Alcohol Abuse and the Christmas Period – A Toxic Mix

So the holidays are here again and everyone is gearing up for another Christmas. This is all well and good for most of us. In fact, most of us expect to drink more than we can handle during the holidays. For many, this one-season pastime does not happen again until the following Christmas. However, spare a thought for those who are either recovering from alcohol abuse or addiction or are struggling to come to terms with it. This is an extremely difficult time of year.

Keep reading for an insight into alcohol abuse and the Christmas period for people who are trying to fight alcoholism.

What Is the Difficulty?

The problem with Christmas is that it is the one time of year where it’s actually expected that people should eat, drink, and make merry. Recovering alcoholics find themselves with a tough choice. They are in a situation where they have to consider whether they want to even attend family events. They are not sure whether they can resist temptation. Moreover,it is worse for families that do not understand alcoholism and will try to ply people with drink anyway.

Add to this the fact most alcoholics do not want to force everyone else to not drink for their sakes. They want everyone to have a good time.

Having alcohol in such close proximity offers such a strong pull. What you might not realise is that it is not only the taste of alcohol people crave. It is the presentation of the bottle in front of their eyes. It is how a can of beer feels in their hand. It is the buzz they get after downing a few pints. It’s the whole experience rolled into one!

How to Avoid Alcohol Abuse?

Sometimes it is best for an alcoholic to leave the room when the champagne corks start popping. If you do not think you can handle it at this time, by all means leave. Speak to your family beforehand and tell them how difficult you find this time of year. They may even act as watchers to make sure you do not bow to temptation.

Keep your rehabilitation in mind. Think of all the techniques you learned when working with your rehabilitation counsellor (Rehab Clinics). Often, getting through Christmas is a matter of pure willpower.

Does It Get Easier?

Beating your addiction is a lifelong struggle. Most former alcoholics admit that it does not change and they still feel cravings every so often. Gary Topley, from Chesterfield, is one example. He has managed to stay sober for six years after fifteen years of heavy drinking. He is a major campaigner in the local area for raising awareness about the dangers of alcohol abuse. He still says that, six years on, Christmas is still a time of great temptation for him.

That should not scare you and it should not put you off going to rehab. What it should do is encourage you never to let your guard down. It should show you that you have to respect your addiction and never underestimate it.

If you follow what you learned in rehab and develop a strong will, there is no reason why you cannot still enjoy a happy, alcohol-free Christmas.