Interventions Over the Holidays

The holidays can be an incredibly difficult time for individuals who are struggling with substance use disorder. With the added stress, family gatherings, and increased availability of substances during this time of year, it can be hard to stay sober. Although it is not recommended to hold an intervention over the holidays, there are some strategies you can employ to help support your loved one during this time. 

Interventions Over the Holidays
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What Is An Intervention? 

An intervention is a process designed to get someone with an addiction or mental health issue into treatment. Family members and close friends come together to express their concern for the person in question, share how their behavior has hurt them, and provide support to get professional help. This process aims to encourage the person to accept treatment so they can start on the path toward recovery. 

Why Are Interventions Important? 

Interventions are important because they allow family members or friends to express their concerns about someone who needs help but may be hesitant or unable to recognize it themselves. It gives people who love the individual in question an opportunity to communicate how their behavior has impacted them to encourage them to accept treatment. 

This process also allows all parties involved—the person getting help, those expressing concern, and any professionals present—to come together with a unified approach toward recovery. 

Communication Is Key 

One of the most important steps in helping your loved one is communication. Talk openly and honestly with them about their situation and let them know that you are there to support them through this difficult time. Ask them how they plan to stay sober during the holidays and if they need additional resources or help. Listen to what they have to say without trying to fix or solve their problems; just being there for them is sometimes all that’s needed. 

It’s also important to remember that interventions don’t always work, especially when stress levels are high over the holidays. However, if you do decide that an intervention is necessary, make sure it takes place in a neutral location away from home and family members who may be too emotionally invested in the situation. It might also be helpful to bring in a professional interventionist or therapist who can guide the conversation and keep everyone focused on finding solutions rather than assigning blame or judgment.  

Plan Ahead 

Finding ways to plan ahead can help reduce stress over the holidays while still providing opportunities for connection and celebration. For example, set up a sober gathering with friends or family members who will support your loved one’s sobriety goals rather than tempt them with alcohol or drugs. 

If possible, organize activities ahead of time, such as games or movies, so as to avoid awkward silences or uncomfortable conversations about substance use disorder.  Additionally, provide healthy snacks and meals throughout the day so people will have something nutritious and filling while socializing instead of relying on alcohol as a crutch for conversation starters or entertainment purposes.  

Above all else, remember that interventions should never take place over the holidays—it’s important to give your loved one space and respect their wishes regarding recovery efforts. However, there are still plenty of ways to show your support without forcing them into a situation that could potentially cause more harm than good. 

Take some time this holiday season to talk openly with your loved one about their recovery journey; you never know how much just listening might mean for them!  After all, supporting someone’s recovery efforts requires patience but pays off immensely in terms of creating healthier relationships between individuals struggling with addiction and their families and friends during the holiday season—and beyond!