The holidays can be lonely for those struggling with addiction. Advocates say connection is key | 24CA News
Lee-Anne Richardson discovered her life once more after giving up alcohol.
“It’s completely transformed my life into something way more colourful, way more meaningful, and a life where I actually, truly love myself and the people around me,” stated Richardson.
She is aware of first-hand how troublesome the vacations may be for individuals on the trail of sobriety. Work events and household gatherings may be minefields.
“It was very hard for the first few years to go through Christmas, friends getting together, family getting together and everyone is drunk except for me,” Richardson stated.
“When I first got sober, I felt like I wasn’t part of the community,” she stated. “The community of Nova Scotia, the community of Halifax, the community of my peers — I didn’t feel like I was a part of anything anymore.”
Those emotions of loneliness and isolation can generally set off previous habits, Richardson stated.
“To find other people who have your support … is the key to sustained sobriety and recovery in life.”
Rethinking the vacations
Patrick Maubert is the co-founder of UNtoxicated Queers. The group focuses on supporting of us within the LGBTQ group who’re coping with substance use.
Maubert stated it may be useful for LGBTQ individuals battling dependancy to re-imagine what the vacations seem like for them. They agree with Richardson that connection is vital.
“The opposite of addiction is community and engagement and togetherness,” stated Maubert.
“I think the importance of coming together with queer community and offering a space that is safer and especially a space that is sober fosters relationships and a network of new friends, new chosen family.”
Both Richardson and Maubert emphasised contemplating the sober individuals in your life when giving presents.
“People assume that if you’re over 19, you’re going to love an NSLC gift card or a bottle of nice wine,” stated Richardson. “So it can be a very triggering time for a lot of people.”
She stated small gestures like having an alcohol-free drink choice at events could make a giant distinction.
Richardson retains monitor of non-alcoholic drink choices in HRM, and stated the record is barely rising. Richardson stated the variety of individuals contemplating sobriety is rising, too.
“I’m seeing a lot more people starting to question their relationship with alcohol because they’re realizing that there is another way to live.”
Maubert stated sobriety has “given me life.”
“It’s given me opportunities to enjoy the moment, to be in the moment. It’s the gift that really keeps on giving.”
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