Many people enjoy the holiday season, but it can create stress and anxiety, sadness, frustration, and anger for some. In fact, according to DrugAbuse.com, 94% of people in recovery feel overwhelmed or moderately or severely stressed during the holiday season. Recently, more patients have decided to seek intensive outpatient rehab during the holidays to bolster their sobriety and prevent relapse.
Below, we’ll review the benefits of an intensive outpatient program (IOP) and why the holiday season is a great time to include this program.
Are you worried about yourself or a loved one with a substance use disorder? Don’t hesitate to contact our mental health professionals at Sierra Sage Recovery Services (SSRS) by calling 833.922.2884 to learn more about our intensive outpatient program.
Why It’s Especially Hard to Cope with Addiction Issues During the Holidays
Addiction is a chronic disease, and the holidays are a period of increased alcohol consumption. Holidays are also a time when late loved ones are especially missed.
Many people take the holiday season to reflect on their year and evaluate themselves, their goals, and their progress. It’s a time when you might hear things like these:
- How is your love life going?
- How is work?
- How are you feeling?
It’s also a time when people tend to compare themselves to others and their accomplishments, whether a sister recently got married, a brother just had a baby, or a cousin who got promoted.
Finally, people who live alone or have little or no family nearby may experience increased feelings of loneliness and isolation during the holidays, traditionally a family- and friend-oriented time.
These are all factors that could lead to emotional stress and relapse for people in recovery from addiction.
What Is an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)?
IOP rehab is a substance use rehabilitation program that consists of regular visits to a treatment center a few hours a day, several times a week. Unlike an inpatient program, intensive outpatient programs do not require the patient to live in the facility.
Being in IOP during the holidays allows someone to seek treatment while also spending time with their loved ones and getting support from their inner circle.
Why Seek IOP During the Holidays
If you’re in recovery and you’re worried you might relapse during the holidays, you might want to consider IOP rehab. This type of treatment program will give you all of the support you need to stay on track with your sobriety while spending time with your family and friends.
Recovery Benefits of an IOP
Intensive outpatient programs can help SUD patients prepare for the holidays and strengthen their recovery in time for the emotional and mental challenges this time of year brings.
- Plan your day around your sobriety
- Assess the risk level of each situation
- Learn your triggers
- Control or cope with your stress
- Overcome drug or alcohol cravings
- Develop and use a support system
Recovery patients no longer need to survive. There are resources to help you thrive during the holidays while in IOP if you’re in recovery.
Get Help Through the Holidays with Sierra Sage Recovery Services
Sierra Sage Recovery Services is here for you if you have a primary SUD with a co-occurring mental health issue. You deserve to feel joy and happiness during the holidays without fearing or risking relapse.
Our addiction and mental health professionals will help you make the best of your holidays while in IOP.
At SSRS, we provide high-quality care for Nevada Medicaid recipients, including group therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and family therapy, inclusive of our intensive outpatient treatment program.
Reach out to us at 833.922.2884 for a free 15-minute screening before booking your appointment.
