We remain open and committed to providing services for our clients. For more information on our Coronavirus (COVID-19) procedures, Click Here

Addiction Recovery and Holidays celebration

Home » Blog » Addiction Recovery and Holidays celebration

Traditionally, New Year’s Eve can be joyous and bright. For many recoverers, however, December brings a unique set of risks. Stress, depression, and family drama are all major triggers for sober people. Today we’re going to talk about a different kind of vacation preparation: preparing for potential stressors during “the best time of the year.”

Why are holidays so stressful?

According to the American Psychological Association, 38 percent of people say their stress levels increase during the holidays. This time of year is supposed to be about reunions and family – what makes it so especially intense? We have some ideas.

Financial Strain

First, shopping for gifts for friends and family can be a major undertaking. We don’t just have to worry about picking the perfect gift; we have to make sure we can afford it. This factor has become an even bigger concern for Americans in 2020.

Anxiety and Seasonal Depression

Many people struggle with anxiety and depression year-round, but winter can trigger seasonal emotional turmoil for others. Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is characterized by worsening depressive symptoms due to decreased sun exposure.

Plenty of Food and a Relaxed Schedule

It might seem absurd that some of the best parts of the holidays—the good food and the freedom—can actually trigger stress, but it’s true. It’s not uncommon to feel worse when you give up your nutritional needs in favor of greasy, poor-quality foods. While taking some time off is good, sitting with nothing to do can be detrimental for those in the early stages of recovery.

Family Time

Everyone’s experience with family during the holidays is different. Some revel in this level of unity, while others rebel against it. No matter how close you are, staying in one house for a long time can be challenging. Additionally, it is even harder to stay around relatives if they struggle with substance use disorder themselves and don’t support your sobriety.

Christmas Celebrations and Temptations

This is a time for celebration – unfortunately for the unconscious populace, the word “celebration” is often synonymous with alcohol or drug abuse. That means a holiday party can open up countless potential trigger offers for you. It is very important to pay attention to how you handle these situations.

Feel Pressure to be Happy

Activities designed to make you happy may have the opposite effect. Expectations are high this time of year, and you might feel pressured to put a smile on your face in front of friends and family. In fact, you may be struggling with anxiety, depression, or sobriety.

What can we do to deal with holiday stress and triggers?

Despite the stress, the holidays are an exciting and fun time of year. We want to help you enjoy the weeks ahead instead of worrying about possible triggers. Here are our suggestions for a stress-free, relapse-free Holiday.

Identify your triggers

The first step in preparing for your holiday triggers and substance abuse is getting to know yourself. Go back in time to find your triggers; then, you can devise a plan. Do you have an uncle who brews everyone’s beer at Christmas? Get in touch to let him know you’re sober and don’t need any beer. Is there a cousin who always wants to “go for a walk” and smoke a cigarette when he is lazy in the afternoon?

Let others in your family hold you accountable. By thinking ahead, you can prepare for possible triggers of drug and alcohol addiction.

Learn to Recognize Stress

Stress is a useful adaptation — it helps keep us motivated and protective. However, this fight-or-flight mechanic is less useful when engaging in a sensitive political conversation or subtly rejecting a glass of eggnog.

Pay attention to how your body responds to stress. Is your stomach crunching? Are you sweating or hyperventilating? Do you feel your heart beating faster? Once you recognize the signs, you can learn to address them immediately.

Set Reasonable Expectations

Avoid falling into the “luck trap” during the holidays by setting realistic monthly expectations. If this is your first sober Christmas, you might think everything will be perfect. This mindset can trigger anxiety and possible relapse if something goes wrong.

Rather than letting things run smoothly, be prepared to be flexible and keep a close eye on your recovery. This way, you can get your priorities right and face any obstacles with a good attitude.

Practice Handling Triggers

 You have learned many helpful coping mechanisms in therapy when encountering triggering people or events. There are several ways to handle any difficult situation for holidays in recovery. Here are some of our favorites:

  • Join the Virtual Celebration
  • Attending more meetings than usual in preparation for the holidays
  • Practice good self-care (diet, exercise, sleep, and relaxation)
  • Express yourself to friends and family
  • Bring your own safe drinks to the party
  • Seek support from other sober people or loved ones
  • Read your recovery literature for reinforcement
  • Calm down with breathing exercises
  • Don’t be afraid to say no to people, places, and things that threaten your sanity
  • If you feel overwhelmed, step outside for a moment or leave the meeting altogether
  • Hold your sponsor or sober friend accountable
  • Stay Home and Start a New Substance-Free Tradition

Long-Term Addiction Treatment at Hathaway Rehabilitation Center in Los-Angeles

At The Hathaway Recovery addiction rehab, we understand that this time of year can be tough. If you need support and want to spend Christmas in recovery or consider treatment in the next few days, please let us know today, and we will help you with the personalized addiction treatment program.

Our best luxury rehab in Los Angeles is always ready to help you recover. Contact The Hathaway Recovery online or by phone for more information.

Testimonials

  • Excellent treatment center. Hathaway put on the road to recovery, I been sober 2 years today! Thank you Dena and staff members!

    Mike M.
    star
  • Hathaway has saved my family. Before we found Hathaway my daughter was suffering with addiction however once we came to this facility the staff took her in and she felt comfortable and by a couple months she was ready to come back home fully recovered. Thank you Hathaway Recovery for saving her and thank you for the wonderful staff.

    Gabby H.
    star
  • First I’ll start by saying that, this facility is absolutely beautiful! A couple years ago my husband Tony attended Hathaway Recovery in Claremont Ca. While Tony was in residential he received every care needed for a successful recovery. Also, he was able to enjoy the home gym at the beautiful Hathaway home, it’s basketball court, pool and etc. which made his stay even more pleasant. I am forever grateful for the man Tony has become ever since his completion. He has two years clean under his belt and many more to come because of the amazing facility. Thanks again Hathaway Recovery and Staff, Keep Continuing Changing Lives, God Bless Diane and Tony

    Diane K.
    star
  • I came to Hathaway Recovery on court orders stemming from charges due to not taking medications for my mental health. I was fearful of what my future held and what that would look like. I have never been to a dual diagnosis treatment program before, and I didn’t know what to expect. I really didn’t think I had a substance abuse problem but after about 3-4 weeks of group therapy and the counselors here at this facility, I finally realized substance abuse influenced me to not be able to take care of my mental health. With the help of Hathaway Recovery’s team, I was able to build a strong foundation for my recovery that is vital to me and my family. The clinical staff, therapist, case managers, and counselors included, were honest, caring, and really helped me gain the knowledge I needed to build this recovery program and lifestyle. I am forever grateful for the treatment at Hathaway Recovery.

    Transition A.
    star
  • My brother has been addicted for years. All our family gave up on him. Recently, he completed an inpatient residential program at Hathaway Recovery. This place is blessed and so helpful. It’s very luxurious, you feel like you are on vacation at a beautiful resort. Hathaway Recovery staff is very helpful, understanding and supportive. They all helped him to recover and to become a human again and enjoy his life. This place also supports family members and teaches them how to deal with aftercare to prevent relapse. Hathaway Recovery is the place for those who are struggling with addiction. Thank you for everything!

    Beauty D.
    star
  • As a Trauma Informed Therapist I was contracted by Dina , the Owner to provide additional Trauma Informed Counseling. She indicated that she was seeking additional clinical services because her client population were enthusiastic about their recovery and she wanted to provide quality care. Working with Hathaway has been magical. This program does not separate addiction and mental health trauma into separate treatments, This program blends together the understanding that addicts have childhood trauma and have habitually used drugs or alcohol to dull their inner pain., Hathaway Recovery provides highly individual services for each client, including bilingual counseling. This is a program that I am proud to be a part of. Susan Pennington, LCSW – Trauma Informed Counseling Services.

    Susan P.
    star
  • Hathaway Recovery Center is the real deal. They helped me find myself when I was completely lost. After I lost the mother of my child due to a tragic accident. The therapists and counselors truly cared. We made a relationship with each other that was unbreakable. The other clients were awesome roommates and true to me. The house managers were great and the living situations were awesome. If I ever even think about slipping up I’ll be returning. Today I have over one year clean.

    Jimmie R.
    star
  • After searching many rehabs and after spending so much money to useless facilities we finally found Hathaway . From the bottom of my heart I would like to thank all the staff and all the residents that made my sons recovery easier from beginning to end.

    Gayane A.
    star
  • Hathaway truly saved my life. I am so grateful to have had an opportunity to go there. I came in at absolute rock bottom, 9 rehabs later and countless sober livings. I can tell you that this treatment center is different then every other one I’ve ever been to.

    Justin J.
    star
  • After running into some trouble with the law, a substance abuse counselor suggested that I check myself into Hathaway Recovery. Hathaway Recovery helped me get my life back together one step at a time. Through discipline, routine, and structure, I can honestly say that this treatment center has helped me tremendously! The staff are very helpful and caring to each person’s needs, and helped me to realize the beauty of living a sober life.

    Josh M.
    star
  • Hathaway Recovery stuff saw potential In me when I couldn’t. They showed me a new way of life, a better life. Coming to Hathaway recovery is the best decision I’ve ever made. I’m beyond grateful for everything the program has done for me!

    Gilberto F.
    star
  • Finally, Hathaway is a Treatment Center that offers a holistic approach to addiction. This center offers a safe place, community and a network to grow with throughout your recovery process. They make you feel that you are NOT alone. The leadership has been in your shoes!!! Hathaway Recovery is more than just a temporary fix, it is a foundation, a movement, a family to be a part of.

    Anthony P.
    star
  • One of the best places I have been too! They really know how to treat you and very professional!

    Ashley A.
    star
  • Hathaway Recovery and their staff have been nothing but supportive and understanding throughout our family member’s journey. I truly appreciate all the staff and their hard work. The communication has been great and has provided us a really positive experience. I would highly recommend this facility to anyone looking for a rehabilitation center for themselves or a loved one. Thank you Hathaway Recovery!

    Lilit H.
    star
  • Hathaway Recovery is a very solid, very friendly place. My boyfriend decided to go here and has spent a significant amount of time at the recovery house. They are very good at bringing clients to meetings and on fun outings occasionally! Hathaway is committed to their clients’ recovery and their sobriety and to helping them in any way possible. They go above and beyond for the clients and I definitely would recommend considering Hathaway for your sobriety/recovery.

    Rena
    star
  • Hathaway is a warm caring treatment oriented environment to receive help from various addictions and behavioral problematic issues. The location itself is serene and safe.. I enjoyed the both staff/professional’s and patient’s… It has many services available, a very unique place… I recommend anyone to come and receive long-term treatment here at Hathaway…

    Mia
    star
  • Hathaway Recovery is a very solid, very friendly place. My boyfriend decided to go here and has spent a significant amount of time at the recovery house. They are very good at bringing clients to meetings and on fun outings occasionally! Hathaway is committed to their clients’ recovery and their sobriety and to helping them in any way possible. They go above and beyond for the clients and I definitely would recommend considering Hathaway for your sobriety/recovery.

    Rena
    star
  • “There was no longer any doubt in my mind that I was in the right place for my drug abuse treatment, “Of all the rehabs I could have chosen, I am glad I picked The Hathaway Recovery Support hope respect and care is what i was offered thanks for everything Hathaway recovery you are the best

    Inga
    star
  • Hathaway Recovery is an awesome place the whole staff has been so helpful they are very professional and very nice Hathaway recovery is a great place to get your addiction treated my brother is doing very well there and we are so glad they were very understanding and willing to help him.

    Lisa
    star
  • A very welcoming environment and kind hearted staff that really took care of my relative and cleaned him up. Thanks Hathaway recovery.

    David
    star
  • When your loved one is sick and needs help you look for the best and I found the best for my son thank you for everything you did for him.

    Makruhi
    star

    Hathaway Recovery is an exclusive addiction rehab treatment center in California offering healing recovery from all substances. We’re proud to provide a great combination for drug, alcohol, psychiatric and psychological recovery treatment backed by experts in the addiction treatment field. Our drug and alcohol rehab is built on the cornerstone of care and compassion and accommodates clients and their families from all backgrounds to educate, inform, and create change around substance use disorder. In a secluded mountain hill luxury resort, our facility offers a therapeutic environment and array of clinical modalities to help individuals and their families. Our staff are also multilingual to address the needs of clients from anywhere in the world.



    *100% Private & Fully Confidential form
    I authorize and consent to give permission to Hathaway Recovery to verify my personal data and Health Care Insurance benefits.
    I understand that I have the option to choose various methods of communication( text, email, chat, etc). and I can revoke this permission in writing at any time. I consent to the conditions and instructions outlined in this fully confidential form & privacy policy.

    map

    Insurance Verification Form

    FULLY CONFIDENTIAL

    All treatment inquiries and personal information is always kept confidential.

    By clicking Check Insurance, I acknowledge that I have read and understood Policy and Privacy.

    Private pay and most insured policies (PPO) are accepted. In network with Multiplan, Tricare. Unfortunately, we are not contracted with medi-care, med-ical, med-icad, ieh-p or kaiser insurance and were not able to accept mentioned insurance policies.

    Copyright © 2022 Hathaway Recovery Center · Privacy Policy · Employment Opportunities

    Sitemap HTML | Sitemap XML

    MEMBER OF LEGITSCRIPT MONITORED

    24/7 Help Is Standing By, Call Us Now
    /
    GRANTED FOR
    HIGHEST STANDARDS
    IN ADDICTION RECOVERY