Holiday season especially difficult for people struggling with addiction

MOBILE, Ala (WPMI) — Many of us feel merry and bright during the holidays but for some, it's one of the toughest times of the year. Especially for people that are struggling with addiction. According to the Center for Network Therapy, drug and alcohol relapse rates skyrocket during the holidays by 150% one of the reasons officials say is seasonal affective disorder.

Virginia Guy is the Executive Director of the Drug Education Council. She says the holiday season is considered to be a very high-risk time.

"It's stressful again disruption in schedule, the pressure for presents and for showing up and for cooking for all of the different things," says Guy.

The stress of being around family, Guy says can lead addicts down the rabbit hole.

"It's difficult when families all get together. It's not always like a Hallmark movie," says Guy.

Overdose deaths happen throughout the year, but Guy is worried.

"I'm afraid that we may see an increase during this season," she says.

The National Institute of Mental Health says substance abuse disorder is a mental disorder. For people that struggle with seasonal affective disorder or seasonal depression, Guy says the urge to use could feel stronger.

"With the days being shorter and their being more dark, more cold, a lot of people will be more uncomfortable, and they'll tend to use a little bit more," she says.

Certified Recovery Peer Advocate, Kathryn Bruno says if you're an addict and you feel like you need to use. Take a moment to halt.

"Which stands for hungry, angry, lonely, tired. Are you hungry? Are you angry? Are you lonely? Are you tired? When you address those things, you start to feel a little better," says Bruno.

Bruno says if you're not ready to be with family, you don't have to go home for the holidays. Another healthy alternative is connecting with people in recovery groups.