Preventing Drug and Alcohol Abuse During the Holiday Season

The holiday season is a delightful blend of greetings, yuletide cheer, family, celebration, delicious food, and cozy fires. However, for some, this time of year can also be challenging, leading to an increase in holiday drug and alcohol abuse.

Holiday drug and alcohol abuse statistics

While increased drinking during the holidays is pretty much the norm, some may be surprised just how much and that drugs of abuse are also a concern.

An Addiction Center survey reported that the average American drinks 27% more during the holiday season.
The Distilled Spirits Council of the United States sees industry profits of about $12.25 Billion between Thanksgiving and New Years.
According to the CDC in November 2022, over 91K drug-related deaths have occurred during the month of December since 1999.
An American Addiction survey found that 25% experienced higher levels of depression during the holidays and there is a strong link between depression and alcohol consumption.

Why does substance abuse increase during the holidays?

Emotional Triggers: Some individuals may be experiencing feelings of grief, depression or loneliness. Perhaps they are far away from their family or have lost a loved one. Something referred to as Seasonal Affective Disorder, which about 6% of Americans experience, may even trigger feelings of depression for a few. Others experience another mood change called “winter blues”. The holiday season can be a tough time leading some to turn to drugs or alcohol to cope with those feelings.

Accessibility: With many parties and get-togethers alcohol can be readily available.

Increased Stress: The American Psychological Association reports that approximately 38% of people have claimed to have experienced an increase in stress during the holidays. Whether it is the hustle and bustle to get things done, stressful family gatherings, or financial pressures – there are a number of reasons why some individuals may choose alcohol or drugs to manage their stress.

Social Pressure: With holiday parties and gatherings, the festive season can be a little challenging for some – especially if they are trying to drink moderately or are in recovery. Alcohol is often served in these settings and social pressure to partake may affect levels of consumption.

Consequences of increased substance use

Health Risks: Increased drinking during the holidays and drug use can lead to serious health risks, including alcohol poisoning, accidents, and exacerbation of mental health issues.

Relapses: Coping with holiday stress and other triggers can heighten the risk for those in recovery, leading them to struggle and potentially relapse.

Accidents and Injuries: Getting behind the wheel under the effects of drugs or alcohol can lead to deadly results. In fact, The U.S. Department of Transportation reports that there is a significant spike in drunk driving incidents during the holidays – especially on New Year’s Day.

Managing and coping with holiday stress

There are many things that individuals and even party planners or hosts can do when preventing holiday drug and alcohol abuse.

Plan Ahead: If you are the party host, make sure that you have plenty of non-alcoholic options available. Fun virgin holiday inspired cocktails (aka mocktails) can take off the pressure from someone feeling they need to drink alcohol to fit in. There are several websites such as Zen and Honey, Two Healthy Kitchens, Dine with Drinks, and Advanced Mixology (to name just a few) that offer up some recipes for these Christmas creations ranging from Moscow Mules and Peppermint White Russians to Grinch Punch and Cosmopolitans. With a great presentation they are sure to be festive hits.

If you are the one who needs to avoid temptation or are coping with holiday stress – look into helpful tools before the festivities are upon you. There are some great resources out there like The Recovery Book that provide lots of tips on how to stay sober during the holidays.

Set Boundaries: If you’re attending a party or get-together, set limits on your alcohol consumption and decide in advance how many drinks you’ll have, or opt for non-alcoholic alternatives.

Be Mindful of Your Triggers: Identify anything that may trigger you to use alcohol or drugs to deal with your stress. If it is financial maybe take on a seasonal job for some extra income. If it is get-togethers perhaps sit them out or have a good friend accompany you. Take steps to try and diffuse those triggers.

Seek Help: If you are struggling, seek out holiday season addiction support from a therapist, take in a support group meeting, or stay connected with your sponsor. Many organizations, such as NAR-ANON, Narcotics Anonymous, Alcoholics Anonymous and AL-ANON, even offer extra meetings during the holidays.

Keep Busy: Get-togethers usually involve a lot of sitting around, gabbing and increased drinking during the holidays. The less time one has to sit and mull over the things that are stressing them the better. If you are aware of someone that may be struggling…. try to make sure that there are fun activities to keep people engaged. Add something to the mix to keep everyone busy whether it is board games, grabbing your skates and hitting the local ice rink, sledding, decorating Christmas cookies, etc. If you are the one who is in need of distracting — you could even plan or suggest those activities yourself.

Practice Self-Care: Make sure to take care of yourself first and engage in activities that reduce stress and promote well-being, such as exercise, meditation, and spending time with supportive friends and family.

Drugs and Alcohol in the Workplace

Tis the season for company holiday parties so while the spirits may be flowing employers may want to take note or be sensitive to individuals that may be susceptible to abuse. If you are concerned that employees may be coming into work under the influence following up with testing is always an option via instant tests and/lab-based methods.

Remember, while the holidays can be a fun and festive time for many, some people may struggle with drug or alcohol issues or turn to these substances to as a means of coping with holiday stress, depression, or grief. Holiday drug and alcohol abuse can be prevented. Be proactive. Lend a hand or ask for one. Let’s make this a holiday season we can all enjoy.