Addiction can be difficult to overcome, and recovery doesn’t stop at treatment.

Even though someone who struggled with substance abuse went to rehab and completed treatment, sobriety is still a decision they’d have to make every day. There are certain events and situations that can be especially triggering for individuals in recovery. For example, an individual sober for years may still struggle with cravings, specifically during the holidays. Whether it’s discouraging family members or the presence of alcohol, a recovering addict may face several obstacles during the holidays that threaten their sobriety.

As a rehab facility in Philadelphia,we know the importance of supporting an addict in recovery during the holidays. Many individuals with loved ones recovering from substance abuse don’t know how to help them in triggering situations. So, we’ve highlighted some ways you can be supportive.

How to Support A Recovering Drug Addict During the Holidays

There are many elements of holiday celebrations that can trigger cravings in individuals recovering from addiction. Discouraging family members, alcohol, even the anxiety of being around so many people can tempt someone to seek refuge in past behaviors. By learning how to support someone in recovery during the holidays, you can help prevent a possible relapse or overdose.

There are different ways you can help someone who is in addiction recovery during the holidays.

Educate Yourself on Addiction

The first step in learning how to support someone in recovery during the holidays is by educating yourself on addiction. Addiction is a disease, not a choice. Many people believe a person chooses their addiction when, in fact, addiction is a result of long-term substance abuse. The user may not realize they’ve developed a dependency on a substance until it’s too late. Once that’s happened, they are unable to stop using, even if they want to. By learning more about addiction and recovery, you’ll know what to expect throughout their recovery and how to stay patient.

At Banyan Philadelphia, we offer treatments like our partial hospitalization program to help people overcome their addiction. During this program, patients will also be given the tools necessary to maintain long-term sobriety. The best way to overcome substance abuse and stay sober is with proper treatment.

Don’t Have Unreasonable Expectations

A person recovering from addiction may not see certain situations as you do. Your idea of a good time at a holiday party may be their version of relapse. Be patient with them and try to think of it from their perspective. For someone in recovery, they’re thinking of being cautious and having a good time without going back to their old ways. Instead of saying, “You’re fine. Relax,” ask them how they’re feeling, what you can do to help them, or offer to take them home or somewhere else that may be safer to celebrate.

Be Their Accountability Partner

As the name suggests, an accountability partner is meant to hold someone else accountable for a certain responsibility or decision. By offering to be an accountability partner for a recovering addict during the holidays, you can keep them on the right track. If you realize they’re spending too much time near the alcoholic beverages, suggest they sit somewhere else. If you see that they’re tired and growing irritable, offer them a ride home. You don’t have to hover, but keeping an eye on your loved one can help them avoid making a horrible decision.

Find Support for Yourself

Supporting someone in recovery during the holidays can take a toll on your physical and mental health. To avoid burning yourself out or taking it out on the person you’re helping, you should seek help for yourself. Treatments like our family program help loved ones of addicts cope with the effects of substance abuse in a safe and healthy way.

Our staff of experts at Banyan Treatment Centers Philadelphia strives to meet the needs of each patient and make their recovery process as smooth and successful as possible. We teach people how to overcome their addiction and stay sober.

If you or a loved one is battling with drug or alcohol addiction, get help now. Call us at 888-280-4763 today.