For many families of substance users, the holiday season can be the most challenging time of the year. The holidays can bring stress at the thought of managing a loved one’s substance abuse issues while maintaining the normal festivities. For recovering addicts themselves, staying sober during this season is testing and takes strength like no other.
The Gloucester County Division of Addiction Services provides assistance such as prevention, intervention, detox and outpatient treatment, and recovery programs. This is no different during the holidays; the coordinators work to aid adults and adolescents seeking help for substance abuse issues. “If you feel you may stumble, call your sponsor. This applies any time of year, and holidays are no exception. It’s also important to keep busy. During the holidays it’s especially useful to maintain a schedule and have a list of things in which you can get involved,” said County Drug and Alcohol Director Robert Bamford. Spending time with others in recovery, who understand the impact of sobriety, is one of the best ways to keep a positive attitude this season.
There are multiple ways for families of substance users to assist their loved ones. According to Bamford, “Pick boundaries that are important to you and must be adhered to in order to participate in family festivities. This may include arriving on time, being well groomed, dressing appropriately, and of course, being clean and sober. Make it clear that if you smell alcohol, or they act intoxicated or high, you will not let them in; and if they live there, you will ask them to stay away from the festivities.” It’s important to keep boundaries simple and easily attainable, and discuss them at least a week in advance of a function. Keeping an open mind and understanding that if a loved one chooses to opt out of family festivities, respecting their boundaries is key to a stable recovery during the holidays.
If you or your loved one is experiencing overwhelming stress, sadness, or difficulty coping during the holiday season, or any time of year, support is available. 9-8-8 is open 24/7 and is staffed with specialists who are able to provide free confidential telephone support and referrals to local resources for all ages. All calls and texts are anonymous and confidential, unless the situation is life threatening.
