Many people avoid getting the recovery help that they need because they wait until “the right time” to go to treatment. However, it is important to understand that the right time to go to treatment is as soon as a problem is discovered. If one keeps waiting to go to treatment it increases the risk of more serious consequences including long-term side effects, overdose, and even premature death. One of the biggest reasons people put off recovery is that they don’t want to miss the holidays because they don’t think they can handle it. However, handing treatment over the holidays is very manageable, especially with the right recovery center.
Better Understanding Addiction
Many people don’t realize just how prevalent addiction is in the U.S. and the world. Addiction affects millions of people every day.
This includes people who struggle with alcohol use disorder (AUD) and substance use disorder (AUD). There are many reasons for this. One is that alcohol is legal and often minimized in society as perfectly safe. They fail to mention that AUD is the most prevalent addiction in the world.
Another reason that addiction statistics remain so high is that there remains an opioid epidemic in the U.S. This has only been increased by the influx of fentanyl and the devastation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Better Understanding Addiction Treatment
Unfortunately, many people don’t get the addiction treatment that they both deserve and desire. There are many reasons for this. One is that people don’t know where to turn once they realize that they have a problem. This is because addiction treatment is not as highly promoted as it should be.
Another reason that people don’t get the treatment that they need is that they don’t think that they can afford it or they don’t feel that they can navigate the red tape that is often put up by insurance companies. The good news is that many insurances fully cover treatment. The key is to reach out and advocate for oneself.
Lastly, the reason that many people don’t get the help that they need is that they don’t recognize that they have a problem. This is why being able to spot the signs and symptoms of addiction is so critical.
The Signs and Symptoms of Addiction
Now, while many signs and symptoms of addiction are going to vary from person to person, there are many universal signs that someone may have a problem. The following are just a few of those signs and symptoms:
- Losing interest in activities and hobbies once enjoyed
- Isolating away from family and friends
- Having trouble with sleep cycles, including sleeping too much and not sleeping enough
- Loss of appetite
- Feeling anxious, nervous, and overly “stressed out”
- Not being able to stop drinking or using once started
- Feeling depressed, sad, and hopeless
- Not being able to escape a sense of dread
- Committing self-harm
- Having suicidal ideations
As one can see, these are significant and serious signs and symptoms. This is why if any, many, or all of these symptoms are present, it is important to seek professional help as soon as possible. This is true at any time of the year.
Handling Treatment Over the Holidays
Now, handling treatment over the holidays is absolutely manageable. The key is to fully accept and embrace the process. This includes closely sticking to a recovery plan.
Handling treatment over the holidays should include both engaging in evidence-based modalities as well as other options like experiential therapies and holistic healing methods. One of the most effective types of evidence-based therapies is cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT).
CBT can be particularly effective because it gets to essential underlying issues, reduces stress, and makes the individual an integral part of the process. According to the peer-reviewed journal, BioPsychoSocial Medicine, “CBT is a type of psychotherapeutic treatment that helps people to identify and change destructive or disturbing thought patterns that have a negative influence on their behavior and emotions. Under stressful conditions, some individuals tend to feel pessimistic and unable to solve problems. CBT promotes more balanced thinking to improve the ability to cope with stress.”
Handling Treatment With Lantana Recovery
Here at Lantana Recovery, we believe in long-term success over short-term “fixes.” This is why our recovery plans are always individualized, comprehensive, and focused on the future.
The iconic American author and philosopher Joseph Campbell famously said, “We must let go of the life we have planned, so as to accept the one that is waiting for us.” This is especially true when it comes to choosing active recovery over active addiction.
Handling the holidays while in recovery is completely attainable. The key is to find the right recovery center, one of which is right here at Lantana Recovery.
Going away for treatment can be difficult. This is especially true when that treatment time falls over the holidays. One must remember that it is important to focus on recovery rather than having FOMO (“fear of missing out”) regarding the holidays. If you feel like you or a loved one are struggling with issues of 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 go through this process alone. For more information about embracing treatment over the holidays and other important information about substance use disorder (SUD), please reach out to Lantana Recovery today at (866) 997-2870.
