{"id":13021,"date":"2022-12-21T16:33:53","date_gmt":"2022-12-21T21:33:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mentalhe180dev.wpenginepowered.com\/news\/managing-recovery-during-holidays\/"},"modified":"2025-10-15T08:56:05","modified_gmt":"2025-10-15T13:56:05","slug":"managing-recovery-during-holidays","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/staging.grafik.mentalhealthfirstaid.org\/es\/news\/managing-recovery-during-holidays\/","title":{"rendered":"Managing Recovery and Substance Use Challenges During the Holidays"},"content":{"rendered":"

The onset of the holiday season conjures up images of families gathered together, big meals, cozy fires and lots of celebration. But for many people, especially individuals experiencing or in recovery from substance use challenges, the holidays can be tough.<\/p>\n

The holiday season can be full of triggers \u2014 end-of-year deadlines, shopping for gifts and dealing with certain family members or friends can all bring on additional stress. In a survey<\/a> by the American Addiction Center, 94% of respondents in recovery for substance use reported feeling overwhelmingly or moderately stressed during the holidays.<\/p>\n

With the season\u2019s heightened celebration can come an increased prevalence of drinking and substance use, which may put individuals managing recovery or substance use challenges at greater risk of recurring symptoms. And they wouldn\u2019t be alone: Because of the pandemic, the amount of people dealing with a substance use challenge has increased, with 13.3% of adults in the U.S. having started or increased their use of substances since June 2020, according to a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) survey<\/a>.<\/p>\n

If you or a loved one is managing recovery this holiday season, you may want to think about how best to prepare to navigate any difficult situations. Coming up with an action plan before attending holiday events can be helpful, and the Mental Health First Aid curriculum provides some suggestions to help you get started.<\/p>\n

Know your triggers<\/strong> and set firm boundaries.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Stress, certain environments and even some people<\/a> can bring painful memories or symptoms to the surface. Recognizing your triggers and trying to limit exposure them is important. Consider rehearsing responses, such as how to decline offers of alcoholic beverages, or responding the questions about your recovery or challenge you are not ready to answer. Take notice of your own personal warning signs \u2014 like thinking patterns or heightened emotions \u2014 and take steps to remove yourself from situations when they become present.<\/p>\n

Have a support system \u2014 and reach out to them.<\/strong><\/p>\n

One of the most valuable protective factors<\/a> a person can have is a trusted support network. If you have a close friend, family member, support group or sponsor, it can be a good idea to connect with them before attending an event and make sure they can take a call or support you if needed.<\/p>\n

Identify and participate in self-care activities.<\/strong><\/p>\n

After dealing with stressful or emotional situations, self-care is crucial to help relax your mind and process emotions. Self-care activities can include:<\/p>\n