Celebrate Christmas consciously—many relapses occur during this time.
Colorful lights, sparkling glitter, family harmony, gift exchanges, drinks with friends, Christmas lottery, shopping and more shopping, excitement, essential music… this and much more happens at Christmas, but…
All addicts will understand me when I say that the protagonist of the holidays is no longer Christmas… and for an addict or patient in the recovery process, it can become an ordeal—yes, a “not-so-sweet Christmas.” In the society we live in, a society of maximum consumption where excess and abundance are the perfect excuse, it seems everything is permitted, and this is very dangerous for the disease of addiction—a risk.
What does an addict feel when everyone is at the table, toasting with alcohol and euphorically telling you that toasting with water brings bad luck? And when all your friends buy a lottery ticket and you cannot? What does an addict feel when they invite you to get high, telling you it is a special day, that there is an open bar? Waking up when you would really rather be dead is the worst thing that can happen to you.
Frustrating.
As a recovering addict, I want to offer support to all addicts in their recovery process. To those who have an addiction problem and are not yet in treatment. And, above all, to all the family members who have an addict in their environment. Very delicate times are coming when the relapse rate increases dramatically.
Celebrate Christmas, but PROTECT YOURSELF.
And give yourself the opportunity to celebrate a different Christmas. Savoring happiness with your family, feeling the warmth and joy of being with your loved ones. And making your first Christmas a positive memory that fuels the desire to experience better ones. And if you do not feel capable of doing it alone, ask for help, because you are not alone in this.
Do you know what it is like to feel the awakening of January 1st, with your mind clear, all your senses in order, and maintaining the memory of the magical night you experienced?
Wonderful.
