10 Ways to Support a Loved One in Recovery During the Holidays

Each year it feels like the holidays start earlier and earlier, the expectations are larger, and the pressure even more so. While the holidays are often filled with great moments, memories, and fun times, they are hard for so many. While it's a season of giving and togetherness, it can also trigger memories of lost loved ones, feelings of loneliness, or just high levels of stress. It can be an even more complicated time for those in recovery from substance or alcohol use disorders or a mental health condition. So as we make our way through the season, let's look at how we can best support loved ones in recovery.

Why Are the Holidays So Challenging for People in Recovery?

For the 21 million Americans in recovery, the holidays may be a particularly challenging time to navigate. We’ve all experienced the normal stress of the holidays – parties, cooking, shopping, hosting and traveling. For those in recovery there are additional difficulties that come with the holidays. 


  • Social gatherings with alcohol or other substances can be hard. From family gatherings to work holiday parties, it seems like alcohol is everywhere this time of year. This is particularly difficult if the person is in the earlier stages of their recovery when they are likely still learning how to socialize in new ways without substances of any kind. 


  • Holidays bring an increased amount of family time. That can be complicated for anyone, but for those in recovery, family relationships often bring up difficult memories and emotions. Feelings of guilt or shame about past actions or struggles are very common. All of those emotions can be triggering and challenging when trying to maintain recovery. 


  • Change in Routine. If travel is involved, routines are thrown off which might make it hard to get to recovery meetings or therapy appointments. Even if a person isn’t traveling, they may not be exercising, eating or sleeping as they normally would due to all of the festivities.


Read our blog for 10 ways you can support a loved one in recovery.

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Other Community Events

Legislative Essentials - 12/13 11:00-12:30

Learn the legislative process!

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Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT): Does It Have a Place in the Workforce?

Presenters from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, SAMHSA will present on how medication-assisted treatment (MAT) with counseling and behavioral therapies can be used to treat substance use disorders.

December 14, 2:00 - 3:30 PM

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Disclaimer: The Hub shares information and resources on a variety of behavioral health topics. We do not endorse specific events, policies or agencies

Opportunities & Resources

The DMHAS, Office of the Commissioner (OOC), currently has four (4) vacancies for the position of DMHAS Investigative Aide within the Tobacco Prevention and Enforcement Program (TPEP), located at 410 Capitol Avenue in Hartford, CT. These positions are part-time. There are no benefits associated with these positions. The work schedule, days and hours, will be determined. Applicants will perform both State and Federal Tobacco Compliance Inspections in all towns in Connecticut. Please note you must be 16 to 19 years old at the time of hire. Learn more and apply.

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