Christmas is approaching, and with it, the large dinners will return. Family, friends, and many people gathering to celebrate special dates. To celebrate, tables are typically filled with plenty of food and large quantities of alcohol. This alcohol consumption during the Christmas holidays is very high and widely normalized, which makes it even more dangerous.
The alcohol is a devastating drug that manages to go unnoticed without shocking anyone. However, it does not go so unnoticed by those who are addicted, as the consequences of consuming alcoholic beverages are disastrous for health.
Christmas: days of excess
As we mentioned, it is common to see tables full of food and drink during Christmas. And, it must be acknowledged, it is frequent that in many homes the consumption of both food and beverages is excessive. Many people frame it within these dates, but perhaps the reality is different. The fact is that alcohol consumption tends to be a daily occurrence for a large number of people; there is very high consumption and also many addicts who do not want to recognize themselves as such.
Logically, these types of excesses are not good for health. One does not need to be an addict to have an irresponsible or excessively high consumption of alcohol, and during these dates, risky consumption clearly increases. However, Christmas does not only affect alcoholic individuals. In fact, having more parties and celebrations will encourage the consumption of other drugs for any addict, and the danger of relapse will increase for many people.
On the other hand, these excesses are also reflected in shopping, as Christmas is the time of maximum consumption for a large part of society. This means that these dates are also potentially dangerous for people with compulsive shopping addiction. The promotion of consumption and the way it is encouraged do not help people suffering from this addiction in any way. They may feel even more uncontrollable impulses during these dates due to the amount of inputs we receive to buy. And this can greatly affect those who suffer from this addictive behavior.
The Christmas holidays as an excuse
Christmas and its festivities are actually an excuse like any other to consume alcohol. In almost all Christmas events, we can find alcoholic beverages involved. “It’s a special day,” “one day is one day,” or “it’s Christmas.” We can hear any of these phrases to justify the disproportionate consumption of alcohol that tends to occur in many homes. Celebrating “special days,” toasting, drinking before, during, and after eating… it all leads to the same place. Despite this, high alcohol consumption should never be normalized or justified, as it is harmful to health and accentuates potential addiction.
Furthermore, this widespread alcohol consumption also causes many accidents, as alcohol is one of the main causes of traffic accidents, and this is further accentuated during Christmas. Harm to third parties is another consequence of alcohol consumption that should not be underestimated, because sometimes the damage can be very serious or irreparable.
Unfortunately, a large part of society drinks alcohol, and addiction to this drug is all too common. At many times of the day, during the week, or on significant dates. It doesn’t matter when; an excuse will constantly appear. It always seems like a good time to toast. Or perhaps there is always someone with the need to drink alcohol. And the fact that it is so normalized makes it even worse. Alcohol is a legal drug that can be lethal.
The chances of relapse increase
For the addicted or formerly addicted person, Christmas can be a complicated time, during which many incentives appear that lead you to consume. Therefore, although these dates are apparently associated with joy or happiness, the addicted person’s anxiety or desire to consume may increase. This abundance of food and drink on the tables will never help and will make it even harder. Thus, we must be very careful to avoid relapses.
Additionally, depending on the environment, these dates can cause more sadness or depression, since the Christmas holidays are highly idealized and associated with a great celebration full of family and joy. However, not all realities are so “perfect.” The Merry Christmas we are sold is not always merry. That is why states of greater sadness and anxiety can be created, which will increase the chances of a relapse.
Therefore, Christmas will be a dangerous context and a time to offer the greatest possible support to the addicted people around us. Knowing that it can be a complicated stage, we must try to help them reduce the pressure.
Engaging in activities that keep the mind occupied, asking for support from friends, family, or professionals, and moving within non-consuming environments can be behaviors that help us prevent relapse.
The best recommendation: do not drink
Beyond Christmas, disproportionate alcohol consumption is never positive. Moreover, many of our consumption habits or routines during the rest of the year may already be risky. Consequently, it is not only during the holidays that we have to be careful with drugs.
The most advisable thing is always not to consume, and if you do, ensuring responsible consumption will be vital for our health. Although the addicted person must not drink under any circumstances, as their reality is different and the risk is much higher.
At CCAdicciones, we believe in holidays free of alcohol and drugs, without excess and without loss of control. Enjoying people and caring for one another. May the best gift be a drug-free life and the celebration be the ability to live it away from addictions. In case of addiction, we recommend that you contact us. At CCAdicciones, we have treatments to combat alcoholism and our detox centers can be the ideal place for your recovery.
