The holidays can be stressful and triggering for many people in recovery. Unfortunately, this stress can lead to a relapse if one is not focused on their recovery and connected to their treatment plan. The good news is that a relapse over the holidays is avoidable, especially if one creates a relapse prevention plan and sticks to it.
Better Understanding the Prevalence of Addiction in the U.S.
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) and substance use disorder (SUD) remain highly prevalent in the U.S. and abroad. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), “In 2022, 48.7 million people aged 12 or older (or 17.3%) had a substance use disorder (SUD) in the past year, including 29.5 million who had an alcohol use disorder (AUD), 27.2 million who had a drug use disorder (DUD), and 8.0 million people who had both an AUD and a DUD.”
There are many reasons for these staggering statistics. One of the biggest reasons is that alcohol misuse remains minimized in the U.S. This can be seen in social media as alcohol use is prominent and promoted. Another reason for this prevalence is the COVID-19 pandemic, which is now known to have increased the use of alcohol and substances in many populations.
Lastly, there remains an opioid epidemic in the U.S. This has gotten even more severe due to the influx of fentanyl, and not just used on its own, but unknowingly mixed with many other substances. One of the results of these increased addiction statistics is the increase in relapses.
Better Understanding the Prevalence of Relapse in the U.S.
Relapses are also highly prevalent in the U.S. According to the peer-reviewed thesis, Addiction Relapse Prevention, by Doctors Guenzel and McChargue, “One primary concern in addiction treatment is the high rate of relapses within a short period after even the most intensive treatment. Many studies have shown relapse rates of approximately 50% within the first 12 weeks after completion of intensive inpatient programs that often last 4 to 12 weeks or more and can cost tens of thousands of dollars.”
A relapse is part of the journey for many people in recovery, but it doesn’t have to be. One of the best ways to avoid a relapse is to know the signs and symptoms that might be on the horizon. This applies to individuals in recovery and those who have loved ones in recovery.
The Signs and Symptoms of a Relapse
There are many signs and symptoms that one may be on the verge of a relapse. The following are just a few of those signs and symptoms:
- Isolating away from friends and family
- Losing interest in new activities and hobbies formed in recovery
- Discussing the desire to drink or use
- Putting oneself in risky and triggering situations
- Exhibiting excessive mood swings
- No longer attending recovery meetings
- Acting anxious and/or depressed
- No longer attending therapy or engaging in a recovery plan
- Engaging in self-harm
- Expressing suicidal ideations
Not only are these relatively visible signs, but they are also quite dangerous. This is why it is important to seek professional help as soon as possible if any or all of these symptoms are present, especially around the holidays.
Avoiding a Relapse Around the Holidays
As previously mentioned, the holidays can be highly triggering and lead to a relapse. However, they certainly don’t have to cause such anxiety, stress, and worry.
One of the best ways to avoid a relapse in recovery is to stay connected with others in recovery. This can occur in person at 12-Step meetings, or online with recovery communities. It also helps individuals create a strong “sober network” that can be relied upon when times get triggering during the holidays.
Of course, sometimes, a relapse does happen over the holidays. The key is not to feel defeated by it but instead to reach out for help and get back onto the road to recovery.
Recovering After a Relapse
A relapse never has to mean the end of recovery. It may just be the event that truly leads to a healthy recovery. This is because some people must truly “hit rock bottom” to admit that they have a problem and fully accept help.
The key to recovering from a relapse is to reach out for help as soon as possible. This may include starting a new treatment journey, or it may just mean reconnecting to one’s recovery plan and creating or amending a preexisting relapse prevention plan. Either way, the key is always to move forward, never backward.
Long-Term Success With Lantana Recovery
Here at Lantana Recovery, we believe in long-term success over short-term fixes. That is why all of our recovery plans are individuals with a focus on the future.
One must always remember that recovery is about the journey, never the destination. That successful journey can start right here at Lantana Recovery.
Relapses are very common around the holidays. This is why it is so vital to know the ways to avoid the “people, places, and things” that may trigger a relapse around the holidays. It is also important to have an effective relapse prevention plan. If you feel like you or a loved one are struggling with addiction, mental illness, or co-occurring disorders, we can help get you on the positive path toward long-term recovery right away. You don’t have to navigate the holidays in recovery alone. For more information about how to avoid a relapse over the holidays and beyond, please reach out to Lantana Recovery today at (866) 997-2870.
