Manage holiday stress without chemical use
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By BARBARA WESTERBERG
For the Herald
Thursday, November 20, 2008 10:05 AM CST
What comes to mind when you think of the upcoming holidays? Sitting in front of a glowing fire? Spending time with loved ones? Becoming stressed and tired?
For many individuals, the holiday season means a time of both stress and joy. Whether we are traveling to be with family, attending holiday parties or doing last minute gift shopping, most people feel under pressure this time of year.
Unmet expectations, tendencies to spend too much and increasing demands on our time, as well as a fear of the unknown given our country’s current economic crisis, all contribute to stress and pressure often alleviated briefly by alcohol and drugs.
The period from Halloween to New Year’s is a time to participate in festivities, family gatherings and company parties. Holiday parties give people additional opportunities to use and abuse alcohol and drugs.
The result is an increase in drug- and alcohol-related tragedies. Studies show that cases of depression, drunken driving accidents, suicide and domestic violence all increase during the holiday period.
Many of these are tied to alcohol and drug abuse by people who are trying to cope with life stressors in addition to the holidays. Alcohol, as a drug and a depressant, can provide temporary relief from stress and other unpleasant feelings, but it can also produce depression and anxiety.
It can also make one feel jittery and moody. It impairs reasoning and judgment, which can lead to dire consequences. Mixed with prescription and illicit drugs, alcohol can have dangerous consequences.
It is important to find coping strategies to help reduce the likelihood of alcohol or drug abuse during the holiday season. The more strategies available, the better the chances are for staying safe.
If you or someone you care about is dealing with a substance abuse issue, help is available. A confidential phone call to Luther Midelfort Behavioral Health Services will provide you with information, resources and treatment options for coping with the life-shattering cycle of substance abuse and addiction.
For more information and help, call Luther Midelfort’s Behavioral Health Services at (715) 838-5369.
Barbara Westerberg is employed by Luther Midelfort Behavioral Health Services.
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