The Holiday for Opioid Use Disorder

The holiday season comes with a lot of ups and downs for many people. It could be filled with Festive Celebrations time with friends and family and joyful traditions. But it also has the potential to be a very stressful time for people in recovery and make people susceptible to mental health and substance use issues. 

Here some stories from them

"I'm scared to go home for the holidays this year and see how my old friends"

"I've been in recovery for a while now and I don't have time to see my doctor or attend my peer support meetings during the holidays, but I'm sure everything will be okay"

"My girlfriend just broke things off. We were supposed to go on vacation over the winter break, but now what am I going to do?" 

Substanceus disorders are chronic recurrent brain disorders that involve an interplay of numerous factors, including the substance itself and how it impacts the brain and body but also genetics, brain structure and chemistry, social and environmental factors, and life experiences, especially traumatic ones.

Many people continue to use one or more substances that they initially experimented with or used for the relief or pleasure it. But over time the use becomes more about satisfying cravings and preventing withdrawal the changes in the brain impact people's thoughts emotions and behaviors making it difficult for people to stop using the substance, even when they sincerely want to.

The idea that it should be the most wonderful time of the year, the pressure to spend money you may not have them gifts and travel changes in routine and increase in the presence of food and alcohol, too. Much time with others or loneliness are enough to stress anyone out.

For people living with a substance use disorder, the stresses and emotions that come along with holidays can put them at risk of increased use for a recurrence of symptoms if they are recovery. In particular, people who have misused opioids have learned to associate them with a relief of negative emotions, so sadness and stress have the potential to trigger symptoms such as Cravings, being preoccupied or distracted by thoughts of a substance, emotional or physical urges to use a substance, or to resume using a substance,

Recovery doesn't occur just when someone stops using the substance, it involves the ongoing process of learning a new way of life and making adjustments as needed along the way, there are numerous very practical ways to not just get through the holiday season but to prosper and make the most of it.

Here are a few strategies that can help you prioritize your recovery during the holidays. 

Take any prescribed medications as directed by your healthcare provider. This helps to address the physiological aspects of substance use disorders and can help to reduce cravings and facilitate healing in the brain. 

Talk to your healthcare provider or therapist to help you develop your personal long-term recovery plan that specifically includes considerations for the holiday season, including your personal triggers and coping skills that work for you continue attending support meetings or asked. With a friend from your support network. If you are traveling 

Locate local meetings in the area ahead of time or find virtual meetings with your support network. Spend time and safe and healthy environments with people that are supportive of your recovery. Setting boundaries with others as well as yourself is crucial. It's okay to say no to people or uncomfortable situations and make space and time for yourself when you need. Redefine what is fun change things up and get creative about trying new festive activities and starting, New Traditions. 

It takes a community to support those living with substance use disorders there are so many ways to enter long-term recovery and so many different aspects that are part of recovering while there are many stresses and challenges during the holidays, there are many strategies and support out there to help you in your recovery Journey with the help of peer support evidence-based treatment therapy lifestyle changes and coping strategies people can and do Do recover

Happy holidays 

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