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5 Relapse Triggers at Thanksgiving & How to Overcome Them

a family talks about relapse triggers at thanksgiving

The holidays can be a difficult time for people in recovery. There are many relapse triggers at Thanksgiving and other holidays, including unhealthy family dynamics, excessive drinking, and being around people who use drugs.

If you are in recovery and are worried about the upcoming holidays, drug and alcohol relapse therapy at Northpoint Seattle can help. Our relapse prevention therapists can help you identify your triggers and develop a plan to avoid them. We also offer family counseling to help you deal with difficult relatives in a healthy way.

Don’t let the holidays derail your recovery. Contact Northpoint Seattle today at 888.483.6031 to schedule an appointment with one of our relapse prevention therapists.

5 Relapse Triggers at Thanksgiving

  1. Unhealthy family dynamics – Family dynamics can be a trigger for relapse during the holidays. If you have a family member who is critical or judgmental, try to avoid them during the holiday season.
  2. Excessive drinking – Alcohol is everywhere during the holidays. If you’re trying to stay sober, it’s important to avoid places where there will be drinking. This includes holiday parties, bars, and even family gatherings where alcohol will be present.
  3. Being around people who use drugs – If you’re trying to stay sober, being around people who use drugs can be a trigger for relapse. If you have friends or family members who use drugs, try to avoid them during the holiday season.
  4. Stressful situations – Stressful situations can be a trigger for relapse during the holidays. If you’re feeling stressed, try to take some time for yourself to relax and rejuvenate. Take a break from holiday shopping, take a long walk, or just spend some time alone reading or watching television.
  5. Lack of support – Feeling alone and isolated can be a trigger for relapse during the holidays. If you don’t have anyone to talk to about your sobriety, consider reaching out to a recovery support group or your sponsor. Talking to someone who understands what you’re going through can help you get through tough times.

The Importance of Developing a Relapse Prevention Plan

It’s crucial to develop a relapse prevention plan before the holidays. This will help you identify your triggers and have a plan in place to avoid them.

A standard relapse prevention plan will include:

  • Identifying your personal triggers.
  • Finding alternative activities to do instead of using drugs or drinking alcohol.
  • Developing a support system of friends, family, and professionals who can help you stay sober.
  • Attending recovery meetings and support groups can provide helpful peer support and accountability.
  • Practicing self-care. This includes getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, and exercising regularly.

Drug and Alcohol Relapse Therapy at Northpoint Seattle

Northpoint Seattle can help when you are struggling to maintain sobriety during the holidays or facing relapse triggers at Thanksgiving. We offer drug and alcohol relapse therapy to help people in recovery stay on track. Our therapists can help you identify your triggers and develop a plan to avoid them.

If you need additional support during the holidays, our outpatient programs may be a good fit for you.

  • Outpatient program – Our outpatient program provides a low level of care for those who still need a structured therapy schedule to attend.
  • Intensive outpatient program (IOP) – Our IOP provides regular therapy sessions multiple times a week for people who are still getting back on their feet after inpatient treatment.
  • Partial hospitalization program (PHP) – Our PHP is designed for people who need a high level of care but do not need inpatient treatment.

No matter what level of care you need, Northpoint Seattle can help you during the holiday season. Call us at 888.483.6031 or contact us online today to learn more about our programs and how we can help you maintain sobriety during this difficult time.