'Tis the season – to talk about addiction

For many, Christmas is a time of joy but for some it is a time of immense pressure.

Pressure. Pressure. Pressure. Pressure.

Pressure to ‘have fun’, to ‘let go’, to drink, gamble, take drugs and give in to temptations.

Pressure to give in to addiction.

Addiction doesn’t take a holiday

Christmas is often an opportunity to relax, spend precious time with friends and family and have fun. But what can feel like harmless fun can quickly turn into a spiral of unhealthy habits and for those struggling with addiction, it can be a dangerous time where relapse is a serious possibility.

There are many types of addiction that can be amplified around Christmas time and it’s an issue that can often go under the radar – only making people feel more alone. Alcohol is hugely attractive at this time of year with marketing campaigns geared towards promoting fun through drinking.  Drugs are also more widely used, sometimes being encouraged by friends and colleagues. The pressure to spend money can also intensify the urge to gamble.

 

Tips to keep addictive temptations at bay

Plan ahead. Plan what your Christmas will look like before the festive period takes over. If you are struggling with an unhealthy habit or recovering from addiction there can be temptations around every corner so be mindful about how you will spend your downtime.

Avoid tempting situations and events. If you know there a certain people or a certain event that could trigger a binge or relapse, don’t be afraid to avoid the situation. Your health and wellbeing comes first.

Create new traditions. Planning enjoyable activities with people who support you can give you things to look forward to and provide welcome distractions.

Lean on your support network. Sharing the pressures you are facing with the people who care can help keep your recovery on the right path.

Connect. Connect with others – go for a coffee, call an old friend, join a new group. Connect with nature – enjoy the great outdoors, exercise, breathe and take notice of the beauty in nature.

Give to others. Giving to someone else is a powerful act that will not only brighten their day but also give you a boost. We’re not talking about giving expensive presents – the gift of time or kindness can make all the difference.

Keep learning. Rediscover an old hobby or try something new. Learning can occupy the mind and provide healthy motivation.

Reach out for help. If you are battling addiction this Christmas, remember you are NOT alone. Talking things through can have a huge impact and reduce feelings of isolation. Read more about the services we offer at CADAS.

Contact us:

0800 254 5658

contact@cadas.co.uk

We always aim to help people living with addiction as soon as we can but CADAS is not an emergency or crisis service and we don't offer 24 hour support.

If your need is not life-threatening but you need immediate support, please contact a 24/7 helpline. Some of these services are listed on our homepage.