The holidays. This is a time of year that can be seen as challenging for someone seeking long-term recovery. There are several challenges associated with the “season change” like reuniting with old friends who aren’t in recovery or an abundance of parties and celebrations where many times drugs and alcohol are present.
Individuals in recovery may have internal and external pressures to use their drug(s) of choice. Internal motivations to use may be caused by low self-esteem or a straining on will-power where he/she may not believe they can get through the day (forget season!) without using. External pressures can be caused by unhealthy “supports” not committed to the individuals’ recovery and even messages portrayed on TV, billboards and in stores exploiting the “fun” of using.
I was in a store this week and passed by a display where they had Coca-Cola two liters right next to the bottles of Captain Morgan. This used to be my favorite drink and for a moment I was side tracked to think “what a delightful idea!” before reminding myself of my past. This is after 8 years of sobriety, so I can only imagine how the newly recovering individual would accept the message.
This constant reminder may make someone who is yearning to stay clean and sober feel hopeless. They may feel like they can’t get away from it no matter what they do. Despite the natural and understandable fears, I think we should look at the holidays in a positive way… as an opportunity for growth and not relapse.
Whether you have one day or are ten years clean, you can envision the holidays as a new opportunity. You can be proud to go to a party and remember it! It is your chance to enjoy the holidays with HEALTHY supports (family, friends, spouse, etc.) who support you and recovery. It is an opportunity to celebrate with people that you care about and not end up in the hospital, blacking out, getting arrested, sleeping on the couch, sleeping outside, wetting the bed, or not sleeping at all.
No disappointments, no hurt feelings, no hate due to use. This is your chance to laugh and play with the people that you care about most. Recovery is a gift to truly enjoy the season.
A healthy level of fear can keep you from relapse, but too much fear can help cause a relapse. Don’t feed the fear. Feed the faith that everything will be better than when you were using and your holiday season will be overflowing with things to be grateful for, not fearful from.
By Melissa Tinervia
homeofnewvision.wordpress.com 