Meth Addiction and The Holidays; Part 1

The holiday season will soon be here. For many people who cope with the meth addiction of a loved one can be very hard. Here you will find some important info on the subject of meth addiction and the holidays.

Some people will get stressed because of remembering past holiday bad memories dealing with meth or an addict. Memories of times stained by bad happenings may come rushing back. For others, it may be the first time they have a holiday that includes an active addiction. This may cause the stress of not knowing what to be expecting.

As well, it’s important to remember that if you do not want to deal with an addicted family member or friend that it doesn’t make you a bad parent, family member or friend. This could mean rest for the family (peace of mind) and a gift to the addict in the form of a wakeup call.

If you do include them in your holiday festivities this season, here are a few tips:

Structure Is Vital
Don’t leave anything to chance. Plan ahead, make a schedule and stick to it. Set a time for guests to arrive, a time the holiday dinner will be served and set a time when the festivities will end. Plan the menu and do as much of it as early as you can.

Addicts can be serious control freaks even though they are not in control of their own lives. Addicts will unconsciously know this and try to control everyone else’s life. Inform the addict in advance when to come, when dinner is and what time you expect the day to end so you can get things put away and have some time to relax.

Set Priorities
Figure out what activities or traditions you want to include. Split your plans up into smaller jobs and do the most important ones first. Ask others to help and then let them do it.

Don’t Get Broadsided By Triggers
Be sure to understand the triggers that can happen when dealing with meth addiction and the holidays. Family relationships can be tumultuous even during ordinary times, but misunderstandings and conflict can get worse during the holidays. Siblings may argue, etc. Do what you can to think of triggers in advance and make a conscious effort to anticipate and diffuse them. An addict who has been absent due to his/her addiction can be especially uncomfortable and take offense at the slightest thing. They may want to show that they are loved by trying to prove a point. Thinking about those small things in advance can help when dealing with meth addiction and the holidays

Get Your Expectations In Order
Realize that nothing is ever going to be perfect. When dealing with meth addiction and the holidays, if you start out knowing that just having your loved one alive and with you is awesome, then all the other good things that happen is icing on the cake. Expect some anxiety, some things not turning out the way you want them to and you’ll be ahead of the game.

Get Real
As a family changes and grows, traditions should change as well. Some traditions may no longer be possible, or may need to be adjusted. Maybe it’s best to have everyone go out for the holiday dinner. If you’re concerned about violence, property damage or that something might get taken, go out for the meal. When dealing with meth addiction and the holidays there might be the fear that the addict going into the bathroom or elsewhere on the property to use.

This time of year can be a little unnerving if you are dealing with meth addiction and the holidays. We will explore more tips to have a less anxious holiday season when it includes an addict in the next part of this series.