There is no “right” time to seek recovery for a drug or alcohol addiction. A person should do so when they are ready to make the full commitment to getting clean and sober. Ideally, you would want your loved one to commit early in the addiction before they suffered legal, financial, and personal consequences. Unfortunately, this doesn’t happen often. Addiction is a powerful disease that doesn’t like to let go.
If you are trying to get your loved one into treatment, this time of the year offers many advantages. You can encourage your family member to seek treatment by sharing this information with them. Or, you might need a stronger approach, such as planning an intervention. Be sure to consult with a professional interventionist first.
Below are some reasons why winter is the best time to seek recovery from addiction.
Be Removed from Stressful Holiday Situations.
The holidays have built-in stressors ranging from family conflict to financial problems. This is also a time when drinking and holiday parties are plentiful. By entering treatment, you remove your loved ones from this stress and also eliminate opportunities for them to drink.
Winter Offers More Privacy.
In many parts of the country, winter is filled with short, gray days, bitter cold temps, and snow. If you live in one of these areas, chances are you don’t even see your neighbors very much! Use this time to get your loved ones the help they need while giving your family privacy.
The Kids Are in School.
Kids are in school during the winter. Attending class fills their days, compared to in the summer when they expect to go on vacation or visit the swimming pool. If your loved one has children, it’s comforting to know that the kids can stick to their same routine while their parent gets professional help.
The New Year Offers Motivation.
The New Year is just around the corner, which means that people will be motivated to do things such as exercise more often, eat healthier meals, repair relationships, move up the career ladder, and so forth. The New Year offers your loved one motivation to change, plus a new year to look forward to. And, being around others who are motivated can boost your loved one’s recovery.
If you are ready to get your loved one help, NOW is the time to do it. There are many benefits to seeking treatment in the winter. Just imagine – next Christmas your loved one could be sober, healthy, and happy!
