As the Christmas season approaches, we are all preparing to engage in a variety of holiday festivities including decorating a sparkling tree and throwing high-energy parties. However, not everyone will be wearing a happy face during the holiday season. According to recent studies, as elements like bad weather, stressful schedules, and wild festivities plow across people’s doorsteps, they may be more inclined to take a sip from the Jack Daniels bottle. For thousands of people across the country, fall and winter are times that mean more alcohol and more subsequent hangovers. So why does this problem increase during the colder months of the year and how can this unfortunate behavior be prevented? Let’s take a closer look at the situation and find out more.
Winter Blues
Overall, medical experts believe that multiple factors contribute to the downgrade of our emotional status in the winter, most notably the lack of sunlight and bad weather. As days shorten and snow starts to fall, people begin to suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a form of depression that sets in around the fall and winter. Common symptoms of this emotional problem include feelings of helplessness, worthlessness, and emptiness and bouts of anxiety and lethargy.
As with any other form of depression, people will attempt to self-medicate this issue. According to recent reports, 20% of people who suffer from depression will attempt to medicate themselves without the help of a medical professional.
Booze and Boredom
In cities across the United States, people experience the full-blown effects of SAD more than others due to the fact that fall and winter can put a damper on outdoor activities and recreation. During this time, northern states will experience winter storms, bringing hordes of sleet and snow, which can last for days and days. As a result of being cooped up inside for a long period of time, people will become listless and bored and (in some cases) turn to alcohol.
However, you can still find ways to find happiness, whether you are an alcohol user or not:
- Make sure you are sitting near bright lights (look at SAD lights as an example).
- Try to find some indoor hobbies that may interest you, like crocheting, drawing, or writing.
- Take time to work out and stay in shape.
- Speak with friends and loved ones on a regular basis, if possible.
Always remember that alcohol does not have control over your life. You do. Are you suffering from a substance use disorder or a severe form of addiction? Do you have a friend or family member suffering from one or more of these debilitating illnesses? If you do, get in touch with Asana Recovery today. Our counselors and healthcare experts are ready to walk you through every step of the detox and withdrawal process and rehabilitation and guide you towards living a happier, healthier, and freer lifestyle. While the road to recovery might not be an easy road to travel, we promise to help you every step of the way. Take the first step to stay fit, healthy, and safe.
The time for you to take back control of your life is now. If you are interested in one of our residential treatment or supervised detoxification/withdrawal programs, we are ready and waiting to speak with you at your disclosure. Call Asana now at (949) 438-4504 to learn how to overcome your alcohol abuse or addiction troubles today.