For the recovering alcoholics, abstaining from habitual or excessive drinking and staying clean can be pretty tricky, especially when you are surrounded by a boatload of drug-related cues. In the case of late December, perhaps you are a recovering alcoholic who wants to attend a party but is absolutely terrified of being tempted by the pull of beer or liquor. As much as you (and teetotalers) try to avoid it, alcohol is served at New Years parties across the world. So, when temptation runs high and you are surrounded by this intoxicating beverage, you are automatically putting yourself at risk for relapse. Let’s take a closer look at why New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day are especially tricky for recovering alcoholics.
Good Times, Alcohol Use
Unfortunately, out of all nights of the year, New Year’s is the one time where drunkenness and rampant behavior are 100% okay and are actually acknowledged as part of “having fun.” The notion that partying and alcohol need to go hand-in-hand is far from truthful, so imagine how difficult this situation can be for alcoholics who are trying to recover from their mental illness. Sparkling champagne, incessant laughter, rowdy behavior – what we view as delinquent behavior, addicts see as dreadful triggers for past frolics with booze. (Let’s also not forget the madness for Boxing Day in Canada, the UK, and Australia.)
Excessive Gifts, Excessive Booze
In the light of the Christmas season, we can only describe the atmosphere as “excessive.” People buy way too many gifts and (as a result) way too much alcohol for them to handle. Combine the emotional implications of the New Year (and countless, pointless resolutions), and you can see why alcoholics might be less than jolly during the Christmas trickledown into December 31st.
Needless to say, you may have heard some people say, “New Year’s is an exception.” Ultimately, as a result of this philosophy, people will break away from abstinence and start to down flute after flute of champagne and endless shots of liquor. Still, we have to ask, when should the madness stop?
Seeking Treatment for Alcohol Use Disorder
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.
