This is Not Always the Most Wonderful Time of the Year
While there are many reasons for celebration this time of year, for people struggling with addiction it can be an especially challenging time.
Here are seven signs to watch out for this holiday season.
1). Naughty or Nice?
Does the approach of Christmas make you feel concerned that you are on the naughty list rather than the nice list? Are you planning to make New Years resolutions to drink less, to quit using drugs and to do what you can to improve your behavior?
2). Secret Gifts Just for You?
Do you have a stash of drugs or alcohol that you keep to yourself and that no one else knows about? Are you planning to bring a flask or a dime bag with you to family gatherings over the holidays?
3). Santa’s Little Helper
Do you find yourself using medication to get a buzz? Do you take more than the recommended dose, or do you even abuse medication by crushing the pills to snort them? Are you expecting to use more pills to help you make it through holiday parties and family gatherings?
4). Stocking Up for the Holidays
Have you engaged in “doctor shopping,” by visiting more than one doctor to get a prescription for the same drug so that you can get enough of the drug to get high over the coming weeks?
5). Cut from the Party List
Has a friend, a family member or your employer told you that you have a problem? Have you been confronted directly about your substance abuse or about the fact that there are increasing problems in working or living with you? Have you been told that you will not be invited to an office holiday party because of concerns of your drug or alcohol abuse?
6). Waiting for New Year’s Resolutions
Would you like to quit drinking or using drugs, but haven’t gotten around to it yet? Are you thinking that you’ll quit as soon as the holidays are over, may be as a New Years resolution? Is getting sober always something that you’ll do after this next weekend or sometime in the near future, but which never actually seems to happen?
7). Worried About Driving
Are you worried about getting caught at a DUI checkpoint during a holiday crackdown on drinking and driving? Do you ever drive drunk?
If any of these holiday habits seem familiar, and you are struggling with addiction, treatment is available. Don’t wait any longer to ask for help.
Are you or a loved one struggling with addiction? Personalized care is available 24/7 at our state-of-the-art clinic. This season, give the gift of recovery to yourself or a loved one!
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