PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Navigating addiction recovery during the holidays can be difficult.
People in recovery have been challenged during the pandemic because connection is a big piece of a recovery program, said Joi Honer with Retreat Behavioral Health.
"This has created a challenge," she said. "It could in some senses be more difficult to connect. But it's certainly not hopeless and people in recovery certainly have choices."
Those choices involve planning, preparing, and flexibility when it comes to navigating holiday get-togethers.
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"Be mindful about who they connect with and who they don't connect with," Honer advised. "Be mindful about if I'm going home or if I'm going to even a small family gathering where there might be substance use can I bring somebody with me."
In some cases, not being able to meet in person might be helpful.
"What I mean by that is alcohol is often plentiful over the holidays. So a lot of the folks in recovery are not going to be exposed to those kinds of large parties. Sometimes being with our family is not always a positive thing," she said.
Honer adds that volunteering or finding a way to give back is a great way to stay connected and grateful during the holiday season.
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