When Recovery From Substance Abuse Or Alcoholism Can Be Challenging
The holiday season can present all kinds of temptations and triggers for those who are recovering from substance abuse or alcoholism. As others are celebrating with alcoholic beverages or illegal narcotics at holiday parties or family get-togethers, it can be difficult for someone recovering from substance abuse or alcoholism not to give into the wide array of triggers. Many holiday dishes are also prepared with alcohol, beer, or wine. So even eating can prove difficult during the holiday season for those recovering from substance 
abuse or alcoholism.
There are many simple solutions to maintain your recovery from substance abuse or alcoholism, but some of these can be difficult to adhere to. For instance, avoiding holiday parties is one way to keep someone recovering from substance abuse or alcoholism out of a dangerous situation, but this can be difficult when all of your friends and family will be attending the party. If you choose to attend the party, then obviously enjoy the holiday festivities with non-alcoholic beverages. If possible bring along a friend who is also recovering from substance abuse or alcoholism.
As for holiday dishes prepared with alcohol, the obvious solution is to avoid them if you are recovering from substance abuse or alcoholism. Many holiday dishes are normally prepared with alcohol because it contributes a complex balance of acidity, sweetness, and savoriness to the dish’s flavor. There is also the distinctive aroma that only alcohol can provide to a dish. So the olfactory senses are affected on top of the taste buds thereby enriching the experience. The problem for people recovering from substance abuse or alcoholism is that sometimes not all of the alcohol evaporates during the cooking process. So, one bite of a holiday dish prepared with alcohol can trigger cravings for more alcohol and lead to a relapse.
The important thing to remember for someone recovering from substance abuse or alcoholism is to remember that holidays are really just another day in their journey of sobriety. If you can keep things in perspective and remain grateful for what you have achieved so far in your sobriety, then maintaining it during the holidays can happen. There is no reason for someone recovering from substance abuse or alcoholism to suffer during the holidays. After all this would defeat the meaning of the holidays. Instead, think of the holiday season as a reason to celebrate your sobriety.
If you are recovering from substance abuse or alcoholism and the holiday season is presenting you with challenges too hard to deal with on your own, call Pathways Recovery to speak to a counselor who may be able to help.