As the holidays intensify emotional stress, addiction experts warn that relapse risk rises significantly, even for those stable in recovery for considerable time. Clinicians at Desert Hope Treatment Center emphasize that relapse often begins mentally before any physical return to substance use.
Early Warning Signs
Common warning signs of imminent relapse include increased cravings or persistent thoughts about using, romanticizing past substance use or minimizing its consequences, pulling away from support systems, meetings or loved ones, and increased anxiety, depression, irritability or emotional numbness.
According to Ariann Chelli, Clinical Director at Desert Hope Treatment Center, “The holidays can intensify emotional stress, even for people who have been stable in recovery for some time.” The center stresses that the risk of relapse increases when individuals delay seeking help or minimize early warning signs. Many people notice mental and emotional shifts weeks before a relapse but wait until reaching a crisis point to reach out.
Support Resources
Desert Hope Treatment Center emphasizes that asking for help is not failure, as addiction is a chronic, progressive disease. For some, additional support may mean leaning on expanded resources; for others, it may mean returning to treatment for a period of time. The center reminds individuals in recovery, their families, and community members that support is available throughout the holiday season.
Alumni of Desert Hope programs are encouraged to reconnect through the AAC Together app if they feel challenged or need additional support. According to Chelli, “We want people who are struggling to know our doors are always open.” Located in Las Vegas, Desert Hope Treatment Center serves the greater Las Vegas area and individuals nationwide with evidence-based addiction and mental health treatment, providing a full continuum of inpatient and outpatient services, sober living, and specialized programs including tailored support for Veterans.
This article is an AI-assisted summary. All facts and figures are drawn from the original report: https://menafn.com/1110522330/Relapse-Risk-Increases-During-The-Holidays-Desert-Hope-Treatment-Center-Urges-Early-Support