Should I Visit My Family for the Holidays (in Early Sobriety)?
Should I Visit My Family for the Holidays (in Early Sobriety)?
For some, the holidays bring lots of cheer and fun times with the family. For others, it’s a time filled with stress and anxiety…
Not all families are the same, and that’s okay. With that in mind, for some who are suffering from a substance use disorder, spending time with the family can lead to a strain on their recovery and can even test their sobriety.
So, you may be wondering, “Should I visit my family for the Holidays or skip them this year?” The answer is ultimately up to you, but here are a few considerations when making the decision…
Does Your Family Trigger You?
One major consideration is how your family makes you feel. If you often find spending time with your loved ones distressing, early sobriety may not be the best time to visit.
Do you find yourself using to “cope” with your family? Do they upset you with their opinions and raise your anxiety and stress? Do they trigger feelings of depression? These are all things to consider before booking a flight or agreeing to visit for the Holiday season.
Does Your Family Drink or Use Heavily?
Some families drink or use very little, if at all. Other families love to get together to have drinks, smoke weed, and maybe even more. Consider how heavily your family uses and whether that will cause you distress.
On the same note, you should also consider whether or not your family will respect your decision to abstain. While some families are supportive, others don’t want to slow down their use and even pressure their family members to drink or use with them.
In order to avoid being around drinking or drugs or being pressured, let your family know before you visit that you are taking a break or quitting. They don’t need to know you are in recovery if you don’t want to tell them, but you should consider letting them know beforehand that you don’t want to be around drugs or alcohol.
Do You Have an Exit Plan?
It is always good to have an exit plan in case things become overwhelming. If you live nearby, you may simply be able to excuse yourself and drive home. If you are flying in, you may need to consider flexible tickets or a hotel that you can stay at should you feel overwhelmed.
Do You Have Someone to Talk To?
It may be helpful to have someone you can reach out to for support, including a mental healthcare provider. Front Door Health provides telehealth services along with our in-home care. This means, if you need to speak with someone while you are away, you have someone you can call to process your feelings and even help walk you through next steps should you become overwhelmed over the Holidays.
Need Additional Support?
Whether you are looking for support over the Holidays or sometime in the future, reach out to Front Door Health.
Front Door Health provides concierge, judgment-free in-home treatment for patients when they need it. We take an evidence-based approach to treatment, and we create custom treatment plans for our patients to increase their chances of success. Our treatment process is client-focused and individualized. This means no group sessions with strangers and no “treatment as usual” approach. You are unique and the treatment plan we create for you is designed to meet you where you are along your journey and help you to reach your recovery goals.
We understand that it can be difficult to put your life on hold and take time off work. Our in-home treatment allows you to continue to meet your work, school, family, and other obligations while receiving the treatment you deserve.
If you would like to learn more about in-home treatment, contact Front Door Health today. We’re happy to answer any questions and provide you with the help you need.
info@frontdoorhealthcenter.com
