Hosting a sober thanksgiving doesn’t have to be complicated. You can do many things to enjoy the holidays, even if someone you love is dealing with alcohol addiction.
To learn more about how to host a sober Thanksgiving — or about our treatment options in general — reach out to Zelus Recovery using our convenient, secure online form or call us at 208.518.0797 today.
The Importance of Staying Sober on Thanksgiving
When someone is recovering from alcohol addiction, the holidays can be excruciating. People around you are celebrating, and drinks flow freely. The holidays are also associated with family pressures, increased conflict, grief, anxiety, and stress. Thanksgiving is full of triggers that may provoke substance abuse. For instance, blended families may see increased conflict and stress during holidays, or a teen whose parents are divorced may experience inner conflict that could lead to alcohol abuse.
Some careful planning is required to help offset the triggers and still enjoy the holidays. When you are hosting a sober holiday, make it clear to all the attendees that alcohol is not permitted. However, the holiday season can still be fun. Some excellent ways to cope with a sober thanksgiving include:
- Starting new traditions
- Serving mocktails and soft drinks
- Focusing on the food instead
- Practicing three-minute mindfulness exercises
In general, accepting that this year will be alcohol-free — instead of fighting it — can help you and your loved ones feel calmer about it. Additionally, mindfulness can help offset the triggers and urges to drink.
Teens and Alcohol Addiction
Any form of substance abuse is damaging to physical health, mental health, and relationships. However, alcohol addiction is arguably the most accessible substance to abuse. Also, it’s consumed everywhere, leading to triggers and temptation daily.
Substance abuse in teens is caused by several things, including mental health problems, peer pressure, and stress. Teens are more susceptible to risk-taking behavior and typically have much more inadequate impulse control than adults, thus placing them at increased risk of alcoholism.
There is also some gender difference when it comes to alcohol use in teens. For instance, girls are more likely to drink to escape from problems at home, whereas boys are more likely to drink because of peer pressure.
Nevertheless, dependency on alcohol in younger people is becoming more and more common. Teenagers are responsible for an increasingly high percentage of alcohol-related injuries and illnesses every year.
Alcohol addiction in teens is especially concerning as alcohol can severely impact still-developing brains and bodies. Nevertheless, there is plenty of help and support available, including therapy, medication, and holistic treatments. Techniques such as yoga or meditation can also help.
Host a Sober Thanksgiving Event with Support from Zelus Recovery
At Zelus Recovery, one of our essential treatments for alcohol addiction in teens is family therapy. Any addiction involves a significant amount of deception and isolation, and these behaviors cause conflict within the family. Our family therapy program helps resolve disputes and improve communication between the individuals involved, allowing for stronger family bonds to help fight the addiction. Family therapy can also help resolve some of the underlying issues that caused substance abuse, giving your teen an excellent chance at recovery. Some of our treatment programs include:
- Young adult alcohol rehab
- Teen drug rehab
- Boise intensive outpatient program
- Synthetic drug addiction treatment
- Union member’s addiction treatment
- Relapse prevention
We don’t just help your teen detox; we focus on the whole person. Using a holistic approach to well-being, Zelus Recovery will guide your teen through their recovery, healing mind, body, and spirit.
It can be heartbreaking to see your teen struggle with addiction, but you don’t have to go it alone. If you’d like to discuss a sober thanksgiving or alcohol addiction with a friendly professional, call Zelus Recovery at 208.518.0797 or reach out to our compassionate staff online.
