Rehab Articles
1. Acknowledge Feelings of Depression During the Holidays
If you are trying to beat depression during the holidays then it is important that you acknowledge you feelings instead of trying to keep them tucked away. Sadness and grief are part of life, and if you are feeling depression during the holidays for a justified reason then remember time will help you heal.
2. Be Realistic in Your Expectations
A common reason for depression during the holidays is unrealistic expectations, because you may expect everything to be perfect. If your expectations are unrealistic then they may be impossible to meet, and you could end up being depressed as a result.
3. Set a Budget and Stick with It
Spending too much on presents and entertaining is a common problem, and overspending can lead to depression during the holidays when the bills arrive. Set a budget for presents and for entertaining and then stick with this amount no matter what.
4. Exercise and Keep Stress Levels Low to Minimize Depression During the Holidays
Make sure to get plenty of exercise to fight depression during the holidays. Exercise serves many purposes, it helps to lower your level of stress, keeps you healthy, and causes positive emotions and thoughts.
5. If Depression During the Holidays Becomes Severe Seek Professional Help
If you suffer from depression during the holiday that becomes severe then seek out professional help for this condition. Depression causes an increase in suicide attempts and substance abuse around this time of year but help and treatment are available.
6. Say No Without Guilt
Do not feel pressured to accept every holiday invitation that you receive. If you want to avoid depression during the holidays then avoid trying to do too much, make sure that you schedule time for yourself so that you can rest and recharge.
Do you suffer from depression during the holidays? If so what tips can you offer others to deal with it?
Rehab Articles
How you cope with cravings during your recovery will determine whether you are successful in your recovery. There are a number of methods which may be used to cope with cravings, and these will work for alcohol and drug abuse or addiction when used properly. Knowing these secrets can help you stay strong during low points, and help you avoid a relapse or further rounds of treatment. Some of the most common methods for dealing with cravings includes distraction, activity, and relaxation. Others may use imagery or rational thoughts. Some people utilize coping flashcards when they encounter cravings. When you find out which of these methods works best for you then you are better prepared to resist your cravings and stay on track to a permanent recovery.
Distraction can help you cope with cravings by directing your mind to something else. Read a book, talk with a friend or support person, or even go for a drive and change your location and scenery. Some people find that using images in their head works well. Picture a STOP sign or imagine a scene where you are sober. Find out which images work best at controlling your cravings and then use these when you feel yourself start to weaken. Get active if you feel a craving coming on. Go for a walk around the block, hit the gym, or even jog in place if you need to. This will boost your mood and help lessen any cravings that you are experiencing. Coping flashcards can help reinforce your reasons to stop drinking and strengthen your resolve.
Rehab Articles
1. Sobriety is the Only Gift That Family and Friends Want From You
There are many reasons to spend the holidays in a substance abuse treatment facility if you have a problem with drugs or alcohol, and one of the biggest is giving your friends and family members the gift of your sobriety and recovery. This can be a gift that is priceless, worth much more than material items.
2. Avoid Holiday Depression and Increased Substance Abuse
During the holidays depression often worsens, and this can lead to even more substance abuse. When you enter a residential substance abuse treatment facility during the holidays any depression can be managed without turning to drugs or alcohol to numb this condition.
3. Avoid Extended Gatherings During This Time of Year
Many who suffer from substance abuse dread the holidays when family from all over get together. While others are discussing their achievements the substance abuser may feel ashamed or guilty by their lack of progress in these areas.
4. Give Yourself the Gift of a Brighter Future
Spending the holidays in a substance abuse treatment facility allows you to give yourself the greatest gift of all, a real chance at a permanent recovery.
5. Payment to the Treatment Facility From Family and Friends can Offset Costs
If you decide to spend the holidays in a substance abuse treatment facility I may be possible to offset some of the costs with holiday gifts of financial assistance from friends and family members. This could mean the difference between a crowded and ineffective facility and a treatment program that actually gives you the desired results.
Rehab Articles
1. Discuss the Needs of the Substance Abuser in Recovery With Them
Make sure that you discuss the needs that the individual in recovery has for the holidays. This should not be awkward, and ignore the fact that there is a substance abuse problem will not help. Be direct but kind and compassionate, and ask so that you know what you can do to help.
2. Provide Unconditional Support, Even if a Relapse Occurs
The substance abuser really needs support during the holidays, and this is one of the riskiest times of year for a relapse. Even if the individual does relapse support them and offer advice on moving forward instead of dwelling on the mistake.
3. Include the Substance Abuser in the Holiday Preparations
During the holidays substance abusers may be kept from holiday preparations for many reasons, including a fear of being irresponsible or getting drunk or high and ruining things. Isolation can make someone in recovery relapse though, so include the friend or family member in ways that minimize the risks involved.
4. Don’t Ignore Substance Abuse or Fail to Praise the Recovery
Many people ignore the problem a substance abuser has, being unsure what to say or do. Treat the substance abuse like an illness, showing love and compassion for the individual while detesting the habit and the abuse that occurs.
5. Provide Suitable Alternatives at Parties and Family Meals
If you are hosting a party or family meal make sure that you provide suitable alternatives that the substance abuser can take advantage of. Avoid using spirits in foods, even if the alcohol is burned off, because the taste alone can cause cravings to occur.
