{"id":226419,"date":"2019-12-23T06:00:35","date_gmt":"2019-12-23T04:00:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/germistoncitynews.co.za\/?p=226419"},"modified":"2019-12-19T14:46:55","modified_gmt":"2019-12-19T12:46:55","slug":"addicted-recovery-festive-season","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/develop.citizen.co.za\/germiston-city-news\/news-headlines\/2019\/12\/23\/addicted-recovery-festive-season\/","title":{"rendered":"Addicted to your recovery during the festive season"},"content":{"rendered":"

During the festive season, it is especially challenging to stay clean or sober.<\/p>\n

\u201cEmotions, stress and exposure leave those suffering from a substance abuse disorder vulnerable and loved ones should be extra supportive,\u201d said Karen Griessel, a social worker at Wedge Gardens rehab centre.<\/p>

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\u201cFor many families, this time of the year is even more difficult due to the losses and pain caused by active addiction.<\/p>\n

\u201cHaving to manage expectations to be a loving festive family can add stress and anxiety.<\/p>

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\u201cAnother issue that causes distress is the expectations of loved ones that those in recovery be happy when the reality is that they are trying to cope without using substances.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is a huge challenge for the individual.<\/p>\n

\u201cLoved ones need to be empathetic and show restraint and understanding.\u201d<\/p>\n

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She added that possible relapse is also at the back of everyone\u2019s minds and, therefore, an active relapse prevention plan is always a good idea.<\/p>\n

The truth is that alcohol consumption increases over this time and even innocent acts like cooking with alcohol can be a trigger.<\/p>\n

All round, self-care for everyone involved is essential to keep things calm emotionally.<\/p>\n

Practical tips:<\/strong>
\n\u2022 Attend support groups like AA, NA or Alanon.
\n\u2022 Be accountable by talking to a sponsor, therapist or trusted friend.
\n\u2022 Give of yourself by being of service to others.
\n\u2022 Do good, like going to the SPCA to give food or walk a dog.
\n\u2022 Avoid people who are judgemental or will make you uncomfortable.
\n\u2022 Take care of yourself by getting enough rest, sleep, exercise and nutrition.
\n\u2022 Have a recovery kit like the AA book, journaling and other recovery books.
\n\u2022 If you attend holiday parties, get there early, leave early and bring your own drinks.
\n\u2022 Have an exit plan for any uncomfortable risky situation you find yourself in.<\/p>\n

For more information, contact Wedge Gardens on 011\u00a0430\u00a00320 or visit the website www.wedgegardens.co.za.<\/p>\n

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Hav<\/strong>e a story?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Contact the newsroom by emailing: Melissa Hart (Editor)\u00a0<\/span>germistoncitynews@caxton.co.za,<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>Leigh Hodgson (News Editor)\u00a0<\/span>leighh@caxton.co.za\u00a0<\/a><\/strong>or Ashley Kiley (Journalist)\u00a0ashleyk@caxton.co.za.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

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