As we approach the holiday season, the sentiment that it’s “the most wonderful time of the year” can feel misguided, especially for those grappling with substance use disorders (SUD). While this time is often associated with celebration, a 2023 poll by the American Psychological Association shows that 89% of American adults head into the holiday season stressed and overwhelmed. For individuals facing SUD, this heightened anxiety is particularly challenging, but it also presents an opportunity for healthcare providers to step in and offer critical support to foster resilience. In this blog, we’ll delve into the reasons why the holidays amplify stress, anxiety, and depression and explore how digital health solutions can serve as vital resources for both patients and providers during this challenging time.
Why Are Stress, Anxiety, and Depression So Common During the Holidays?
There are several reasons why a person with SUD (or anyone for that matter) may experience stress, anxiety, or depression over the holidays. While not an exhaustive list, here are the top factors:
- Social isolation: Some people have a small social circle or a lack of opportunities for socialization. These individuals are at a greater risk of feeling lonely, and loneliness is a known risk factor for increased substance use.
- Family gatherings: On the flip side, family gatherings can be stressful for many reasons, such as preparation, playing host, being around toxic relatives, reliving unpleasant memories, and being asked invasive questions.
- Schedule disruptions: The holiday season brings up many disruptions to normal schedules. For example, a person might have deadlines to meet before the holiday break or more free time than usual.
- Increased time demands: It’s common for people to experience increased demands from their spouses, partners, or other family members during the holiday season. Combined with difficulty setting boundaries, these demands can cause serious stress.
- Alcohol prevalence: During the holiday season, alcohol and other substances are more commonplace at social gatherings and parties. Additionally, attending holiday events can mean reconnecting with former drinking or drug-using acquaintances. These factors can cause anxiety and stir up temptation for those with SUD.
- Financial concerns: Increased spending with holiday gift lists in crowded stores Crowded stores, holiday gift lists, and more money spent than usual all take a toll on a person’s ability to manage stress during this time of year.
- Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): Also known as the “winter blues,” SAD is a subtype of depression that typically begins in the fall and continues into the winter months.
- Grief: If a person has lost a loved one or gone through a recent breakup, the holidays can amplify the feeling of loss, spurring feelings of sadness, grief, anxiety, and depression.
How Does Holiday Stress Increase a Person’s Risk of Return to Use?
Triggers come in many forms, but stress is one of the biggest. In one study of individuals with SUD, exposure to personal stressors led to significant drug cravings.
For those in recovery from SUD, the results are similar. One study found that people who were newly abstinent following cocaine use had a higher rate of sensitivity to emotional distress and experienced greater drug cravings when stressed.
Another study found that people with alcohol use disorder (AUD) who had been sober for four weeks reported far greater levels of distress and alcohol cravings in response to stress than social drinkers.
While the exact role of stress and return to use is unclear, one reason for this correlation may have to do with changes in the brain and brain activity as a result of dependency. With time, drug and alcohol use can modify the brain’s stress and dopamine pathways, inhibiting their normal functioning and leading to heightened drug cravings, especially when stress levels are high.
Establishing an Essential Support Framework for Staff and Clients
The holiday season presents unique challenges for individuals facing substance use disorders, which can put additional strain on healthcare providers. Social isolation, family pressures, and financial strains can compound stress for both clients and providers, heightening the risk of relapse. There are many tools to help individuals navigate the holidays, but by integrating digital health solutions into their care strategies, providers can alleviate some of this pressure while equipping their patients with essential resources for managing these challenges.
Digital health tools offer effective ways to deliver support, enabling patients to easily access resources, connect with peers, and receive immediate assistance whenever needed. During patient interactions, providers can highlight these innovative solutions, ensuring patients are informed about how to leverage them effectively. By prioritizing digital health tools, treatment organizations create a supportive framework that not only enhances patient outcomes but also reduces the burden on providers. This collaborative approach allows both clients and caregivers to navigate the holiday season with greater resilience, fostering an environment of connection and well-being.
