Addiction experts are warning that drug and alcohol relapse rates spike during the holiday season, with factors such as heightened emotional stress, disrupted routines, social pressures, and isolation contributing to significantly increased risk. Desert Hope Treatment Center, located in Las Vegas, emphasizes that recognizing warning signs early and reaching out for help can be critical for protecting recovery during this vulnerable period.
Early Warning Signs
Clinicians at Desert Hope note that relapse often begins mentally before any physical return to substance use occurs, sometimes weeks in advance. Common warning signs include increased cravings or persistent thoughts about using, romanticizing past substance use or minimizing its consequences, pulling away from support systems and loved ones, and increased anxiety, depression, irritability or emotional numbness. The risk of relapse increases significantly when individuals delay seeking help or minimize early warning signs of mental distress.
Timeline and Intervention
According to Ariann Chelli, Clinical Director at Desert Hope Treatment Center, many individuals notice mental and emotional shifts weeks before a relapse but wait until reaching a crisis point to seek help. “The holidays can intensify emotional stress, even for people who have been stable in recovery for some time,” Chelli said. “Asking for help is not failure. Addiction is a chronic, progressive disease. It’s important to reach out before a relapse occurs. For some, that may mean leaning on additional support. For others that may mean returning to treatment for a period of time.”
Available Resources
Desert Hope Treatment Center provides a full continuum of inpatient and outpatient services, as well as sober living, for individuals facing substance use and co-occurring mental health disorders. Alumni of Desert Hope programs are encouraged to reconnect through the AAC Together app if they feel challenged or need additional support during the holiday season. The facility also offers specialized programs for veterans, recognizing the unique treatment needs of this population.
This article is an AI-assisted summary. All facts and figures are drawn from the original report: https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2025/12/24/3210394/0/en/Relapse-Risk-Increases-During-the-Holidays-Desert-Hope-Treatment-Center-Urges-Early-Support.html