Holidays can trigger relapse for people recovering from addiction
Dec 18, 2019, 4:35 AM
(Crossroads Photo)
(Crossroads Photo)
PHOENIX — The holidays can be an especially trying time for people recovering from a substance use addiction.
Chris Riley, a recovered alcoholic who has been sober for 15 years, said all the social functions and drinking that happens during this time of year can cause people to relapse.
“I also believe that some men and women aren’t allowed back home or their families kind of disown them, so there’s a lot of depression that sinks in at this time of year,” he said.
Riley is the chief compliance officer for Crossroads, a substance abuse treatment provider with several locations across the Valley. The number of people seeking their services increases during the holidays.
He said people who go through their residential recovering program get about 120 hours of substance use disorder education. They also learn financial skills and are trained on how to interview for a job.
Crossroads also offers outpatient recovery services and accepts most insurance plans. It also offers financial assistance for those who need it.
Riley said you can help someone who is recovering from a substance use addiction during this time of year by being supportive and not pressure them into breaking their sobriety.
“The key is to just support that person and realize, ‘Hey, they’re going through something,’” he said. “’We don’t have to get blasted. We don’t have to get considerably drunk and drink all night long, especially when that person is at the house.’”
