The holidays are upon us, and what’s a magical time for many can be very difficult for those in recovery from substance abuse. The parties and gatherings which bring joy to many can unleash a host of triggers, stresses, and cravings for those dealing with substance abuse issues. The sense of togetherness with family and loved ones which makes the holidays special can be a double-edged sword for many whose relationships with parents, siblings, spouses, and children have been frayed or pushed past the breaking point by years of addiction and codependency. And this year’s Christmas in recovery is bound to be even more challenging as we cope with lockdowns, social distancing, and the added stress brought about by the health and economic concerns that COVID has unleashed. To help you deal with the unique challenges of the 2020 holiday season, here are Tabula Rasa Retreat’s tips for having a safe and connected Christmas.
Connections Will Be Key
Dealing with a sense of isolation and loneliness is one of the greatest challenges to be overcome in recovery. After years of building social connections and identity through substance abuse, most people find that many of their old “friends” are toxic influences and that many relationships were based solely on using together. If you haven’t already rebuilt a healthy social life, Christmas is a difficult time that prompts feelings of loneliness, alienation, and a powerful sense of FOMO (the fear of missing out).
This year’s Christmas in recovery is likely to be even more difficult. As millions struggle to make ends meet, the economic upheaval we are facing is a serious concern for most of us. And for those in early recovery, the prospect of joyful reunions with family members and friends may be dashed by directives to avoid gatherings and maintain social distance. It can be heartbreaking to see the magical moments we have been anticipating all year vanish into thin air. Many of the supports which offer us comfort in difficult times are inadvisable or even forbidden at the present moment. This year hugs will be hard to come by, face coverings might deprive us of smiles, and even a turkey dinner and Christmas crackers might be out of reach.
As the researcher Johann Hari has speculated, loneliness and isolation might be two of the leading causes of addiction. He maintains that the opposite of addiction is not sobriety, but connection with others. To combat feelings of alienation that can lead to relapse, it’s essential that you get proactive about building and maintaining social connection. Making sure that you meet up with sober friends (whether in person or via Zoom), visiting the family members with whom you have positive relationships, and sharing songs, gifts, and meals whenever possible will bring fulfillment and joy.
Keeping in Touch
If you don’t have many healthy relationships with others, remember that you aren’t the only one experiencing these challenges and that there is never a bad time to attend a meeting of peers, whether through a 12 Step group, SMART Recovery, or any of the other options that are out there. If the area you live in is under lockdown this December, you must not allow this to isolate you. There are a host of online meetings you can find, and a wide spectrum of groups offering support and fellowship to those in recovery. For more on the online resources available to those in the recovery community, click here!
If you’ve achieved sobriety through ibogaine therapy, Tabula Rasa Retreat offers weekly meetings of the Ibogaine Recovery Movement. The ibogaine experience is a uniquely powerful one, and discussing your insights, struggles, and triumphs with others who have shared it can lead to deeply rewarding relationships. Finding, building, and maintaining meaningful connections is always important, but during a Christmas in recovery it’s absolutely essential.
We all know that substance abuse and depression are fuelled by isolation and that these problems combine to create a spiral of negative thoughts and behaviours which can seem insurmountable. To maintain your mental health, you need to be proactive about connecting with others and creating a cycle of positivity. Building a habit of regularly checking in with friends and family, whether outside, via video calls, or on the phone will create strong support networks that you can rely on. Even if you think you’re up to whatever challenges the holidays may bring, many of the people you care about might need a friendly voice or a word of encouragement. The message of all of our most beloved Christmas stories is that giving, sharing, and connecting with others gives our lives joy and meaning. Like the Grinch, the pandemic is trying to steal these precious gifts from us, but by connecting we can ensure that Christmas 2020 is a happy one.
Remain Calm And Wash Your Hands
We are all sick to death of COVID, and the temptation to break rules will never be greater than during this year’s Christmas in recovery. But putting your health and the well-being of everyone you come into contact with isn’t a solution to the winter blues. As infection rates rise and emergency rooms fill to capacity, we have a duty to celebrate responsibly this year. We’ve heard the good news about vaccines entering the home-stretch of testing, and we should all remind ourselves to be hopeful that a return to normalcy is around the corner. If you feel that you’ve reached a breaking point this Christmas, whether from loneliness, despair, stress, substance abuse, or the urge to relapse, we are just a click or a phone call away. At Tabula Rasa Retreat we’re happy to offer you a free online counselling session, or to discuss whether ibogaine treatment can help you to overcome the afflictions you’re suffering from. Don’t hesitate to get in touch!
For further information visit www.tabularasaretreat.com or call PT +351 965 751 649 UK +44 7961 355 530