Renaissance Recovery Blog

The holidays are upon us. That means it’s time with family and friends. And for many of us, it also means being in the presence of alcohol or drugs, and we know what challenges that bring to the dinner table. So, to be sure this holiday season is what you want it to be, have a three-fold plan: (1) consult with your sponsor before any holiday planning; (2) if traveling someplace, research in advance for local meetings for recovering addicts; and (3) customize your holiday season according to three scenarios in which you may find yourself.

Scenario 1: Holiday Parties & Get-Togethers with Friends & Acquaintances

In this scenario, you may find yourself at a dinner party or other get-together and the crowd is a mix of people you know well, somewhat, or just met. Depending on the situation, you may not want to divulge you are going through recovery immediately, but you also don’t want to be the party-pooper. What do you do?

1. Stay committed to yourself and recovery. Believe in yourself. Love yourself. And know that you can do it.
2. Know someone. Prior to going to the party, make sure you know at least one person who knows you well and knows about your addiction. He or she will be a source of support and comfort.
3. Be prepared. Stay away from any get-together you know will have temptations or triggers. That said, also be prepared about how you will turn down a glass or alcohol and other temptation. Then, you need to have an exit strategy; know your exit plan before going to the party, so you don’t find yourself hesitating.

Scenario 2: Time with Family & Close Friends

Time with family and friends over the holidays, especially when they know you are a recovering addict, is always a great option. They may be aware of your addiction and your progress at recovering, and therefore, may be prepared to support you. But the holidays are a sentimental time, and though joyful, holidays can also bring about strong emotions that may affect you in ways you would not have anticipated. When that happens, have a plan.

1. Be honest. Be honest both with yourself and your family and friends. Know your triggers so that you can address them with your family. You may not want to spoil the fun, but they likely don’t even realize how it is affecting you. To be clear. Speak up. And they will be happy you did so.
2. Have fun. Try to let go and enjoy time with family and friends; it can be one of the most therapeutic activities for you.
3.  Know when is when. When the fun has stopped, know it and act on it. It’s best to exit when you are ahead of the game.

Scenario 3: Alone

This is probably the worst scenario for you. You may want some quiet time, but too much can take your mind to unknown places. So, when you find yourself alone, know what to do.

1. If you are hungry, eat.
2. If you are sad, call a close friend, relative, or your sponsor.
3. If you are questioning yourself, remind yourself how far you’ve come and how important you are.

The best thing about holidays – apart from sharing them with family and friends – is celebrating. That means: celebrating you, for what you’ve been through, where you are, and where you are going. If you, nonetheless, find yourself struggling, contact us today to help you get the spirit of the holidays back again.

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Addiction is a personal human struggle as old as time. In its latest iteration, addiction has resurfaced at crisis levels. Clinically, addiction is a condition that begins when a person takes a chemical substance (or engages in a behavior), which begins as hedonistically gratifying, but quickly evolves to an uncontrolled compulsion that interrupts your life.

WHO CAN DEVELOP AN ADDICTION?

“Many people engage in the risky use of alcohol and drugs and anyone can develop a substance problem. Some people may progress and develop a severe addiction. The vast majority of people who use drugs and alcohol – even those who partake in them routinely – do not develop the disease of addiction.”

~ The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse

WHY ARE CERTAIN PEOPLE MORE LIKELY TO BECOME AN ADDICT?

The answer to this question depends on a variety of influences the medical community has codified as “Addiction Risk Factors”.

#1 Let’s go to the DNA

The Hedonistic Human’s ethos is: If the feeling were pleasurable, you would seek to repeat it.  Although somewhat tame concept at first glance, hedonism often leads the way for other factors to become triggers.

#2 Home is Where the Trouble Shouldn’t Be

If you have grown up in an unhappy home, or, wrestling with the residual effects of a traumatic childhood, you are likely to want to self-medicate, often the root cause of addiction.

When children go with care, witness family fights, or have a parent using drugs, Addiction risks simply rise.

#3 The Dangerous Combination of Mental Health Issues & Drug-Use

Mental health diagnoses range across a spectrum of causes and remedies. Mental health issues (which are often solvable) that go unchecked will insidiously present as depression, anxiety, and ADD.  This is another reason to self-medicate.

#4 Troubled at Work & School

Life’s frustrations knock us down to the ground when least expected. They appear at birth and never disappear. If someone has failed at anything, internal conflicts begin to haunt him or her. Life becomes difficult and presents yet another opportunity to self-medicate.

#5 Friends Wanted: Drug Users need not apply

Friends or family members who use drugs might present (purposeful or not) an opportunity that causes a relapse.

#6 I Started Too Early

Drug use at a young age increases the chances of becoming addicted as an adult.

Smokers, alcoholics, and drug abusers have a larger proportion of offspring with addictions than the rest of the population. The social and environmental issues that exist are also important in nurturing addictive behavior.

Renaissance Recovery Center Can Help You Be Free from Addiction

Renaissance Recovery Center is a drug treatment and alcohol rehab center in Arizona. We are situated among some of the nature’s most beautiful, energetic and healing backdrops. The power of the word renaissance lies in its meaning: Renewal of Life And Vigor! If you or, someone you love suffers from addiction, reach out to Renaissance Recovery Center for a free consultation at 480.725.8560. Renaissance Recovery Center is clinically driven, but also integrates a faith based 12-step recovery program. We promote healing and wellness for addicts and their families. Renaissance Recovery Center is an outpatient substance abuse treatment facility.

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Have you ever come across a chronic alcoholic? If you have, you might already know that people who are used to substance abuse usually suffer from some degree of psychiatric disorder. This combination is sometimes referred to as co-occurring disorder or dual disorders. The psychiatric component is extremely crucial, as people with mental disorders are more likely to indulge themselves in substance abuse. It is just like a vicious cycle.

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