol is a common trigger.

Other triggers, for addictions involving any substance, can also be heightened during this season, such as arguments with family members or added pressure for people with anxiety disorders.

Addiction treatment can help you mitigate these triggers and focus on your self-care and mental health.

For example, if you attend an inpatient program, the presence of drugs or alcohol is no longer a concern. At an outpatient program, you will receive substance-free support during the day.

3. Maintain Family Connection

Some people put off drug use treatment during the holidays because they don’t want to miss out on spending time with their families.

However, attending an addiction recovery center does not mean that you cannot see your loved ones.

Outpatient programs allow participants to live at home while receiving treatment, and many inpatient recovery centers allow visitors.

In fact, several addiction healthcare programs encourage family involvement, offering family therapy and addiction education.

4. Consider The Fact That There Is No One ‘Perfect Time’ For Addiction Recovery

People often wait for the ideal time and circumstance to begin treatment for drug addiction, but the truth is that there is no perfect moment to begin treatment for drug abuse.

You might tell yourself that you’ll wait until the new year or until the stress of the holiday season has passed.

However, after the holidays end, you’ll face other inconveniences such as new classes or work responsibilities.

When experiencing an SUD, it’s best to seek treatment as soon as possible. Addiction is a health condition that tends to worsen over time if left untreated.

Find Addiction Treatment Today

Addiction recovery is the best gift you can give yourself.

If you or a loved one is experiencing substance abuse, contact Addiction Resource today to discover treatment options.

Published on November 8, 2023

Written by the Addiction Resource Editorial Staff