The holiday season brings joy and celebration for many, but for people in recovery or struggling with substance use, it can be one of the most dangerous times of year. Treatment centers and addiction specialists report a noticeable increase in relapses between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day.
Family gatherings create unique pressure points. Returning home often means facing relatives who don’t understand addiction or who enable old patterns. Uncomfortable questions about jobs, relationships, or life choices can trigger anxiety. For some, being around family members they’ve hurt during active addiction brings overwhelming guilt and shame.
Social events centered around alcohol make avoidance nearly impossible. Office parties, neighborhood gatherings, and even casual get-togethers typically feature drinking as the main activity. People in early recovery find themselves constantly explaining why they’re not partaking or simply feeling left out. The cultural expectation that everyone drinks during celebrations can feel isolating.
Financial stress peaks during the holidays too. The pressure to buy gifts, travel, and participate in expensive activities adds another layer of anxiety. For those who’ve already struggled with money problems related to their substance use, this season can feel particularly crushing.
Seasonal depression affects many people as days get shorter and colder. The combination of less sunlight, disrupted routines, and heightened expectations creates a perfect storm. People who normally use substances to cope with difficult emotions find those feelings intensified.
Nostalgia plays a role as well. Memories of past holidays, whether good or bad, can be triggering. Some people associate certain substances with holiday traditions. Others remember happier times before addiction took hold and use to numb the grief of what they’ve lost.
If you or someone you care about is struggling this season, reaching out for help now can prevent a crisis later. Facilities like Serenity Malibu offer support specifically designed for people facing these exact challenges. Professional treatment provides tools to navigate high-risk situations and address the underlying issues that drive substance use.
The holidays will pass, but the decisions made during this season can have lasting effects. Getting help isn’t a sign of failure. It’s recognition that some battles require backup, and there’s no shame in asking for it.