Any time someone decides to go to rehab is the best time to go. Addiction is always a serious disease, regardless of the perceived severity of one’s substance use. It’s not uncommon for drugs to contain stronger additives like fentanyl, unbeknownst to the person using them, which can be lethal, even if it’s the first time the substance is used. Receiving treatment for substance use disorder (SUD) and co-occurring mental health disorders, if applicable, allows people the chance to live full and satisfying lives without drugs and alcohol.
Going to rehab over the holidays may seem like bad timing, but it can be the perfect opportunity to get sober. The holidays can be difficult for people both in and out of sobriety, and being in treatment can provide much-needed support throughout. While your loved ones will miss your presence, they’ll be warmly comforted knowing that you’re safe and prioritizing your health.
Why Treatment During The Holidays Is A Good Idea
There are many benefits to going to rehab over the holidays. At first, it’s easy to think you’ll be “too busy” to go to treatment, or that you’ll miss out on memory-making opportunities with your loved ones. However, the unfortunate truth is that drug and alcohol use tend to spike over the holidays. In peer-led recovery groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA), the winter holidays—Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s—are known as “the trifecta.” In many areas of the country, these groups hold “alcathons,” or meetings that are held around-the-clock to help people get through the winter holidays and stay sober.
Some of the stressors that may cause substance use to increase during the holidays include:
- exposure to people who are drinking
- family members who are triggering and/or stressful family dynamics
- financial strain, e.g., overspending or being unable to afford gifts
- grief
- hard-to-manage, busy schedules
- isolation
- parties, dinners, and events where alcohol is readily available
- the desire to feel connected to others
- time off work
- travel during a peak season
- unrealistic expectations, e.g., “Keeping up with the Joneses”
It’s also true that domestic violence increases during the holidays, according to Connections for Abused Women and their Children (CAWC). One of the reasons is increased alcohol consumption during the holidays, with alcohol consumption as a major risk factor for domestic violence. Domestic violence victims include both men and women, and it’s impossible to know the troubles that may occur behind closed doors.
All these reasons, and many more, cause substance use to escalate during the holidays. Below, you’ll learn six reasons why going to rehab over the holidays is a great idea.
You’ll Receive Support During An Overwhelming Time Of Year
For many people, the holidays are a trying time. You may feel pressure to put on a smile and socialize, even if you’re uncomfortable, tired, or worn down. If you’re responsible for carrying on family traditions, such as hosting Christmas dinner, then you may feel compelled to go above and beyond, despite overexerting yourself. Or, you may have loved ones who moved away or passed on, so the holidays can feel quite lonely and isolating. Either way, the holidays can be downright stressful.
If you’re in rehab over the holidays, you’ll be able to move through this time without having to confront reminders of what makes the season stressful. Aside from getting a break physically, you’ll be able to talk about what makes this time difficult. Mental health professionals, like counselors, peer advocates, and therapists, can help you understand your triggers and worries related to the holidays and otherwise, and healing can grow from there. You’ll also be able to speak with other people in treatment, who may share similar experiences about the holiday season or other tough times of year for them.
You’ll Give Your Loved Ones The Gift Of Seeing You Sober
Friends and family members who are loving, supportive, and understand the disease of addiction, even slightly, will be proud of your decision to go to rehab over the holidays. These people are rooting for your recovery and because of that, it’s one of the best gifts you could offer them.
There may be people who can’t understand your decision and are uninformed or misinformed about the disease of addiction. If such is true, then it’s okay. It’s not your job to convince others about the severity of your addiction or earn their approval. Those relationships can be dealt with in the future, when you’re ready. For now, the friends and family who understand what you’ve been through will applaud your decision.
You’ll Give Yourself The Gift Of Recovery
Although it’s wonderful to make your loved ones happy with news of your recovery, nothing is more important than giving yourself the gift of recovery. Recovery takes work, but it is a gift, indeed. You’ll be astounded by how your life will transform. Once drugs and alcohol are removed from your mind and body, you’re given the chance to heal. You’ll grow, change, and challenge yourself in ways you never thought possible. There’s no better gift you can give yourself than the gift of recovery.
You’ll Use Up Your Outstanding Vacation Days (If Applicable)
If you’re employed and haven’t used all your vacation days for the year, going to rehab over the holidays is an opportunity to use those paid holidays you’ve worked for. However, if you don’t have vacation days left, you may be eligible for time off under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). Under FMLA, you are not required to inform your employer about the specific reason for your requested leave.
You’ll Likely Have More Services Covered By Your Insurance
Health insurance plans renew at the beginning of the year. If you have health insurance and you go to rehab over the holidays, it’s more likely that you’ve met your deductible for the year, and possibly any coinsurance limits, which means that your provider may pay your treatment services in full. Payment is a concern for many people considering rehab, and it can be comforting to know that most or all services may be paid in full.
You’ll Set Yourself Up For A Positive 2025
There’s no better way to start a new year than with newfound sobriety. The new year is a time of renewal. Many people commit to resolutions focused on mental, physical, and spiritual betterment. Living a sober life is a transformation that requires making changes to many areas of life. However, it’s a change that’s nothing short of remarkable. Being sober can empower you to learn about yourself, your likes and dislikes, and discover or reignite your passion. You’ll have the opportunity and peace of mind to create new memories with your friends and family and you’ll be fully present for it. You’ve spent enough time knowing what it’s like to be caught in the tides of addiction and feeling the heavy emotions that coincide with it. Sobriety is the ultimate freedom, and you deserve it.
The Best Time For Addiction Treatment Is Now
Whether it’s the holiday season or the summertime, there’s no time like the present to receive treatment for an addiction. The sooner you access the resources you need, the sooner you’ll be able to work toward living the life you want. There’s no “right” or “wrong” time for addiction treatment. The best time possible is always right now.
If you are dealing with an addiction to drugs or alcohol, you don’t have to attempt recovery alone. Help is available whenever you’re ready. Call Bedrock Recovery Center for more information today, including fast, free health insurance verification.
