emeraldwhisper What Are the Benefits of Spending Christmas in Rehab?
top of page
  • Writer's pictureGeoffrey Andaria

What Are the Benefits of Spending Christmas in Rehab?


An image showing a family celebrating Christmas in a cozy living room. The family, consisting of a middle-aged father, mother, daughter, and son, are gathered around a festively decorated Christmas tree. They are reading a book and enjoying each other's company, radiating joy and togetherness. Conveying a message of positivity and support during the holiday season.

Holidays are tough for many individuals, no matter how much they love their families and friends. When dealing with a drug or alcohol addiction, the Christmas season may be challenging to enjoy. The financial strain to "perform" for your family and friends might even make you more tempted to drink or do drugs. Enrolling in a rehab facility before the holidays begin is an excellent choice for all of these reasons.


If you're hesitant to spend the holidays in rehab, you're not alone. Here are some reasons why the Christmas season is the ideal time to begin treatment if you are struggling with addiction. But first, here is how difficult the holiday season may be for someone battling a drug use problem and in need of treatment!


Drug Abuse and Christmas


Christmas is a difficult time for persons with drug abuse problems, particularly alcoholics, for a variety of reasons:


  • At this time of year, overindulgence is common, especially among people with moderate addictions. American cultures encourage the celebration of holidays by indulging in alcohol, smoking, and injecting illegal substances such as cocaine. Unfortunately, people contemplating addiction recovery and wanting to avoid triggers may experience alienation from their peers, compelling them to succumb and increasing their chance of developing long-term addictions.


  • Due to the many parties and celebrations, many drug users see Christmas as their "favorite" time of year. It gives them the perfect excuse for overindulgence since it seems everyone else is. Anyone who has ever taken drugs is well aware of the strong correlation between Christmas and drug use.


  • Many people suffer from seasonal affective disorder (SAD) during this time of year. Those who don't live with their families may feel alone even as others celebrate. Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) sufferers might be particularly vulnerable to severe depression and drug abuse at this time of year.


  • It is also risky for someone trying to stop drugs on their own at this time of year since there are so many free drugs, particularly alcohol, available. It's as if the individual is being given a dosage of the drug everywhere they go. When someone gives them a treat or a chocolate bar that contains alcohol, even if the individual is determined to remain sober, they may be tempted to eat it.

As a result, there is no better moment than now to seek assistance. Recovery is a wonderful gift to give oneself. Treating an addiction may help you learn how to manage pressures, understand and accept the fundamental reasons for your addiction, and eventually lead a better and happier life. Here are some reasons why the holidays are a great time to pack your bags and join a caring community eager to assist you in your recovery.


In the End, It Could Be the Difference Between Life and Death


Getting through the Christmas season and getting the treatment you need may be your plan, but what if it doesn't work out that way? What if it never happens?


Sadly, we live in a period when more people are dying from substance abuse than ever before. There's never been a better time to emphasize that "tomorrow is never certain." So, postponing treatment because of the Christmas holidays is imprudent and might be the difference between life and death.


Avoid Christmas Temptations and Triggers


People celebrate the holidays in various ways. Some people may have strong sentiments about Christmas Day that they want to forget.


The holidays are an excellent time to indulge in meals and drinks that help you forget your stress and feel fantastic. Unfortunately, this is also the period when most individuals fall further into their different types of addiction. You'll be able to avoid these temptations and triggers that commonly lead to your drinking or drug usage if you go to a rehab program before Christmas.


There's No Reason to Be Alone


It's easy to feel left out around Christmas if you don't have family members or friends to share the holiday celebration with. This is particularly true when everyone else seems to be having a blast at family gatherings. For those who are prone to drug or alcohol abuse, it might be a huge trigger.


There's no better way of getting help than visiting a rehab center, where you will be surrounded by others who understand your situation. Furthermore, various staff members are eager to assist you in achieving your recovery goals.


A Sober Holiday Is Finally A Reality For You


People who abuse drugs and alcohol lose out on the actual spirit of the holiday season. Many days in the life of an addict are spent just looking for new ways to get more of their substance of choice. Addicts miss out on the present moment because they are focused on how they will sneak out and use or how they will skip the day entirely.


If you opt to enter treatment before Christmas, you will experience the holiday surrounded by others who are going through the same things you are. You'll feel a sense of belonging that you may never have felt before. The holidays are commemorated in a family-like manner in this community. You will discover how much fun it is to spend the holidays sober and clean since you'll be doing it in a safe environment.


Learn how to have a good time without using alcohol or other drugs


Is it common for you to go for a drink or drugs during holidays or other festive occasions? If you opt to enter rehab before Christmas, you will discover why you often engage in substance abuse at this time. They'll show you how to appreciate any moment while being sober and how to cope. With these new coping mechanisms and techniques, you'll be able to enjoy a healthier Christmas.


Your family will know that you are safe and sound


There are times throughout the Christmas season when it is hard for us to persuade ourselves that our loved ones need us at home. As it turns out, we haven't been there physically or psychologically for quite some time.


Often, our relatives are always concerned about our well-being. They will finally be able to sleep peacefully, knowing that you are secure if you opt to go to treatment during the holidays. They will also have a more enjoyable holiday since they will no longer be plagued by worry.


The Bottom Line About Spending Christmas in Rehab


Many assume that going to inpatient rehab around the holidays is too depressing. What better moment to learn how to cultivate genuine happiness than now, rather than continuing your futile hunt for it via intoxicants and other damaging substances?


Even more so, the Christmas at a drug recovery program is filled with excitement and festivity, not to mention the chance to reconnect with family and friends who are pulling for you from back home. It's not going to be the perfect holiday, but if it leads to long-term recovery, you'll never forget it.

Medically Reviewed:

IMG-2701_edited_edited.jpg

Rolling Hills Recovery Center

Expert Contributor

Dr. Williams presently serves on the board of Directors for two non-profit service organizations. He holds a Master’s degree in Human Services from Lincoln University, Philadelphia, Pa and a Ph.D. with a concentration in Clinical Psychology from Union Institute and University. In Cincinnati, Ohio. He is licensed to practice addictions counseling in both New Jersey and Connecticut and has a pending application as a practicing Psychologist in New Jersey.

Don't See Your Insurance?

Our staff will help you step by step, answering any questions you may have.

blue-cross-blue-shield-vector-logo_edited.png
beacon-logo.png
aetna-logo_edited.png
cigna-logo-1_edited.png
unitedhealthcare-vector-logo_edited.png
EBC_25AnthemTag_Logo_300_K_4c_07_15_edited.png
valueoptions-logo-300x206_edited.png
imagesGUYPZ60B_edited.png

We're Here For You When You're Ready.

A Patient Navigator is standing by 24/7 and Ready to Help.

Not Quite Ready To Talk? Request A Call Back

Request Call Back

Protected by reCAPTCHA and Google privacy and terms of service apply

RHRC_Combination_Logo_Mark_White.png
Levels of Care
Addiction Information
Treatments
Specialty Therapies
Substances

Rollinghillsrecoverycenter.com proudly supports:

Rolling Hills Recovery Center NAME ONLY (3D - white logo dark background)_edited.png
425 Main St. Chester, NJ 07930

Toll-Free: 855.559.8550
Email: Info@rollinghillsrecoverycenter.com

Directions
images (6)_edited_edited_edited.png
png_270_kb_edited_edited.png

Copyright © 2024 Rolling Hills Recovery Center, LLC

bottom of page