For people worldwide, holidays are an important time to celebrate and spend quality time with the people they love. On Thanksgiving, in particular, large families may gather for the first time all year, and it can be a bright and cheery event with lots of great food. Unfortunately, it’s also common that holidays like Thanksgiving are characterized by binge drinking. Having a great time over the holidays doesn’t inherently require alcohol, and if you feel like it does, it may be time to consider treatment at an alcohol rehab center. Binge drinking at a holiday gathering can lead to poor decision-making, dependent behavior, splintering relationships, and trouble with the law.
At Oceanfront Recovery in Laguna Beach, we work hard to facilitate the journey to recovery, regardless of what time of year it is. If you struggle with binge drinking during the holidays or feel the need to drink to get through social events, alcohol addiction rehab may be right for you. Our modern, comfortable facility is in a beautiful location, and we are well-staffed with team members who want the best for you and your loved ones. To learn more about our individualized approach to recovery, call us today at 877.296.7477 or visit us online.
How Drinking on Thanksgiving can Indicate a Larger Issue
Seasonal binge drinking is not as innocuous as many people think. Drunk driving rates rise over the holiday season, as do domestic disputes that are linked to heavy alcohol consumption. Many people celebrate what they call “Blackout Wednesday,” which is, by definition, a day of drinking to excess the day before Thanksgiving. Binge drinking is unhealthy and damaging, no matter what time of year it is.
If you’re worried about your ability to stay sober over Thanksgiving, even around binge drinking, you can follow a few steps to reduce temptation:
- Recognize your triggers. High-risk situations like a gathering of friends who plan on binge drinking may be events that you should miss. Talk to your sponsor or recovery coach beforehand about strategies to keep you from joining in if you do go.
- Don’t be afraid to step away. If the drinking around you becomes overwhelming, you can excuse yourself to another room for a bit or go for a walk. Physically removing yourself from temptation can go a long way, even if only for a few moments.
- The kids’ table is more fun than you might think. Spend time with your kids, nieces, nephews, or younger cousins. You’ll be away from the alcohol use and it’s always good to catch up with the little ones.
How the Holidays Impact Addiction
Society has normalized heavy drinking on holidays and even the use of other substances with terms like “Danksgiving.” Because of this widespread normalization, many people don’t think twice about substance abuse and how it’s linked to holiday events. It can be easy to overlook. From office parties to having old friends visit, many people only see reasons to drink and never abstain over the holiday season.
The holidays and addiction relapse, unfortunately, can go hand in hand. Those trying to stay sober or in recovery for addiction may find it more difficult during the holidays to stick to the rules they’ve set for their daily life. You may think that because it’s a special occasion, you can “cheat” on your sobriety without feeling guilty, but your addiction is impacted by that use regardless of what day it is.
Learn More About Alcohol Addiction Treatment at Oceanfront Recovery
If you’re struggling with alcohol addiction alone, you should know that it doesn’t need to be that way. By working with Oceanfront Recovery, you can put yourself first and get the help you need. If you or a loved one would benefit from an alcohol rehab center, contact us today by calling 877.296.7477.
