The 9 causes of addiction relapses during the festive season

In general, vacations are a period of rest and well-being; and something similar happens with the specific days in which, for cultural reasons and linked to tradition, something is celebrated and we carry out special activities during free time.

However, For people who have developed an addiction, going through these times of the year means facing a greater risk of relapseAnd that is a challenge. Let's see why.

Why is it easier to relapse into addiction at holiday times?

Relapses occur when the person returns to perform the behavior to which he was addicted (in the case of addiction to shopping, gambling or addiction to sex) or reuses the substance that caused the addiction (such as addiction to alcohol, drugs or drugs).

This is a summary of the main causes of addiction relapse that occur during the festive season.

1. Social pressure

The social pressure to which some people are exposed during vacation periods or festivities can trigger dynamics that push them to use substances again or to carry out those activities to which they were addicted.

For example, during festive times it is customary to organize dinners with alcoholic beverages, a certain level of excesses with alcohol is normalized, etc.

• Related article: "Alcoholism: these are the effects of dependence on drink"

2. Stress of preparations

The stress produced by having to prepare for the meeting is also the cause of great discomfort in the person and such an imbalance in your mental health that unexpected relapses can occur.

There are many sources of stress to which people are exposed at festive times, among the most common we can highlight the preparations for any dinner or celebration, buy food, clean the house or do Christmas shopping.

3. Frustration when comparing their own plans with those of the rest

The frustration generated by comparing oneself with the rest of the families in which apparently there are no addicted people and being able to enjoy seemingly "perfect" vacations and parties can also take a huge toll on the mental health of someone who may have suffered from an addiction.

That is why it is so important to have the support of family and loved ones in moments of celebration, so that the person does not feel down.

• You may be interested in: "How to stop comparing yourself to others: 5 practical tips"

4. Greater exposure to advertising content (on Christmas dates)

Exposure to a large number of advertisements for alcoholic beverages and other types of products and services, especially at Christmas, can also precipitate the onset of a relapse.

This media exposure can also function as an agent of added pressure. for a person to consume alcohol, tobacco or other substances.

5. Family tensions and conflicts

The anxiety generated by having to meet with relatives that we have not seen for a long time is also one of the main causes that can trigger a relapse to certain addictions.

Many people develop addictive behaviors to overcome their anxiety problems, that's why that when anxiety levels are high again, it is possible that the behavior will be carried out again addictive. In families where there are various common conflicts and tempers are heated relapses can also occur by people who have had any type of addiction.

In this way, it is important to maintain a relaxed atmosphere and avoid all kinds of discussions so as not to upset anyone who may be having a bad time.

• Related article: "The 8 types of family conflicts and how to manage them"

6. Reunion with harmful social circles

During the detoxification and rehabilitation processes, it is recommended to break with the social environment in which the substance use occurred. In this sense, in times when the person is more unemployed and can stop following their daily routines, retakes certain habits due to a lack of time management preparation, and you can re-interact in those social circles that predispose to addiction. In these situations, relapses may occur.

8. Loss of regular hours and indecision about what to do

Clear schedules and daily discipline in carrying out routines are essential in order not to relapse into addiction; however, during vacation periods or summers it is more difficult to have references on what to do, unless we have drawn up a plan beforehand.

By losing regular hours, it is possible that some people are more predisposed to relapse into their addiction, since the discomfort caused by not knowing what to spend your time on makes them see drug use and other behaviors associated with dependence as a way easy to feel that they are doing something relevant and able to focus attention on a specific task.

9. abandonment of treatment

Finally, one of the causes that can precipitate a relapse is abandoning detoxification and rehabilitation treatment at any time. addictive disorder, something that often occurs during periods when there are holidays associated with a time when there are several days holidays. In other words, this “rupture” with the everyday is used as a kind of self-imposed excuse to stop going to therapy, something that exposes the person to a greater risk of relapse.

It is important to take this phenomenon into account, since during both the summer and Christmas holidays is when more relapses occur, according to statistics.