Identify common holiday relapse triggers and learn how families can support loved ones in medication-assisted treatment (MAT) by developing a holiday relapse prevention plan.
For many people, the winter holiday season is a time of joy and celebration. However, for those recovering from opioid addiction, this period can present significant challenges. The well-intentioned questions from family members, coupled with the financial strains of gift-giving and travel, may increase triggers and cravings. Your focus on recovery could become strained, potentially leading to relapse.
While relapse is common, it is not unavoidable, especially with a holiday relapse prevention plan in place.ย The best way to handle it is to anticipate events, places, and situations that can jeopardize your recovery goals.ย Staying on track during the holidays is achievable for those fighting opioid addiction.ย By concentrating on what makes you happy and avoiding negativity, you will remain resilient throughout the upcoming season.ย
Common Holiday Triggers That Can Disrupt a Relapse Prevention Plan
Despite the joyful and festive atmosphere of the holiday season, holiday triggers can lurk in the distance. It is essential for those in addiction recovery to recognize how the holidays can trigger a relapse. Keep the following potential situations in mind:
- Elevated Stress: The holiday season is exploding with social events, financial burdens and family duties that can raise stress levels.ย For those in recovery, this heightened pressure can act as a trigger for addiction.ย Unchecked strain could lead some to self-medicate with substances.ย
- Winter Blues: The end-of-year holidays often bring cold weather and shorter daylight hours.ย This may lead you to stay indoors more, which results in less exercise and reduced sunlight exposure.ย These factors can negatively affect your energy levels, mood and overall emotional health.ย
- Complicated Relationships: Meeting with family and friends during holidays can trigger a range of emotions.ย Past environments and familiar faces may cause you to revert to old behaviors.ย Knowing the attendeesโthose with invasive questions, substance expectations or mental health strugglesโhelps you plan for emotional triggers.ย ย ย
- Hectic Schedule: If you are dealing with mental health issues, maintaining a consistent routine fosters a sense of calm and stability.ย Coping with a busy holiday schedule can cause you to slack on your recovery goals and give in to cravings.ย
- Isolation and Sadness: The holidays can be particularly challenging if you are alone and without family support.ย Staying in touch with your support networks is crucial for relapse prevention during this time.ย ย
Recovery during the holidays should not feel perilous. Routines may change, and stress levels tend to rise, but avoiding relapse is possible. It is crucial to recognize your limits and seasonal relapse risks to manage them effectively. When you understand the reasons behind heightened symptoms or emotions, you gain the ability to respond more thoughtfully and intentionally.
How to Prevent Relapse During the Holidaysย
A strong relapse prevention plan is essential for maintaining recovery during holiday events coming up soon. Consider the following coping strategies to prepare yourself:
1.ย Use Forethoughtย
This holiday season might require you to plan ahead. Always use your own car or mode of transportation to attend holiday gatherings. This gives you an easy escape route if necessary. Also, be mindful of your relapse triggers. If you start feeling uncomfortable, do not hesitate to leave or take a moment to decompress without guilt.
2.ย Practice Self-Careย
The holidays tend to be busy, with every minute packed with people, events and parties. Remember, you do not have to spend your entire holiday vacation focused solely on others. Instead, enjoy some holiday self-care concentrating on your body, mind and soul. Indulge in activities that bring you happiness, such as a massage, yoga session, pedicure, or a late-night movie.
3.ย Choose Meaningful Relationshipsย
Instead of making the holidays about gift-giving or big events, intentionally focus on the people you love and building relationships. Approach each party or gathering with the goal of establishing a genuine connection. Communication during recovery is vital, and you may find yourself rekindling old bonds or forming new friendships.
4.ย Establish Boundariesย
Boundaries in recovery are essential for coping with stress. The holiday season can be overwhelming, especially when past hurts surface. If a family member mentions your opioid addiction in a negative light, you can excuse yourself or leave. This season, choose supportive loved ones who encourage your recovery and celebrate your wins.
5.ย Create New Traditionsย
As you start a new path toward recovery during the holidays, consider creating new traditions. There are plenty of enjoyable activities to keep you busy. You could host a recovery-friendly holiday party to encourage peer support. Other ideas include decorating cookies, ice skating, admiring lights, and enjoying the festive spirit. You might also consider adding a Secret Santa gift exchange for an extra bit of fun.
Once you identify the most common relapse triggers during holidays, you can develop strategies to avoid them and stay on course. By understanding addiction triggers and applying effective relapse prevention techniques, you can enjoy the holiday season without jeopardizing your progress.
Holiday Treatment Plans at MedMark Treatment Centersย
At MedMark, we have several options to discuss opioid addiction treatment with you during the holidays. During the initial consultation, we will work with you to determine the most suitable treatment options for your specific needs.
Choose from:
- Methadone treatment: Opioid use treatment with methadone is one of our two medication-assisted treatment (MAT) options.ย This medication works by acting similarly to other opioids, activating the same receptors in the brain.ย This effect satisfies the body’s need for cravings, allowing you to focus on your recovery.ย
- Buprenorphine treatment: This medication is the second MAT option.ย Buprenorphine triggers the same response as methadone, but to a lesser degree.ย It will reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings with a “ceiling effect,” limiting the ability to feel euphoric.ย
- Substance use counseling: We pair all MAT with substance use counseling to give you the best chance of success.ย Counseling can help by giving you tips and resources on preventing relapse, especially during the holiday season.ย This accountability with a trained counselor is essential to recovery by addressing all aspects of addiction.ย
Are you ready to get started? We offer these options and more at our clinics nationwide. Find a location near you in:
- Alabamaย
- Arkansasย
- Californiaย
- District of Columbiaย
- Floridaย
- Georgiaย
- Illinoisย
- Indianaย
- Kentuckyย
- Marylandย
- North Carolinaย
- Ohioย
- Pennsylvaniaย
- Texasย
- West Virginiaย
Recovery Support at MedMark Treatment Centers
If you are battling opioid addiction, remember you are not alone. The addiction specialists at MedMark are here to support you in overcoming opioid use disorder. We want to help you look forward to many happy holiday seasons ahead. We have clinics nationwide. Reach out today to learn how to begin medication-assisted treatment at MedMark.
