Last Updated on October 14, 2025
How Should Families Deal with Addiction During the Holidays?
At a Glance: Coping With Addiction During the Holidays
- Holiday gatherings can magnify stress and isolation for families affected by addiction; acknowledging the strain is the first step to protecting your well-being.
- Set clear, compassionate plans: talk directly with your loved one about expectations, alcohol availability, and boundaries; consider hosting a sober or low-risk event.
- Prioritize connection to reduce isolation—schedule supportive social time, lean on trusted friends, and engage counseling or peer groups like Nar-Anon.
- If you’re in recovery, write a “consequence list” to counter urges (e.g., “just one drink”) and prevent relapse during holiday triggers.
- Professional help is available, including detox/rehab options and outpatient support to navigate the season safely and start the new year on solid footing.
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Life with an addicted family member can be stressful and chaotic, but during the holidays, this can sometimes be magnified. Enjoying the holiday season may seem impossible when you’re bombarded by feelings of frustration, disappointment, or dread, especially if your addicted loved one is out of control. Even if he or she is just beginning a new life in recovery, it can sometimes feel like you’re walking on eggshells just to keep things from falling apart.
Addiction Breeds Isolation
When a person becomes addicted to a substance like alcohol or drugs, the substance takes priority over everything else and becomes the central focus of that person’s life. As a result, it’s difficult for that person to establish and maintain healthy relationships, which leads to isolation.
Many addicted people will continue abusing their substance of choice to numb feelings of unworthiness, low self-esteem, and loneliness. However, this behavior only fans the flames of the fire and leads to poor decision-making and reckless behavior that further contributes to the disintegration of relationships.
Similarly, if your loved one is addicted, his or her behavior may leave you feeling neglected or angry. You may face financial difficulties, legal consequences, verbal and/or sexual abuse, or homelessness as a result of the substance abuse. While trying to cope with it all, you may deny that the problem exists or withdraw from friends and family to avoid questions and comments about your loved one’s behavior.
No matter what your situation is this holiday season, you don’t have to face it alone. Dealing with substance abuse and addiction in the family can be extremely isolating and although it’s tempting to withdrawal from friends, embarrassment or fear of what they might think, choosing to open up to a trusted friend, family member, or counselor can help you solve your problems and relieve some of the stress that’s keeping you from relaxing this holiday season.
If you’re struggling to support a loved one in recovery, Nova’s family program offers education and guidance to help you rebuild trust and maintain healthy relationships during difficult times.
Alcohol and the Holidays
Overindulging is common this time of year, and many family traditions center on alcohol, which can heighten holiday stress and addiction risks. If eliminating alcohol isn’t realistic, reduce access: serve only with meals, limit quantity, and ensure safe rides home. When a loved one is in early recovery, plan ahead and set expectations so gatherings remain supportive and avoid triggers that could lead to relapse, consider support through sober living homes in Austin.
Families affected by addiction may face additional challenges during the holiday season because overindulging in alcohol is common this time of year. Social norms tell us that alcohol is a necessary part of our holiday celebrations and as a result, there are more frequent opportunities to drink (and to drink a lot).
Attempting to navigate the holidays when a loved one is struggling with alcoholism is difficult. Tensions can also run high if a loved one is in the early stages of recovery and many family holiday activities are centered around alcohol.
Although it’s a great idea to eliminate alcohol from all family holiday traditions, it is not always possible or ideal for all families. If this is the case for you, you may find yourself wondering how you will get through the holidays without making things more difficult for your loved one. Of course, you don’t want to add to stress that could cause a relapse. And if your loved one is actively addicted, how do you proceed with the season’s festivities without contributing to further estrangement?
How Should Families Deal with Addiction During the Holidays?
Attempting to manage a substance use disorder while keeping the peace during the holidays seems all but impossible. Unfortunately, there’s no simple guide or solution to dealing with addiction during the holidays and how you approach substance abuse issues with your loved ones is a highly individualized process. What works for you and your loved ones may not work for others.
However, whatever your situation may be, there are a few things you can do to navigate the holidays and make them as enjoyable as possible if a loved one is addicted or in recovery.
Should I avoid holiday events if my family is dealing with addiction?
No—stay connected. Isolation increases stress, anxiety, and relapse risk.
Make goals to socialize. Often, when faced with the challenging circumstances related to addiction, it’s extremely tempting to isolate yourself from others and spend the holiday season hibernating at home away from the peering eyes of friends, neighbors, and family. However, this can do more harm than good. Isolation can lead to feelings of depression, anxiety, and loneliness, leaving you in a very dark place. Instead, fight the temptation to isolate yourself from others and make goals to socialize this holiday season, despite what may be going on with your loved one and his or her substance abuse. Spending time with friends and loved ones and even choosing a few trusted individuals to share your personal life with will help you let go of some stress, find support, and focus on your own health and well-being. See our holiday survival guide for ideas.
How should I talk to my loved one about holiday plans and alcohol?
Set expectations early—ask about plans, share concerns, and agree on boundaries.
Talk to your addicted loved one directly. If your loved one is currently abusing drugs or alcohol, you may be hesitant to invite him or her to your holiday events. You may also worry about tempting someone in recovery if you host a holiday party where alcohol is openly available. Depending on your relationship with the person, you may need to speak directly with him or her to address the issue. This conversation would be a great opportunity to ask your loved one about their drinking plans, share your concerns, and review expectations. You may also want to speak with your co-hosts (if you have any) to discuss how you will address any issues or conflicts, should they arise. Our family program can help you set expectations together.
Is it better to host a sober holiday party?
Yes, when possible; otherwise, reduce availability and plan safe transportation.
Consider hosting a sober event.Whether or not you serve alcohol at family holiday events is completely up to you and may require a family discussion. If you are worried about being insensitive toward someone in recovery, you may decide to host an alcohol-free holiday event. However, if your loved one is actively drinking, you can make plans to minimize the harm by making sure he or she has a ride home, reducing the amount of alcohol available (or not serving it at all), or reducing access to alcohol by only providing it with a meal instead of throughout the entire event. Those transitioning out of treatment often benefit from peer recovery support.
How can I prevent relapse if I’m in recovery this season?
Write a consequence list so urges meet clear, personal reasons to stay sober.
Write out a consequence list. If you are in recovery this holiday season, you may find yourself entertaining thoughts of “just having one drink” or letting loose a little, which can be dangerous. These thoughts may not be impossible to avoid, but to help prevent relapse, write out a consequence list to help you keep things in perspective. To start, think about all the possible negative consequences that could occur if you decide to drink. Examples could be disappointing your spouse, jeopardizing your marriage, or being unable to spend time with your kids due to your physical impairment. When you start feeling tempted, take a look at your list and use it as a motivating tool to resist the temptation to drink.
Worried about holiday triggers? Review our holiday relapse prevention tips and 9 common holiday addiction triggers.
When should families seek professional help?
If substance use is active or stress is escalating, get support from therapy, Nar‑Anon, or treatment.
Seek professional help.If you need to enter inpatient alcohol rehab austin or you need additional support during the holiday season to deal with an addicted loved one, there is help available. Nar-Anon support groups provide assistance year-round for family members of addicted loved ones and a quick online search may reveal convenient meetings near your home. You may also choose to attend individual therapy sessions for one-on-one support and guidance. If you’re struggling with substance abuse problems, enrolling in alcohol detox center in Austin or outpatient drug rehab Austin TX during the holidays may be just what you need to start the new year off right.
Addiction and Recovery Services During the Holidays
Having a family member with addiction during the holidays can be difficult, but with the right help and group counseling, you can effectively navigate through the season with limited stress and difficulty. Call (512) 309-5699 today to learn more about addiction treatment services and trauma‑informed practices for families of addicted individuals at Nova Recovery Center.
Holiday Help: Frequently Asked Questions
What services does Nova offer if we need help during the holidays?
Nova Recovery Center provides a full continuum of care across its locations in Austin, Wimberley, Houston, San Antonio, and Colorado Springs—including medically supervised detox, 90‑day inpatient (residential) rehab, Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), supportive outpatient, and structured sober living to help ease the transition into sober living in Austin, Texas and back to everyday life.
How does the 90‑day inpatient program support families over the holidays?
At the Wimberley (near Austin) residential facility, clients receive a personalized, holistic treatment plan with therapy, relapse prevention, family involvement, and amenities like chef-prepared meals, a gym, and serene natural spaces—all designed for deeper healing and long-term behavioral change.
What’s the difference between IOP and supportive outpatient for post‑holiday support?
- IOP is about structured, consistent care—typically meeting three times per week over eight weeks—and is ideal for people transitioning from inpatient rehab or needing high support but flexibility.
- Supportive outpatient helps clients reintegrate into daily life, focusing on relapse prevention, job or education preparation, and building autonomy with individualized oversight.
How do sober living programs at Nova support ongoing recovery?
Nova’s sober living homes (available in Austin, Houston, San Antonio, Philadelphia and Colorado Springs) provide structure and community support—with regular screenings, coaching, sober peer environments, and assistance with employment and education—to help residents transition smoothly into a sustained sober lifestyle.
Is medical detox required before starting rehab at Nova?
If someone is facing withdrawal or has a high level of substance use, a medically supervised detox is often recommended. Nova partners with trusted detox providers to ensure clients begin treatment safely and comfortably.
How individualized is the treatment plan?
Very. Each client undergoes assessments to create a customized treatment plan that is updated regularly. Nova emphasizes evidence-based therapies and adapts treatment to shifting needs—whether that’s changing medications, adding therapy types, or adjusting intensity.
What is the admissions process like?
Starting with a private admissions call, Nova offers a confidential, compassionate intake process that includes insurance verification, scheduling, and a medical and mental health evaluation. A personalized detox and treatment plan is then created to make treatment ready as soon as possible—even same or next day.
Does Nova provide aftercare and continuing care support?
Absolutely. Your journey doesn’t end after rehab. Nova offers aftercare programs, alumni groups, ongoing IOP, and personal monitoring to ensure long-term support and maintenance of sobriety.
Can we tour facilities before committing during the busy season?
Yes—walking the grounds, meeting the team, and seeing the environment can offer peace of mind. Nova offers facility tours and virtual tours to help you feel confident about your choice.
How do I choose the right level of care?
The ideal program depends on your readiness and situation. If withdrawal or heavy substance use is a concern, detox is a place to start. For intense, immersive treatment, choose the 90-day residential drug rehab stay. IOP or supportive outpatient suits those balancing recovery with responsibilities, and sober living provides structured independence. Your admissions coordinator can help guide the fit.
Other Drug and Alcohol Rehab Locations
Outside Austin? Explore outpatient rehab in Houston or our San Antonio IOP for the same quality care.
Medical Disclaimer
The information on this page is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction or experiencing a medical emergency, seek immediate help from a licensed healthcare provider. In the United States, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department for urgent assistance. Always consult your doctor before making any changes to your treatment plan or medication.
Nova Recovery Center Editorial Guidelines
By instituting a policy, we create a standardized approach to how we create, verify, and distribute all content and resources we produce. An editorial policy helps us ensure that any material our writing and clinical team create, both online and in print, meets or exceeds our standards of integrity and accuracy. Our goal is to demonstrate our commitment to education and patient support by creating valuable resources within our realm of expertise, verifying them for accuracy, and providing relevant, respectful, and insightful data to our clients and families.
- National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. (n.d.). Rethinking drinking: Alcohol and your health. Retrieved October 14, 2025, from https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/rethinking-drinking
- National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2020, July 6). Treatment and recovery. Retrieved October 14, 2025, from https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugs-brains-behavior-science-of-addiction/treatment-recovery
- Nar-Anon Family Groups. (n.d.). Find a meeting. Retrieved October 14, 2025, from https://www.nar-anon.org/find-a-meeting
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (n.d.). SAMHSA’s national helpline. Retrieved October 14, 2025, from https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/
