If you’re thinking about entering alcohol and drug rehab, the holidays might seem like the worst possible time. It may mean missing out on seeing family and friends and celebrating together. However, there are actually a number of reasons why it is actually the best time to go to alcohol and drug rehab.
Before explaining why you might choose this time to go to alcohol and drug rehab, it is important to acknowledge that the holidays mean different things to different people. If you have specific religious traditions to follow or will not have another chance to see loved ones in the near future, this may not apply.
For everyone else, here are the reasons the holidays are the best time to go to alcohol and drug rehab.
Avoid Holiday Triggers
Holidays are a dangerous time for many addicts. During the festive season, drinking and taking recreational drugs becomes more socially acceptable. Even those who have been sober for a significant amount of time may struggle during the holidays. This is especially true if you have family and friends who expect to see a certain side of you come out and will encourage you to “let loose.”
The holiday season can also trigger mental health issues like depression. Many people who use substances have a dual diagnosis. This refers to a co-occurring mental illness like depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and others. Because of all the expectations and memories, December is difficult even for people who don’t generally suffer from mental illness.
By spending this time in rehab, you avoid making your problem worse. Instead of putting yourself at danger of mental health issues, reckless decisions or overdose, you seek out a safe space.
Family Dysfunction
The mythology surrounding the festive season tells us that it is a time for family. Everyone gets together to catch up and bond, feeling a spirit of love and unity. In reality, this is rarely the case.
The simple fact is that bringing the whole family together usually leads to innate dysfunction coming to the fore. Old wounds are reopened and fights that last made sense a decade ago get new life. Families can certainly get together without dysfunction, but the festive season is already loaded with expectations. Family members who don’t want to see each other also tend not to get a choice in the matter.
Family dysfunction is both a cause and effect of addiction. If it was a factor that led to the addiction, getting together over the festive season will only trigger more issues. If it is mainly a symptom of the addiction, the festive season can exacerbate it, leading to dysfunction that never needed to come about.
Spending this time in drug and alcohol rehab gives you a way to avoid worsening your family dysfunction while learning to implement boundaries in future festive seasons.
Free Time
One reason this is the best time to go to rehab is that you potentially have the time to do so. You already have a number of days off work during this time, and chances are your business slows down anyway. Instead of going to rehab during a busy, stressful time, you get to take leave without the fear that you will jeopardise your career.
Consider using this time to go to alcohol and drug rehab center. You may miss out on some old traditions, but you will have a far better experience of them in future.
