In part 1 of this article, which appeared in last month’s issue of HLN, Jessica Vander-Espt, LMHCA, LCAC, LICDC-CS, Clinical Director for Amatus Health, the parent company of Midwest Recovery Center in Toledo, shared expert insights on the challenges and pitfalls the holiday season can present to people who are either in recovery from alcoholism/substance abuse or simply prefer to avoid or limit indulgence.
This month, we continue with part 2, in which Jessica Malagon, LSW, Director of Clinical Programming of Outpatient Services for Midwest Recovery Center, offers timely advice on how to navigate these challenges successfully while making the most of the holiday season with family and friends.
WHENITCOMESTOTHESAFEAND RESPONSIBLE USE of alcohol during the holiday season, identifying the challenges this intoxicant can present to people who wish to limit or avoid consumption—e.g., the pervasiveness of alcohol and alcohol-related messaging throughout the holidays—is only half the equation. The other half is pinpointing and implementing strategies that will help these individuals stay on the path of sobriety. We all have a role to play in the promotion of safe and responsible alcohol use when we celebrate the holidays. For their part, people in recovery need to plan and prepare in advance for how they will enjoy time with family and friends in a festive social setting without losing sight of their goals.
Jessica Malagon, LSW, Director of Clinical Programming of Outpatient Services for Midwest Recovery Center, explains that there are several strategies people in recovery can use to reduce their risk of relapse. “For example, I encourage clients to bring a sober friend with them to holiday parties to keep them accountable and provide support in the moment,” she says. “Another helpful strategy is to bring something nonalcoholic to sip on, such as pop or bottled water, with you to the party. In addition, always know your triggers and have a plan for what you’re going to do when you encounter them. Have a list of people you can call—and who will expect you to reach out—in the event of an emergency. If you have a sponsor, he or she can be on call as your primary support.”
People hosting holiday parties have something of a balancing act to perform when both drinkers and non-drinkers are expected to be in attendance. The key for them, according to Malagon, is to keep the focus of party activities on family, friends, and fun rather than on alcohol. She also recommends offering a variety of festive non-alcoholic drinks, or “mocktails,” so everyone feels included. “Apart from that, just behave normally,” she emphasizes. “A lot of people choose not to drink or are in recovery, and there’s no need to make an issue out of it. The more attention you draw to people in recovery, the more awkward and unnatural they’ll feel, so do what you normally do.”
For holiday partygoers who are not grappling with addiction or in recovery, the safe, responsible use of alcohol is still paramount. The overarching goal should be to create a safe environment so no one drives under the influence—putting themselves and others on the road at serious risk of injury or death—or ends up in the hospital with alcohol poisoning. That means party attendees who intend to drink need to do a little planning of their own. To preclude the possibility of drunk driving, Malagon suggests either designating a safe, sober driver or calling a ride-share service, taxi, or Uber to ensure everyone gets home safely. “Also, if you’re hosting the party, consider establishing a certain time to stop serving alcohol,” she adds.
An unfortunate reality in America today is that opioid abuse and overdose has reached epidemic proportions. Fentanyl overdoses justifiably garner a lot of headlines, but, as Malagon explains, because all opioids, including those legitimately prescribed for pain, are also highly addictive, the person who falls victim could be “the girl or boy next door”—and a potentially deadly overdose could happen in the midst of any holiday gathering. “This is another good reason to avoid overindulging at holiday parties,” Malagon says. “You need to be aware of what’s going on in the environment and how the people around you are acting. If someone is exhibiting behavior that is unusual for them—for example, someone who is usually very alert and energized suddenly becoming sedate and withdrawn—immediate medical attention might be warranted. It’s also a good idea to keep NARCAN [a medicine that can quickly reverse the effects of opioids] somewhere safe in your home and familiarize yourself with how to use it.”
In the event that someone in recovery for alcoholism experiences a relapse over the holidays, Malagon offers this advice: “First and foremost, be kind and graceful to yourself. Obviously, we don’t want you to relapse, but it does happen. That’s just a truth about recovery. It doesn’t define your recovery journey, it’s not the end of the road, and it doesn’t mean all the prior work you put in was in vain. Whatever you do, don’t isolate yourself. Reach out to other people for support. If you’re already in a program, reach out to your treatment team. If you’re not in a program, get engaged in one as soon as possible, even if that means detox or residential recovery services.”
Malagon also urges people in recovery to view holiday gatherings not just as a challenge to overcome, but as an opportunity to reconnect with family, friends, and society, as well as to rebuild healthy behaviors and relationships. “The holidays don’t have to be overwhelming and intimidating. Try to enjoy them while being gentle with yourself and grateful for all the people you have in your life,” she says.
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