Substance Use Around the Holidays

Natasha Jackson, LMFT
Natasha has worked in the mental health field for the past ten years, with experience in both residential and outpatient settings, treating adolescents, adults, families, and couples. As a Black Therapist, she sees the value of representation in the mental health field, and finds unique opportunities to support her clients who can often feel misunderstood by therapists who may not share this aspect of their identity. Natasha is also passionate about working with members of the following communities: body positivity, LGBTQ+, racial justice, military spouses, and single mothers

The holiday season is one that can evoke cheer, the spirit of giving, the anticipation of making memories and hopes that everyone enjoys what you brought to the holiday potluck. For others, the holidays can mean increased substance use due to heightened stressors, potentially linked to financial, family, loneliness and unrealistic expectations. Societal norms surrounding gathering and community around this time of year can increase one's access and lead to justification surrounding alcohol/drug consumption. Substances can become a coping mechanism for those who have yet to identify tools to manage difficult emotions, and retraumatizing experiences. "According to a study conducted by the American Psychologist Association (APA), 38% of people surveyed said their stress increased during the holiday season. Increased stress levels can lead to physical illness, depression, anxiety and substance misuse" ("Drug & Alcohol Use Spikes").

It is normal to experience fluctuating emotions and big thoughts this time of year. The ways we respond can sometimes reflect old patterns that do not serve us anymore. Alternative coping mechanisms can be supportive of our healing or goals for change. Here are some examples:

  • Establish realistic expectations- don't be too hard on yourself and meet yourself at the stage of change you are in.
  • Develop a plan- know your limits and what boundaries may be needed to set yourself up for success.
  • Build a support team- invite those along with you for accountability, or a safe space.
  • Form new traditions- redefine the holidays.
  • Seek professional help- year round supports are available
As the holidays approach, it is important to honor the full range of feelings that may arise. The emotional waves are natural, especially during a season filled with expectations and memories. This is an opportunity to slow down, reconnect and identify supports. Give yourself permission to experience the holidays that feel manageable and meaningful. This is not something meant to navigate alone, healing is possible and you are worthy of compassion along the way.

Additional resources:

Reference:

Hampton, D., Hampton, D., & Hampton, D. (2025, August 4). Why does drug and alcohol use spike during the holidays? Addiction Center. https://www.addictioncenter.com/community/drug-alcohol-use-spike-holidays/

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

YOUR RECOVERY JOURNEY FOR THE SEMESTER AHEAD

Image
  By Tammah Watts, LMFT Tammah is a licensed therapist trained in Mindfulness-Based Meditation, who provides individual, relationship, and family counseling, and is certified as a SMART Recovery Facilitator, Domestic Violence Advocate, and Clinical Trauma Professional. --------- The turn of the calendar ushers in a new semester often symbolizes a fresh start and the opportunity for positive change. For many, the New Year is a time of reflection and goal-setting with a renewed sense of hope. This sentiment is particularly poignant for those who are on a journey of recovery from addiction. Recovery is a multifaceted process and broadly speaking, it includes your mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing. Incorporating these as a vital part of your self care can be very beneficial for your success academically as well. As you develop your schedule for this semester, consider adding the SMART RECOVERY -informed meeting held weekly online to your plans. It is for MiraCosta Students Only a...
Read more

Why Placebos Work

Image
  By Kim Marquardt, RN MSN This blog post is from the Nurse Kim archives of myth busting. I want to share some "alternative" or maybe just lesser known health and wellness viewpoints for you to chew on. *These posts are not intended as official medical advice. They ARE meant to be fun, informative, and thought provoking, hopefully sparking an interest for you to do your own research (you can start with the links I provide!) and discover the marvels of the human body, and how it can function at its optimal performance level if we understand how it works and interacts with our environment and our diet. I have a passion for health and wellness through lifestyle and nutrition and have done thousands of hours of research in addition to being a registered nurse for 23 years. I have done A LOT of self-experimentation in and around diet, lifestyle, body care, and supplementation and have spent a lot of time looking into the science behind it all (or lack thereof!). Check back weekly ...
Read more

TWO QUESTIONS: Tammah Watts on Recovery

Image
TWO QUESTIONS FOR:  Tammah Watts about Recovery Meetings on Campus 1.   What led you to become a SMART Recovery Group facilitator?   Oh, I love this question because it’s a testament to the power of friends and their influence on us. By this I mean that I first heard about SMART Recovery from a longtime friend of mine, who also happens to work in the mental health field. I became curious about how she spent her Sunday mornings and she began to share about SMART Recovery and her volunteerism with the organization as a facilitator for several years. Eventually, she asked me if I would consider becoming a facilitator because the  program was growing throughout San Diego and there was a need for more facilitators to provide meetings online and in person. The more I learned, the more I became interested in the organization -in particular, the 4-Points Program   and their evidence-based approach and ...
Read more