Holiday Stress & Substance Abuse: ReadyWhenYouAre Can Help

The holiday season is often described as “the most wonderful time of the year.” Yet for many people, it can also be one of the most emotionally taxing. Between financial pressures, complicated family relationships, travel, grief, and the unrealistic expectations that often accompany the season, it’s no surprise that stress levels can spike between November and January.

And for those who already struggle with alcohol or substance use - or who are in recovery -the holidays can present a perfect storm of triggers.

Why Substance Use Increases Around the Holidays

Research consistently shows that alcohol consumption tends to rise during the holiday season. A 2022 study published in the American Journal of Health Behavior found that Americans drink significantly more during the weeks between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day than at any other time of year.¹ For some, that extra drink or two at social gatherings may seem harmless. But for others, especially those using substances to cope with anxiety, sadness, or loneliness, the season can quickly turn risky.

Social events often revolve around alcohol. The “holiday spirit” can create subtle pressure to join in, even for people who have been trying to cut back. Add in the stress of family dynamics or painful memories, and it’s easy to understand why relapse rates tend to rise in December.²

But alcohol isn’t the only concern. Increased use of prescription medications, marijuana, and other substances is also documented during times of stress and isolation. When emotional health takes a back seat, substance use often becomes a way to “numb out” rather than process what’s really happening inside.

Understanding the Emotional Weight of the Season

The holidays can amplify whatever you’re already feeling. If you’re lonely, the season’s focus on togetherness can make that loneliness sharper. If you’re grieving, reminders of “family” and “celebration” can reopen old wounds. If you’re struggling financially, gift-giving expectations can trigger shame or frustration.

For those who have used alcohol or drugs as a coping mechanism, these emotions can make sobriety feel even harder to maintain. What begins as a way to “take the edge off” can quickly become a pattern that deepens the stress you were trying to escape.

A Compassionate Path Forward

At ReadyWhenYouAre, we understand that not everyone is ready, or able, to step into an intensive or inpatient treatment program. Life doesn’t stop for recovery, and many people can’t take extended time away from work or family responsibilities.

That’s why we created a flexible, compassionate outpatient program that meets you where you are. Our approach includes:

·         Personalized treatment plans designed around your goals and daily realities.

·         Therapeutic support that addresses both emotional triggers and addictive behaviors.

·         Relapse prevention strategies to help you manage stress before it escalates.

·         Ongoing encouragement and accountability so you never feel alone in your journey.

Whether you’re struggling with alcohol, prescription medication, or other substances, ReadyWhenYouAre provides a safe, confidential space to regain your footing. We’ll help you explore what’s driving your substance use, identify healthier ways to cope, and reconnect with your sense of control - one step at a time.

You Don’t Have to Wait for Rock Bottom

So many people tell themselves they’ll “get serious” about their drinking or drug use after the holidays. But sometimes, waiting makes the problem harder to face. The truth is, help is available now - in a way that fits your life and your readiness for change.

If the holidays feel overwhelming, or if you’ve noticed yourself relying more on alcohol or substances to get through them, reach out today. You don’t have to face this season, or any season, alone.

ReadyWhenYouAre

Support at your pace.📞 205-752-2504 | ✉️ bbeech@counselingservice.org🌐 www.counselingservice.org/ready-when-you-are

¹ American Journal of Health Behavior, 2022, “Seasonal Variations in Alcohol Consumption.”² National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Holiday Drinking Trends Report.

Bree Beech is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker and Qualified Substance Abuse Professional at Family Counseling Service of West Alabama.