The Holiday Season Poses Risks for Those with Drug and Alcoholism Addictions

As the Holiday season begins people who are recovering from alcohol and/or drug addiction and dependence are at greater risk to re addict than any other time of the year.

(PRWEB) December 11, 2006 -- As the Holiday season begins people who are recovering from alcohol and/or drug dependence are at greater risk to re addict than any other time of the year. It is a well known statistic that during the holidays emergency room admissions for alcohol toxicity and withdrawal and drug overdoses significantly increase. Likewise admissions to drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers peak immediately following the holidays.

The reasons why Holidays pose a hazard to those in recovery are multifaceted. Euphoric recall of the "good times", heightened stress and anxiety, alcohol advertising triggers and a sense of loneliness for some all appear and play a role in holiday relapse.

Clearly there are many reasons why the holidays pose a risk to those in recovery. Adding to the risks of relapse is the overall societal attitude that during the holidays its more permissive to indulge.

In order to diminish the risk of holiday relapse the following PAUSE strategies may prove to be a helpful intervention to avoid the trap of re addiction.

Plan before you go to holiday functions. If possible go with another person in recovery. drive yourself so that if you feel uncomfortable you are not "trapped" waiting on a ride.

Avoid holiday events that you feel will pose a risk for you to drink or use.

Understand how your thoughts of the "good times" are ignoring the "bad outcome" of a relapse.

Seek out others in recovery-attend 12 step meetings frequently during the holiday season

Enjoy the fact that you are clean and sober and celebrate your accomplishments in recovery.

This article was brought to you by the addiction treatment and research organization AddictionSearch.com.

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