Alcohol addiction is a debilitating substance use disorder that can be exacerbated during the holidays. The holidays can be a triggering time for many people in recovery or that are still struggling. Everyone’s triggers are different, but for those experiencing alcohol addiction the proximity to alcohol and the celebratory attitudes can lead to the normalization of overconsumption. If you have a loved one that is experiencing alcohol addiction, recognizing warning signs can help you prevent relapse or overdose.
Common Signs of Alcohol Addiction
Alcohol addiction can occur across a spectrum of severity. It may appear differently in everyone, but it is the reliance on alcohol consumption in daily life. Signs of alcohol addiction include:
- An inability to limit the quantity of alcohol consumed
- Unsuccessful attempts to stop alcohol use
- Spending a significant amount of time consuming alcohol
- Feeling intense cravings to consume alcohol when it’s not around
- Failing to maintain work, life, or academic tasks
- Partaking in risky behaviors while drinking – such as driving
- Having a high tolerance for alcohol
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when not under the influence
It may be hard to spot these signs in a loved one throughout the year, especially if they don’t live within close proximity. However, the holidays often result in spending a lot of time with loved ones, making it easier to spot habits or signs of alcohol addiction.
Understanding Holiday Triggers
The holidays can be a triggering time for those that struggled with alcohol addiction. For some, being back in the environment they grew up in can be triggering. For others, it may be traveling or hosting pressures that trigger drinking. Recognizing potential triggers allows you to help yourself or a loved one experiencing alcohol addiction.
Having relapse prevention strategies in place helps those struggling cope through triggers. These relapse prevention strategies work to redirect triggers and help people experiencing alcohol addiction to seek satisfaction elsewhere. Holiday relapse prevention strategies may include having a sober buddy, this could even be someone who does usually drink but is choosing not to in solidarity with the person struggling. Other forms of coping mechanisms include choosing alternative activities that don’t involve alcohol, and celebrating from afar via video chat or calling. In this day and age it’s easier than ever to find sober activities around the holidays.
Support Your Loved One This Holiday Season
No matter what types of holidays you celebrate, the end of the year can be a complex and triggering time for both those in active recovery and in sobriety. If you feel like you need additional help maintaining your relapse prevention plans, give Solution Based Treatment a call. We can get you integrated into one of our outpatient addiction treatment programs. These programs allow you to carry out your daily duties and stay in your own home, all while getting additional recovery support from alcohol addiction. We offer both intensive outpatient treatment and partial hospitalization programs.
Likewise, if you have recently relapsed over the holidays, it’s crucial that you get back into detox and residential rehab as soon as possible to prevent serious health risks or overdose. We are available 24/7 to make sure you are able to get back on track as soon as possible. Have a safe and happy holiday season with support from Solution Based Treatment.
About Solution Based Treatment
Solution Based Treatment is a national leader in detox and rehab programs. We offer inpatient medical detox, substance rehab, intensive outpatient programs, partial hospitalization programs, faith-based recovery, and sober living options. We maintain a 2:1 client to staff ratio to offer the best support possible to our patients within upscale living environments. At Solution Based Treatment, we support better living for brighter futures, all starting with our detox and rehab services. For more information visit our website at solutionbasedtreatment.com or give us a call at (833) 999-1941.