The leaves are starting to turn. Days become shorter, nights longer. The once refreshing cool breeze of summer has grown chillier and stronger. Football is back. School is in session. I find myself craving hearty foods and warm beverages. Fall is here, and that means the holidays are close behind.
Soon families will gather. Friends will come home from out of town. People that know me and love me will see me. Then comes the fear. “What will they think?” “They are going to see I’m not doing well and say something.”
The Holiday Challenge
These thoughts are common. The holidays can be difficult times for any and everyone. Stresses of all kinds build up. Financial worries, family wounds and expectations seed doubt. In the life of an active drug addict or alcoholic, these feelings intensify. For me, the holidays represent a time to give thanks and be close to the people I love, but it wasn’t always this way.
There were years in which I was absent from holiday celebrations. There were times when it would have been better if I was absent. My presence was so disturbing and difficult for my loved ones that I brought more pain than joy. There were also times when everything was wonderful; the food, fellowship and gratitude in full swing. Not coincidentally, those were the holidays I was sober.
A Different Kind of Christmas
Here at Discovery Place I have had the pleasure of experiencing the holidays both as a guest as well as a staff member. I’d like to share a little about both and how much the experience has helped me and my family.
As a guest, it was Christmas time. The days were dark and I was desperate for something to change in my life. Of course there were the fears of missing the holidays. What would my family think? Would they ever forgive me? In reality, my family desperately wanted me to get help.
The holidays were the last thing on their mind. When Christmas finally came and I was in treatment, it turned out to be one of my best and most memorable holiday experiences to date. I felt sobriety working in and through me. There were other men going through the same feelings and fears alongside me.
I was able to be of service in ways unavailable to me previously. Most of all I knew what I was doing, although it required me to be away from my family and loved ones temporarily, was the best possible gift I could give; a healthier version of myself that could be present for them for years to come. There was great food, greater fellowship, laughs and fun. Not exactly what I expected from a Christmas in rehab.
Finding Family in Recovery
Discovery Place is a family. That is difficult to understand and communicate, guests and staff alike. Once you become a part of this family, you are always welcome. As a member of Discovery Place staff, I feel that more than ever.
I love getting excited about the holidays around here. Food and friends, gifts and decorations. Cheering up a man who misses his family at a time when he feels he should be there for them; sharing stories, food, laughs, more food!
Discovery Place has become a safe place for me to be myself in times of joy, stress, fear and gratitude. The holidays can be all of those at once.
Alcoholism and drug addiction isolate us. We feel alone with an overwhelming notion that no one knows how we feel. This is a lie. In treatment during the holidays, everyone else is also in treatment during the holidays. You are surrounded by others just like you. We are a part of something.
What season is best to get sober? What season is it right now? Right now, today, this moment, that is the season of sobriety. Let’s face it, overcoming a hopeless state of body, mind and spirit is reason to celebrate. I can’t think of a better holiday. We look forward to celebrating this Season of Sobriety with you and your loved ones. Make time, make room in your belly, make haste.
Take the First Step
Are you concerned about a loved one’s addiction? Don’t wait to reach out. Our compassionate team is here to listen and help guide you toward hope and healing.
Call us anytime at 1-800-725-0922 to learn more about our program and family support services.
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