Experts: People with substance use disorder have higher chance of relapse during holidays

PORTLAND (WGME) -- As 2019 comes to an end, many Mainers will be spending the last couple days with family or friends to celebrate the holidays.

According to health workers in Maine, people suffering from substance use disorder have a higher chance to relapse during this period of time.

"Shortly after January 1st there is an influx," ENSO Recovery Executive Director Steven Danzig said.

He says that holiday events can create uncomfortable situations that include exposure to alcohol or other substances, as well as confrontations with peers.

"[People facing addiction] can feel the eyes upon them, of distrust," Danzig said. "For a lot of folks it really increases the shame and remorse around their substance use disorder."

Amy Kaplan, a license psychotherapist for PlushCare, says that family and friends of people with substance use disorder can do a couple things to make their loved one feel safe.

"It's important to really be understanding and flexible," Kaplan said. "When you're planning events, ask them what they need to feel comfortable, what you can do to make them have a good time."

She says that anyone suffering from addiction should know when to say no.

"It's okay to edit out some of the events that you've gone to in years past, and be realistic about what you think you can do and what you think you can handle during the holidays," Kaplan said.

Danzig says that people early in their recovery are the most vulnerable, and that friends and family of those people should treat them with extra empathy.

"People that are new in recovery are seeking acceptance from their loved ones," Danzig said. "It tends to mitigate some of that shame and remorse that they're feeling."

He says that he encourages everyone to be kind, saying that small actions can go a long way towards helping another person.

"Go out of your way to hold the door open for somebody. It's really that simple," Danzig said. "Just a matter of treating others the way you want to be treated."

PlushCare is an online health service platform. To learn more about their services, click here.

Any Mainer who is looking for treatment during the holiday season can check out this list of services available 24/7 including holidays.