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While this time of year brings joy and merriment to most of us, we in the substance use and mental health treatment field are all too familiar with those who find it troublesome. Conflicts can arise from within, stemming from disorders that make social gatherings terrifying. Or they can be substance induced, making someone an annoyance or worse at holiday gatherings. If this was a problem for you or a loved one last year, we would like to suggest that you get help so the holidays can be pleasant going forward.

Anyone who suffers from mental health or substance use disorders, and their loved ones, are familiar with troubles during the holiday season. Yet, each year, millions hope that conflicts and heartaches from the past won’t be repeated. As a general rule, negative behavior gets in the way of the good times once again, every year.

Mental health disorders can cause individuals to avoid social gatherings, in cases of depression, which can bring loneliness and bitter feelings. Anxiety, Bi-Polar Disorder, and other conditions can result in tense outbursts or other negative behaviors at gatherings. Their loved ones might say that they suffer as much, if not more, than the person with the disorder. Sadness or anger becomes the prevailing emotions of the season for all involved.

Alcohol use is at an annual high due to holiday parties, out of school youths, and the seasonal servings of festive drinks. The weather is colder, and many feel like they have an excuse to “let loose”. When alcohol abusers drink more than usual, verbal conflicts, physical fights, and tragic accidents are a higher likelihood. When alcohol is served at a large holiday gathering, at least one person is bound to be negatively impacted by an alcohol abuser. And, we’re sorry that it still needs to be said, innocent people die from drunken driving accidents. Alcohol abuse is in no way “festive”.

It’s the same pattern, year after year, that we see at Tarzana Treatment Centers. Admissions for substance use and mental health drop as the holiday season approaches. Then they rise somewhat sharply as the New Year begins, after the spotlight has been shown on individuals and their disorders. Most of them had considered entering treatment before the holidays, but put it off so they could enjoy them, as they say.

Whether the problems of last year were mild or severe, we suggest that you or your loved one speaks with a counselor before the first holiday gathering. This is especially a good idea if problems have occurred more than once with an individual. You deserve better. Something as simple as a Vivitrol injection to reduce alcohol cravings may be the remedy. It will help you to begin the process of healing, and you can become a part of the crowd that will enjoy a happy holiday season this year.

Tarzana Treatment Centers in Los Angeles provides a full array of health care services including adult and youth alcohol and drug treatment. We specialize in treatment for mental health and substance use disorders, and have two primary medical care clinics in the San Fernando Valley and Antelope Valley and specialized services for HIV/AIDS care. If you or a loved one needs help with alcohol dependence, drug addiction, or co-occurring mental health disorders or from other services we offer, please call us now at 888-777-8565 or contact us using our secure contact form.

Telemedicine services are also available with online medical care, online mental health treatment, and online alcohol and drug treatment.

Tarzana Treatment Centers has locations all over Southern California in Los Angeles County. Other than our central location in Tarzana, we have facilities in Lancaster in the Antelope Valley, Long Beach, and in Northridge and Reseda in the San Fernando Valley.