Christmas can be a conflictive time for both addicts and people who do not suffer from any disorder. The large accumulation of sensations and sensory experiences that occur during these days can affect anyone. For the former, it can mean a relapse, and for the latter, a vulnerability that brings them closer to addiction.
For many years now, Christmas celebrations and social gatherings have been taking place ahead of the traditional dates. Many people tend to move meetings, company dinners, or family events forward to late November and early December for fear of everything piling up at the last minute. Consequently, there are several weeks where excess food, alcohol, and other substances are the order of the day as a social convention. Behavioral disorders are also present on these occasions, such as compulsive shopping, buying lottery tickets, and other forms of gambling and occasional leisure.
How do they affect us?
One must be careful with these types of situations due to the risk they entail. Being socially accepted, they are experienced closely with great ease and take advantage of behavioral vulnerabilities. All this means that a person can become addicted to alcohol, dependent on betting and casino games, or suffer a relapse regarding a disorder suffered in previous experiences. To avoid these conflicts, it is best to adopt a prudent stance and be alert to any sudden changes in personality.
During the days leading up to Christmas, a relapse is more likely to occur due to the atmosphere and social conditions that are gradually created. Problems with alcohol, cannabis, cocaine, or gambling addiction are the clearest and most common examples found during this season.
To avoid any risk, it is important to take the following recommendations into account:
- Be aware that this is a problematic event and maintain self-control
- Consider your personal situation and the most likely consequences to avoid possible conflicts
- Prepare yourself psychologically for the negative emotions that occur during the Christmas season
- Talk to family and friends about temptations and dependency issues
- Do not frequent places that may bring an addiction to mind and cause a relapse
- If the person feels overwhelmed or incapacitated, seek help to start treatment
- Take the time factor into account as a detrimental element
Overcoming a relapse is possible. Although the time of year it occurs is not important, it is at Christmas where they are most likely to be suffered due to the excess of emotional experiences.
