The Christmas season is here, and with its arrival, it is important to prevent alcoholism relapses during Christmas. This week marks the start of the season for lunches, dinners, and gatherings… The atmosphere is already set for these special dates: Christmas decorations are up, street lights are on, fairs are open, and businesses are ready for shopping… Christmas seems like an idyllic time, but it is also a period of abuse. Christmas is a risk factor for addictions because it is synonymous with excess. The holidays are used as an excuse to lose control over alcohol consumption. Generally, people overindulge in alcohol, and consumption skyrockets.
The prominence of alcohol during the Christmas season is evident: it is present in Christmas hampers, toasts, and celebrations… For example, New Year’s Eve is one of the nights of the year when the most alcohol is consumed. Celebrating the end of one year to start another is the perfect pretext for drinking without control. Although uncontrolled and excessive alcohol consumption is never recommended, as it can be a danger for developing a dependency and an alcohol use disorder during the Christmas holidays. It is even more dangerous for individuals who have had an alcohol addiction.
At CC Adicciones, we know how important it is to anticipate a possible relapse. For this reason, we offer alcoholism treatment and are fully available to those who need special support during Christmas. We are aware of the difficulties that Christmas can pose for people with addictions, especially those with an alcohol dependency.
Tools to prevent alcoholism relapses during Christmas
There are some recommendations to ensure alcohol does not ruin anyone’s Christmas. The goal is to have a peaceful holiday without jeopardizing the entire detoxification process or risking a relapse. The tips to follow to minimize relapses are:
- Anticipate and seek professional help from a specialized addiction center. If it is sensed that lunches and dinners where alcohol is present will be a temptation that the person cannot control, it is advisable to seek help from expert professionals to prevent relapses.
- Make the decision not to drink alcohol and communicate it to others. It is possible to have an alcohol-free Christmas. Awareness work must be done with the people you are going to meet. Let them know your choice not to drink alcohol and show firmness in your decision. Due to the normalization of alcohol, people may not be aware of the problems of alcohol consumption or the mental care required after a detoxification process. One should never question someone’s decision not to drink alcohol and, of course, never insist that they consume alcoholic beverages.
- Avoid high-risk situations at all costs. In certain situations, prevention is better than cure. Therefore, if it is already foreseen that a situation will be very difficult to control, it is advisable to avoid it directly.
Risks associated with alcohol consumption during Christmas
Excessive alcohol leads to negative effects for consumers. Some of the risks associated with alcohol consumption during Christmas are:
- Alcoholism relapses. Many external stimuli and inputs to consume alcohol are received. These facts can make it difficult to remain abstinent. We must not forget that alcoholism is a chronic disease. That is, it is possible for a person addicted to alcohol to manage to live without drinking, but it is a disorder that will always be present. As the years go by, the risk of relapse will decrease, but it will never completely disappear.
- Car accidents caused by excessive alcohol consumption. During festive nights, such as Christmas Eve or New Year’s Eve, alcohol consumption is high, and many people use their vehicles to travel after family dinners. Alcohol consumption, no matter how small, is completely incompatible with driving. Emphasize the message: zero alcohol consumption behind the wheel.
- Initiation into youth alcohol consumption. The Christmas holidays are the perfect context for teenagers to go out and try alcohol for the first time. Minors find it very easy to drink alcohol, even with adult approval, because it is seen as a tradition.
Alcoholism treatment
Alcohol is the most consumed legal drug in the world and is present in most social activities: family, friends, coworkers. Although we associate it with pleasant and fun moments and usually consume it to socialize and unwind, the reality is that it is the substance that generates the most hospital admissions. In the case of suffering from an alcohol addiction, professional help must be sought.
CC Adicciones offers treatment for alcoholism. It is a center specialized in the detoxification of any addiction, located in Roda de Berà (Tarragona). We have the most professional team in the addiction treatment sector. If you need to quit alcohol, you will be in good hands. Quitting alcohol generates enormous benefits at a physical, psychological, and family level. Overcoming alcohol addiction is not easy, but it can be achieved. At CC Adicciones, we know this well, because 86% of our patients have already achieved it. For
There is always a way out
At CC Adicciones, we advocate for alcohol- and drug-free holidays without falling into excess and lack of control. Enjoying people and caring for one another. Showing that holidays can be celebrated away from addictions. We recommend that you contact us in case of addiction or relapse.
At CC Adicciones, we have treatments to combat alcoholism. In our detoxification centers, you will find a professional medical team that will make detoxification and the start of a new life possible. If you need more information about treatment to overcome an addiction or to prevent relapses into alcoholism, do not hesitate to get in touch. You can call us on our 24-hour phone line: 617 200 882. If you prefer, you can also contact us through our form and we will get in touch with you without obligation.
