Relapsing During the Holidays: Failure or Lesson?

Key Takeaways

• Relapse during the holidays is common and doesn’t mean failure—it can offer valuable lessons.
• Holiday stress, triggers, and celebrations increase the risk of relapse.
• Building a prevention plan and seeking support are crucial to maintaining recovery.

Introduction

The holiday season can be a time of joy, but for individuals in addiction recovery, it often brings unique challenges. Festive gatherings, family conflicts, and heightened emotions can create a storm of triggers that test sobriety.

While relapse may feel like a setback, it’s essential to view it as a part of the recovery journey rather than an endpoint. Recovery is a process, and every step—even a stumble—can teach valuable lessons. This article explores why relapse happens, how to prevent it, and ways to get back on track if it occurs.

Why Relapse During the Holidays Happens

The holidays are a complex time for people in recovery. They bring warmth and connection but also stress and temptation.

Emotional and Social Triggers

Family gatherings can surface old conflicts, unresolved emotions, or painful memories. For some, loneliness during the holidays can feel overwhelming. These emotional struggles can lead to cravings as a way to escape discomfort.

Increased Stress

Between gift shopping, financial pressures, and a packed schedule, the holidays can feel anything but relaxing. Stress lowers the ability to resist urges, making individuals more vulnerable to relapse.

Holiday Season Celebrations

Alcohol and drugs are often central to holiday parties. Being around people drinking or using substances can create temptations, especially for those in early recovery.

Relapse is not a sign of failure—it’s a reminder of the need for strategies to manage triggers and stressors during this time of year.

Understanding Relapse as Part of the Addiction Recovery Journey

Relapse happens to many people on their path to sobriety. It’s not about falling; it’s about how you rise afterward.

The Three Stages of Relapse

1. Emotional Relapse: Stress, anger, or sadness builds, even if there’s no thought of using substances.
2. Mental Relapse: Thoughts of using alcohol or drugs begin, and cravings grow stronger.
3. Physical Relapse: Returning to substance use after emotional and mental resistance fades.

Relapse as a Learning Opportunity

Instead of seeing relapse as the end, view it as a chance to learn. What triggered the relapse? How can you better prepare next time? Each experience can provide tools to strengthen your recovery plan.

Resilience Through Reflection

Taking time to reflect on a relapse helps uncover emotional or mental vulnerabilities that need attention. It’s an opportunity to adjust your strategies and move forward with greater understanding.

How to Avoid Relapse During the Holidays

While the risk of relapse may increase during the holiday season, preparation and support can help maintain sobriety.

Build a Relapse Prevention Plan As Part of Recovery

• Identify Triggers: List situations, people, or emotions that may challenge your recovery.
• Plan Sober-Friendly Activities: Choose holiday events where substances won’t be present.
• Set Boundaries: Politely decline invitations that could jeopardize your sobriety.

Strengthen Support Networks to Stay Sober

• Connect With Support Groups: Attend recovery meetings or lean on your sponsor during the holidays.
• Stay Close to Recovery Peers: Surround yourself with people who understand your journey.

Practice Self-Care as an Aspect of Recovery

• Prioritize Mental Health: Engage in activities like journaling, meditation, or therapy to manage stress.
• Maintain Physical Health: Regular exercise and good nutrition help reduce cravings and improve mood.

Preparation and support go a long way toward reducing the risk of relapse.

Getting Back on Track After a Holiday Relapse

Responding with kindness and action is essential if a relapse occurs, not judgment.

Reflect Without Judgment

Relapse can feel discouraging, but self-blame only prolongs the setback. Instead, focus on understanding what happened. Identify the triggers or emotions that led to the relapse and use them to guide improvement.

Seek Professional Help

• Consult Addiction Specialists: Professionals can help create or adjust your recovery plan.
• Explore Treatment Options: Therapy, counseling, or even a short-term inpatient program may be helpful.

Renew Your Commitment to Sobriety

• Reaffirm why sobriety matters to you and your loved ones.
• Adjust your prevention plan to address the lessons learned from the relapse.

Relapse isn’t the end of recovery—it’s an opportunity to rebuild more robust than before.

Conclusion

The holidays can be a challenging time for anyone in recovery. Emotional triggers, social pressures, and holiday stress make this season a high-risk period for relapse. However, relapse doesn’t signify failure. It’s a natural part of many recovery journeys and can teach valuable lessons about resilience and growth.

If you or a loved one has experienced a relapse or needs help navigating the holidays, know that support is available. Call Virtue Recovery Las Vegas at 866-520-2861 today to find compassionate care and take the next step toward lasting recovery.

FAQs About Relapsing During The Holidays

Why Do People Relapse During the Holidays?

Holidays can bring stress, emotional triggers, and access to substances, all of which increase the risk of relapse.

Is Relapse Normal in Recovery?

Yes, relapse is common in recovery and offers an opportunity to learn and adjust your strategies.

How Can I Prevent Relapse During the Holidays?

Create a relapse prevention plan, lean on support networks, and practice self-care to manage stress and triggers.

What Should I Do If I Relapse?

Reflect on what caused the relapse, seek professional help, and recommit to your recovery journey.

Can Relapse Strengthen My Recovery?

Yes, understanding the causes of relapse can help refine your strategies and build resilience for the future.

What Stage is Emotional Relapse?

Emotional relapse is an early stage in the relapse process where emotional triggers and stressors begin to surface, even if there is no conscious thought of using substances. Common signs include mood swings, isolation, and neglecting self-care, which, if unaddressed, can lead to mental and physical relapse stages.

Resources

https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/addiction/addiction-what-to-know-about-relapse

https://adf.org.au/reducing-risk/relapse/

https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugs-brains-behavior-science-addiction/treatment-recovery

Nicki Lugo, CPC, LAC, LCADC, CCTS Executive Director

Nicki Lugo is currently employed as Clinical Director at Virtue Recovery Center in Las Vegas. Nicki is a licensed clinical professional counselor (CPC) in the state of Nevada and a licensed associate counselor (LAC) in the state of Arizona. She is also a licensed clinical alcohol and drug counselor (LCADC) in Nevada. Additionally, Nicki has specialized training in treating trauma and is a certified clinical trauma specialist (CCTS). Nicki has earned a Master of Science degree in Psychology with an emphasis in Behavioral Health from the University of Phoenix and a Master of Science in Professional Counseling from Grand Canyon University. Currently, Nicki is pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Counseling Education and Supervision at Grand Canyon University. Nicki’s research interests include the use of Positive Psychology interventions with dual diagnosis clients. Nicki hopes to contribute to the body of knowledge in treating substance use disorders. Nicki’s long-term career goals include advancing in leadership roles within Virtue Recovery Center which is a quickly growing substance use disorder treatment facility. She hopes that one day her research and advocacy will help to save the lives of those who have been affected by substance use. She likes to say that advocacy is her passion and leadership is her superpower.

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