Why being home for the holidays can be risky for people with addiction
The holidays can be a hard time for many people–especially those dealing with substance use disorder. Parties turn into dangerous social obstacle courses filled with temptation and shame, family dinners become anxiety-inducing interrogations and negative feelings and past trauma are brought into harsh focus under the shimmering lights that deck the halls.
While it might not seem very enticing at first, avoiding the holiday hoopla may actually be the best gift you give yourself all year! Research shows that, for people with addiction issues, spending the holiday season getting help at an inpatient addiction treatment centre can be a life changing experience, improving recovery and mental health outcomes. It can also help you stay on track after you’re done, improving your chances of staying sober in the long term.
Not to mention, the wait list for treatment starts growing quickly before the holidays even begin. If you want to avoid the crowds, and get the help you need now without a long wait, it’s important to book your spot now to avoid disappointment!
If you’ve been humming and ha-ing over getting in out of the cold this winter, and getting into treatment, here are some reasons to jump in now.
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Ditch the awkward dinner conversations
When you’re struggling with substance use disorder and addiction, the obligation of family gatherings and celebrations during the holidays can put a strain on your mental health. Parties are often a minefield of triggers and stressors, forcing you to dodge invasive questions about your health and life while trying to meet everyone’s expectations and “pretend you’re fine”.
At the best of times, it’s exhausting. At the worst of times, it can cause you to spiral into anxiety, depression and reliving past traumas. All of this is a recipe for disaster, and can drive anyone to use their drug of choice just to make it through the evening.
Avoid silent nights by making new lifelong friendships
The cold and dark winter months can also be isolating, as the holidays come with expectations of spending joyful time with loved ones. People who struggle with their mental health and who don’t have strong social connections may find themselves feeling sad and lonely which, in turn, can cause them to drink or use substances as a way to cope.
All of this makes it even harder to start recovery after the holidays are over, as you’re starting off in an even worse place than before. Don’t be alone if you don’t need to be.
Our clients often tell us they find their new families in treatment and, at the very least, friendships that last for years.
RSVP “no thanks” to temptation
Why put yourself into a situation where you’re constantly confronted with the very thing you’re trying to avoid? When everyone around you is drinking or using recreational drugs, even the most strong willed person struggles to say “no”. The kindest, most caring thing you can do for yourself is to decline, and spend your precious energy focusing on your recovery.
Thankfully, there’s a better way to be “home for the holidays”.
You can start recovery in a warm and home-like environment with a community of peers in recovery, and avoid the typical holiday stress.
Meet the new you in the new year
Give yourself the gift of lasting recovery
The holidays can be the push you need to finally make a change. After all, people in recovery don’t regret choosing treatment, they only regret not starting it sooner. If you’ve been struggling for a while, it may feel like you have nothing left to give. But the truth is that you do: you have the power to give yourself the gift of the life you deserve, addiction free.
Our three best-in-class, accredited inpatient centres in Ontario provide a “home away from home” full of warm and cozy comforts and a supportive community bonded by a shared experience in recovery. No matter which of our accredited treatment centres is right for you, you’ll be with peers who understand the struggles of addiction and who are collectively working toward and supporting each other on their recovery journeys. You’ll also receive personalized care from a team of experts who really get to know you and treat you like a person, not a number.
Enjoy luxury resort amenities, for less
Why spend more money to for a worse experience that feels like a hospital?
Our clients tell us that our centres feel like luxury resorts, not the cold clinical feeling you find with other treatment providers.
Enjoy beautiful nature, luxury amenities, renovated rooms and delicious home cooked meals, all at a price point lower than you’d pay for a “hospital room” somewhere else.
A new way to recover, in time for the new year
All 3 of our addiction treatment centres provide a world-class client experience, with resort-style amenities and creature comforts. Your story is one of a kind, so don’t settle for a cookie cutter recovery experience that treats you like you’re “just another patient”.
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Beat the New Year’s rush
As the new year approaches, it can be tempting to put off your recovery, convincing yourself that waiting for the new year will be the most practical time to finally make the resolution to quit. However, addiction doesn’t take a break over the holidays, and there are important reasons why you shouldn’t wait to get the help you need.
The new year is a particularly busy time for addiction treatment centres, with many people following the New Year’s resolution mindset. You may be disappointed to find increased wait times after the holidays, and difficulty accessing care now that you’ve decided you are ready. Don’t get stuck in the new year recovery rush and lose the motivation to get better. Avoid the wait times by reserving your room now.
In addition to no wait-times when you book your recovery this holiday, you’ll also be able to truly start the new year with a clean slate. While others are starting their treatment program, you will have completed your inpatient stay and will be able to enter the new year with a fresh mindset. If your New Year’s resolution is to start a new chapter in the new year, do yourself a favour and start your recovery over the holidays.