Happy Holidays

Dr. Marvin D. Seppala, Medical Director, CEO
Beyond Addictions

The Holidays are a wonderful time to be in recovery and they can be a very difficult time. It’s a time of great joy and a common time for problems and relapse. It’s a time that a lot of people get sober, but also a time for partying and excess use of alcohol and drugs. This newsletter has articles that will help you enjoy the Holidays with tips for a sober and joyous Holiday Season, advice for families, and recovery events occurring in the Portland area over the Holidays.

The first time people in recovery go through the Holidays can be trouble. The Holidays are known for mixed emotions under the best of circumstances. For those in early recovery these emotions often include a generous helping of shame and guilt. Memories of celebrations gone awry and the damage that occurred during active use of drugs and alcohol can undermine the best of intentions. Some people have memories of horrifying experiences from their own childhood that can limit any attempts to get into the spirit of the Holidays. It can be a very lonely time, even among friends and family. Some people have burned all those bridges and may no longer have anyone to rejoice with. It’s dangerous to spend the Holidays alone. It’s important to increase recovery activities and learn how to celebrate in recovery.

The Holidays offer many opportunities to get outside of ourselves and focus on service and expression of love. Most cultures emphasize giving this time of year, and how better than to give of ourselves? There are ample opportunities for service within 12 Step programs, and plenty of other people who could benefit from your friendship. Many organizations need volunteers over the Holidays. Giving to others will always take the focus off our own problems.

The end of the year is a time for reflection and gratitude. It’s an important time to gauge one’s growth, and to honor the changes that have occurred. Take a good look at how far you’ve come, and how you’ve changed. Determine what changes you want to bring with you into the New Year and those you still need to work on. It is also a good time to put the year behind and move on. Examine your hopes and dreams for the New Year as you acknowledge the lessons of the old year. Make a list of those things you are grateful for that occurred in 2007. Tell someone else about your gratitude list. Contact those people that played a role in your recovery during the past year and thank them. Gather together with family and friends and celebrate what was right and good in 2007. We have a lot to celebrate!