School is almost out and the stores are getting crowded. Turkey Day, X-mas and New Years are around the corner. For a lot of people this means lots of parties, celebrating and food. But for others, the holidays can be a time of stress and the use of alcohol and drugs increase during the holiday season.
The holidays are triggers for both the good and the bad. Some people cope with stress by eating. Others cope with the stress by large volumes of alcohol or drugs. The holiday season can be a dangerous time for people who are struggling with difficult emotions.
Unfortunately, the holidays can be dangerous times. Car Accidents, drug overdoses, suicides, violence and domestic disputes increase dramatically. A lot of those incidents are directly related to alcohol and drug abuse. 33% of holiday suicides test positive for alcohol and another 16% of holiday suicides account for drugs. Almost 50% of the holiday suicides are directly attributable to drugs and alcohol abuse.
The holidays can also be an expensive time of year. Often parents or families will over extend themselves by the gifts they purchase.
Children are also impacted during the holiday season. Peer pressure, family problems and financial matters also affect children. Stress from parents can be transmitted to their kids. Adolescents often attend parties and activities that involve the use of drugs or alcohol. Younger inexperienced children are often introduced to drugs or alcohol for their first time during the holiday period.
During the holiday, it is important to sit down with your son or daughter and explain that there are alternatives to using drugs and alcohol. Your kids should go to parties with similar kids who don’t drink or smoke. They should stick together and support each other. The teens could focus on talking, eating, drinking non-alcoholic beverages, dancing, listening to music and playing games. Always let your son and daughter know that you are just a phone call away if they wish to leave the party.
While the holidays are a time to celebrate, we must also be cognizant that more drug addicts and alcoholics are created during this time of year.
Have a safe and healthy holiday season and support those who need it.
Dr. Greg Allen, LMFT is a therapist practicing in Palos Verdes Estates & Hermosa Beach. He is also the founder and Director of Freedom4U (freedomcommunity.com). He may be reached at gregallen@drgregallen.com (www.drgregallen.com). Recovery First contributed to this column.
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