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Living With Opioid Addiction During the Holidays

by General Marketing

The holidays can be a stressful time for those with opioid addiction. Everywhere we turn, we’re reminded that it’s supposed to be “the most wonderful time of the year.” However, the holidays can also bring challenges like financial strain, family conflict, loneliness, grief and seasonal affective disorder (SAD).

If you or a loved one is living with opioid addiction, you can take several steps to make the holidays more manageable.

Being proactive about managing triggers is vital to the recovery process.

Opioid Addiction and Holiday Triggers

Opioid addiction affects the brain differently than other forms of addiction. When someone first takes an opioid — such as heroin or fentanyl — it binds to receptors in the brain, producing a “high” or euphoric feeling. This high causes a release of dopamine, a chemical in the brain that releases when you engage in pleasurable activities.

While many drugs can trigger a dopamine release, opioids have a unique effect. The brain adjusts to increased dopamine surges as the person takes more opioids, reducing the number of available dopamine receptors in the brain. With fewer receptors, the person will need more opioids to produce the same euphoric feeling, making it a highly addictive drug.

The holiday season can be wrought with triggers, from rituals to songs and scents. You may face more pressure to conform to social and familial expectations, making addiction management around family especially challenging. With many mental stressors and emotional triggers at play during the holidays, some people may be tempted to use opioids to cope with family members, financial stress and other concerns. Being proactive about managing triggers is vital to the recovery process.

3 Tips for Addiction Management Around the Holidays

3 Tips for Addiction Management Around the Holidays

Following a few straightforward steps can help you or your loved one dealing with opioid addiction around the holidays.

1. Be Aware

Being aware of how the holidays affect you or your loved one is an essential first step. When you identify triggers, you can develop a plan to cope with them in advance.

2. Commit to a Routine

Routines can help lower stress and encourage healthy habits. The holidays can be hectic, so sticking to a routine will help you or your loved one feel less overwhelmed.

3. Prioritize Your Needs

From work parties to family gatherings, the holidays come with a lot of pressure to be social. If you know certain activities will be triggering, it’s okay to decline those invitations.

Health Care Resource Centers (HCRC) Can Help

If you or a loved one is battling opioid addiction, HCRC can help. We provide addiction counseling, medication-assisted treatment (MAT) and personalized care to help those with opioid addiction. Get in touch with us today to learn more about our treatment options.

Health Care Resource Centers (HCRC) Can Help

Medically Reviewed By:

Health Care Resource Centers Clinical Team

Health Care Resource Centers Clinical Team

Health Care Resource Centers Clinical Team

The Clinical Team at Health Care Resource Centers is our team of physicians and medical directors within the organization. HCRC is a CARF accredited organization and has been providing addiction treatment services for over 32 years in the New England area.

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