Making the decision to get the help you need and go to treatment is a major life decision, no matter the time of year. During the holidays, such as Thanksgiving and Christmas, it could be even harder to commit yourself to that step. No one wants to be away from their family and friends during the holidays, but if you are in need of drug rehab, the reality is this is the absolute best time to go. It is important to remember that rehab isn’t a punishment, it is a gift. And, you may be surprised to find that it may be the best Thanksgiving you’ve had in a very long time.
If you aren’t fully convinced, let us explain to you why getting treatment during Thanksgiving is the best thing you could do for both yourself, and your family.
Waiting Could Mean Life Or Death
You may be thinking to yourself that you will first get through the holiday season and then get the help you need, but what if that doesn’t happen? What if that day never comes? Unfortunately, we live in a time when drug addiction is taking more lives than ever before. The saying “tomorrow is never promised,” has never been truer. So, hesitating to commit to rehab, simply because it is during the Thanksgiving season is not only foolish, but it could mean life or death.
Your Family Will Know You Are Safe
As addicts and alcoholics, we would like to tell ourselves that our family needs us at home during the holidays. Unfortunately, the reality is that we haven’t really been there either physically or mentally in years. Often times, our families spend every moment of every day worrying about our well-being. If you decide to go to rehab during the holidays, they will be able to finally sleep soundly knowing you are safe. Also, they will be able to enjoy their holiday more, because they are not constantly crippled by fear.
You’ll Finally Be Able To Experience A Sober Holiday
Drug and alcohol use hinders an individual from really being able to experience and enjoy the meaning of the holidays. Quite often, it is just another day in the life of an addict, looking for ways and means to get more. Rather than being present in the moment, the addict is consumed with how they will get through the day, when they will be able to sneak off and use, and/or completely miss the day entirely.
Although you may not be with your real family during Thanksgiving, you will find that while in rehab, you will be surrounded by people who are going through the same experiences as you. Those shared feelings and experiences will give you a sense of belonging that you have never felt before. Furthermore, most treatment facilities, including Clearbrook, believe in celebrating the holidays in a way that resembles a family-like atmosphere. By partaking in the Thanksgiving Day traditions in a safe environment, you will know how fun it actually is to celebrate clean and sober.
You’ll Know The True Meaning Of Thankfulness & Gratitude
When we really think about it, the meaning of Thanksgiving and the gifts of sobriety go hand-in-hand. While it may be a day for good eating and football games, the real reason we celebrate this holiday is to give thanks for the many blessings in our lives. When we use and abuse drugs and alcohol, the perception and understanding of those blessings are distorted and we lack gratitude.
Going to rehab can give you a restored sense of thankfulness for the many things your life has to offer. For the first time in a long time, you will be able to see the many blessings in the little things in life. While those things can be different for everyone, some may include, family support, friendship, and even things such as freedom from the mental obsessions and cravings that are at the core of our addiction. It is truly a beautiful thing when you can wake up in the morning, and no longer need a chemical to get through the day.
You’ll Have Many More Holidays To Celebrate
If you made the decision to go to rehab today, yes you would have to sacrifice one Thanksgiving with your family and friends. But, think about it this way: How many holidays, birthdays, and family get-togethers have you missed because of your addiction? Probably more than you would like to admit. If you gave up this one holiday with your loved ones to get the help you need, you would never have to miss another event again.
As a result of recovery, you would have a lifetime of holidays and memories to share with those closest to you.
A standard drug and alcohol rehab facility is 28 days in length, so if you committed to treatment today, you could be home for Christmas this year. You could begin your journey knowing that a lifetime of memorable holidays is right around the corner.
Contact Clearbrook Today
If you or someone you know and love is currently struggling with drug addiction or alcoholism, help is available. There is no time like the present to receive the care you need to better your life.
While you are on your journey to wellness at Clearbrook Treatment Centers, you will also be able to experience how we celebrate the holidays, from a family-style Thanksgiving dinner, to many holiday activities, to our annual alumni Christmas party, it will be a time filled with fun, fellowship, and true joy.
If you or a loved one is interested in coming to treatment, please contact our Admissions Specialists today.
