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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 • Take care of yourself. Proper nutrition, exercise and
meditation do wonders for your well-being. If you feel well
here are many reasons that significant physically, you’ll be stronger emotionally.
moments are often celebrated with a
• Set boundaries, and let people know where you need support
T drink. But during the holidays, toasts
in resisting temptations.
can be triggers for people who struggle with
• Have a plan on how to navigate, and more importantly exit
substance use disorder.
social gatherings. (For example, don’t be dependent on someone
Some families and cultures have holiday
else for transportation, so you can leave if needed.)
traditions that lean heavily on alcohol
• Be aware that returning to use a substance after a period of
consumption. Family recipes for festive cocktails and toasts before
abstinence can happen AFTER the holidays, where we can justify
dinners reinforce the idea that consumption is part of connecting
returning to use by feeling entitled to drink or use drugs for having
with loved ones and embracing holiday spirit.
made it through the holidays. Sometimes, we manage better during
The Distilled Spirits Council of the United States notes that a
a crisis than afterward.
quarter of the $49-billion-a-year distilled spirits industry’s profits
come from the month between Thanksgiving and the New Year. • Seek professional help and support.
Another study notes that the average American drinks 27% more The Primary Care Addiction Treatment (PCAT) program at
during the holiday season compared to the rest of the year. Healthcare Network follows a supportive, compassionate, and
As a result, the stress and anxiety associated with the holiday nonjudgmental approach to encourage healing and lessen negative
season can result in increased consumption or return to using drugs effects. We meet you where you are on your journey toward
or alcohol for those currently in recovery. Many studies note that addressing substance use disorders, and we treat every patient with
nearly half of the individuals recovering will return to use during respect and dignity, using empathetic language to reduce stigma and
the holiday season. foster a supportive environment.
Expectations for creating and experiencing holiday joy are at Healthcare Network offers medication for addiction treatment
the center of potential substance use triggers. This mixed with (MAT) for opioid use disorder, alcohol use disorder, and other
emotional turmoil, financial stress, loneliness, grief, nostalgia, and substances within a primary care setting. Our comprehensive care
dysfunctional and complex family relationships can create a desire includes medication treatment along with behavioral therapy and
to seek temporary escape from overwhelming feelings by using a counseling services to provide a whole-person care approach to
substance excessively. treating substance use disorders and support recovery.
For anyone in recovery from substance use disorder, or MAT is used to relieve the withdrawal symptoms and
concerned about increased consumption during the holidays, it’s psychological cravings that many experience, making treatment
important to plan. Here are strategies for staying sober or for easier. This provides stability for necessary clinical work to achieve
reducing risks: long term recovery.
Help is available through the holidays and beyond. Supportive
• Be aware of people, places or situations that can trigger
treatment can be the gift of a lifetime for you and your loved ones.
consumption, and do what you can to minimize these exposures.
About the Author
• Keep (and bring, if necessary) a nonalcoholic drink in your
Phara L. Morame, LCSW, MCAP, is the Associate Clinical Director
hand to resist temptation and discourage others from offering an of Behavioral Health at Healthcare Network. With a bachelor’s degree
alcoholic drink. in psychology and a master’s in social work, Phara is also a Certified
• Set realistic expectations. Stress is common for nearly Master’s Level Addiction Professional. Fluent in Haitian Creole,
French, and English, she plays an integral role in Healthcare Network’s
everyone during the holidays, and spontaneous, imperfect
integrated behavioral and mental health team.
moments are often the most memorable and special moments.
Healthcare Network is dedicated to delivering accessible healthcare to
all, regardless of income or insurance status.
239-658-3000 HealthcareSWFL.org SUPPORT: healthcareswfl.org/donate/

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