The rapidly approaching holidays are a time for excitement and celebration. However, for individuals in recovery, such occasions must be undertaken with a certain degree of caution. That said, there is no reason those in treatment programs should be precluded from enjoying the holiday season.
Our treatment center, which is located in southern Florida and serves people from across the United States, invites healing subjects to read the following brief blog explaining why the holidays can be especially challenging for those receiving drug treatment, in addition to several holiday celebration ideas said individuals can safely and enthusiastically partake in.
The Challenges Holidays Present Those In Treatment
The Thanksgiving and Christmas season can prove extra challenging for those undergoing drug treatment for the following reasons:
Memories
Sometimes, the memories of past events and activities can trigger unproductive, potentially destructive thoughts or behaviors.
Loneliness
Many persons undergoing treatment at in-patient facilities are far away from their friends and families. Such isolation can bring about sadness and depression.
Temptation
Holidays are often equated with partying. Those in recovery often partied using the substances they became dependent on. Therefore, joyous occasions might increase their physical and mental temptation to use once again.
Holiday Celebration Ideas For Individuals In Rehab
Making Christmas Cards
Creating homemade Christmas cards are a common holiday activity in many treatment centers. Patients and staffers make cards of their own designs, styles and words of warm wishes to send to each other and mail to family members and other close relations.
Create A Festive Atmosphere
Few activities heighten one’s holiday spirit more than creating a festive holiday environment. Patients are often encouraged to join in staple actions such as:
- Making homemade decorations
- Picking out Christmas trees
- Collecting tree ornaments
- Hanging said ornaments on the tree
- Placing Christmas lights
Setting up holiday decorations can often be a clinic-wide event that all concerned parties can partake in or even turn into a special celebration.
Authoring Letters
Those receiving drug rehabilitation during the holidays might also enjoy authoring letters. These letters are usually intended for their loved ones and typically offer seasons greetings, important updates about their progress, and well wishes for the upcoming new year.
Perform Acts Of Kindness
The holidays are supposed to be the season of giving. Moreover, everyone has heard the adage stating that giving is far better than receiving. Therefore, performing a random act of kindness for a stranger, a fellow patient, or treatment center staffer could do wonders for a healing individual’s mind and general sense of well-being.
Hold Holiday Pageants
Certain rehabilitation facilities stage events such as plays or pageants for themselves and, in some cases, their local communities. Preparing for such an event requires a significant degree of time, planning, and effort. Therefore, these endeavors might help patients struggling with depression or loneliness find a place to channel their feelings and emotions.
Partake In Holiday Baking
The holidays are supposed to be the sweetest times of the year. Ergo, many facilities organize baking events where patients and staffers make cookies, cakes, pastries, and other commonly consumed dessert items from scratch.
Holiday Dinners
A multi-course meal attended by a number of people is another common holiday staple. Treatment center managers might organize Thanksgiving or Christmas dinners for all employees and patients to enjoy. Moreover, patients often participate in the meal preparation process.
Holiday Parties
Like most institutions, rehabilitation clinics will hold a yearly holiday party. However, one major difference is that events held in treatment facilities will, of course, be alcohol-free.
Gift Exchanges
Much like other entities, addiction treatment centers might foster endeavors like gift exchanges. Patients can exchange gifts with one another. That said, certain establishments might organize secret gift exchanges where individuals pick names at random and purchase or construct a present for said subject.
Staying Healthy During The Holidays
Channeling the holiday spirit and demonstrating a willingness to partake in associated activities are often quite cathartic for those in recovery. However, said persons still must also engage in health-maintenance actions. Such endeavors might include:
- Remaining in touch with one’s faith and spirituality
- Obtaining enough sleep
- Consuming healthy, nutritious foods
- Stimulating the mind
Above all, recovering individuals should promptly reach out for counseling when feeling any additional strain or anxiety. Though fun, the holidays can also be stressful.
Contacting Us
The holidays can be a challenging time for those undergoing drug treatment. However, there are still ample activities said subjects can partake in to provide joy and a feeling of comfort during this special time of year. For more information about our facility, please contact us at 833-846-5669.