The Most Wonderful Time of the Year For some… While the holiday season is a time of celebration for many, it can also bring challenges, especially for those in the early stages of recovery. Relapse rates often increase during this period, and several factors contribute to this risk: – Increased stress from family and social gatherings. – Limited access to support groups and mental health services as organizations slow down for the holidays. – Triggering environments, including celebrations where substances are present. These combined pressures can heighten the risk of relapse, but there are ways to navigate the season with care and support. How You Can Help Someone in Recovery 1. Open the lines of communication: Have honest conversations with your loved one in recovery. Work together to create a holiday plan that includes strategies for managing triggers. 2. Know the resources: Familiarize yourself with support groups, meetings, and services available during the holidays. 3. Set boundaries: Protect your own well-being while supporting your loved one. How You Can Help Yourself in Recovery 1. Open the lines of communication: Have honest conversations with people who are supporting you through recovery. Work together to create a holiday plan that includes strategies for managing triggers. 2. Know the resources: Familiarize yourself with support groups, meetings, and services available during the holidays. 3. Set boundaries: Protect your own well-being and understand your limits, create an action plan to prevent relapse. What if Relapse Happens? Remember, relapse is not the end of the recovery journey. It is a common part of the process and can be overcome with the right support. If a relapse occurs for someone in recovery: – Encourage the person to attend a meeting or reach out to their practitioner as soon as possible, or listen to those encouraging this positive behaviour. – Support them in seeking professional help to reduce the risk of prolonged substance use, or use your support systems and knowledge to seek treatment quickly. If you Relapse: – Listen to those encouraging positive behaviour, and ensure you have the information and contact details for your GP, Recovery Program or Crisis Line and ask for help early, the same day of relapse, the next or as soon as you are possible. – Seek professional help to reduce the risk of prolonged substance use, or use your support systems and knowledge to seek treatment quickly. Stay Connected This holiday season, let’s ensure no one feels alone. Together, we can make this time of year safer and more hopeful for those in recovery. Click Here for a List of Contacts and Crisis Information over the Holiday Period.
