Holiday Spirit without the Spirits Keeping Holiday Toasts from Becoming Triggers

by Phara Lafortune-Morame, LCSW, MCAP, EMDR cert., QS.,
Associate Clinical Director of Behavioral Health at Healthcare Network

There are many reasons that significant moments are often celebrated with a drink. But during the holidays, toasts can be triggers for people who struggle with substance use disorder.

Some families and cultures have holiday traditions that lean heavily on alcohol consumption. Family recipes for festive cocktails and toasts before dinners reinforce the idea that consumption is part of connecting with loved ones and embracing holiday spirit.

The Distilled Spirits Council of the United States notes that a quarter of the $49-billion-a-year distilled spirits industry’s profits come from the month between Thanksgiving and the New Year. Another study notes that the average American drinks 27% more during the holiday season compared to the rest of the year.

As a result, the stress and anxiety associated with the holiday season can result in increased consumption or return to using drugs or alcohol for those currently in recovery. Many studies note that nearly half of the individuals recovering will return to use during the holiday season.

Expectations for creating and experiencing holiday joy are at the center of potential substance use triggers. This mixed with emotional turmoil, financial stress, loneliness, grief, nostalgia, and dysfunctional and complex family relationships can create a desire to seek temporary escape from overwhelming feelings by using a substance excessively.

For anyone in recovery from substance use disorder, or concerned about increased consumption during the holidays, it’s important to plan.

Here are strategies for staying sober or for reducing risks:

• Be aware of people, places or situations that can trigger consumption, and do what you can to minimize these exposures.

• Keep (and bring, if necessary) a nonalcoholic drink in your hand to resist temptation and discourage others from offering an alcoholic drink.

• Set realistic expectations. Stress is common for nearly everyone during the holidays, and spontaneous, imperfect moments are often the most memorable and special moments.

• Take care of yourself. Proper nutrition, exercise and meditation do wonders for your well-being. If you feel well physically, you’ll be stronger emotionally.

• Set boundaries, and let people know where you need support in resisting temptations.

• Have a plan on how to navigate, and more importantly exit social gatherings. (For example, don’t be dependent on someone else for transportation, so you can leave if needed.)

• Be aware that returning to use a substance after a period of abstinence can happen AFTER the holidays, where we can justify returning to use by feeling entitled to drink or use drugs for having made it through the holidays. Sometimes, we manage better during a crisis than afterward.

• Seek professional help and support.

The Primary Care Addiction Treatment (PCAT) program at Healthcare Network follows a supportive, compassionate, and nonjudgmental approach to encourage healing and lessen negative effects. We meet you where you are on your journey toward addressing substance use disorders, and we treat every patient with respect and dignity, using empathetic language to reduce stigma and
foster a supportive environment.

Healthcare Network offers medication for addiction treatment (MAT) for opioid use disorder, alcohol use disorder, and other substances within a primary care setting. Our comprehensive care includes medication treatment along with behavioral therapy and counseling services to provide a whole-person care approach to treating substance use disorders and support recovery.

MAT is used to relieve the withdrawal symptoms and psychological cravings that many experience, making treatment easier. This provides stability for necessary clinical work to achieve long term recovery.

Help is available through the holidays and beyond. Supportive treatment can be the gift of a lifetime for you and your loved ones.

About the Author
Phara L. Morame, LCSW, MCAP, is the Associate Clinical Director of Behavioral Health at Healthcare Network. With a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s in social work, Phara is also a Certified Master’s Level Addiction Professional. Fluent in Haitian Creole, French, and English, she plays an integral role in Healthcare Network’s integrated behavioral and mental health team. Healthcare Network is dedicated to delivering accessible healthcare to all, regardless of income or insurance status.

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