Rehab for the Holidays: The Best Gift for Yourself and Your Loved Ones

Being in rehab for the holidays probably sounds like the last place you want to be but, hear me out. Spending the holidays in rehab instead of with your loved ones is the best thing you could ever do for yourself because you are investing in a very precious asset: YOU. By being in rehab during a time of the year that can be particularly vulnerable, especially for people who struggle with substance abuse, you are safeguarding your health and safety.

It’s also the best gift you can give your family. It might sound cliché but, it’s really true.

Rehab for the Holidays: Reason Versus Motivation

There is a difference between reason and motivation and it’s important to understand this, especially when it comes to going to rehab for the holidays or at other any time of the year, for that matter.

The reason you decide to get treatment for your drug abuse or addiction issues should always be you. Meaning, even if it’s not originally your idea or choice to go – perhaps you have been court-ordered or your family has pressured you into going – as long as you become willing to change at some point in your treatment process, you must decide that you want this. And it all comes down to knowing that you are worth leading a sober lifestyle and that you deserve to be happy and healthy.

Motivation, on the other hand, is similar to reason but slightly different. Your motivation(s) for getting and staying clean and sober might be things like your family, children, job, etc. So, these are the things you want to keep and improve once you begin the recovery process.

Rehab for the Holidays: The Best Gift for Yourself and Your Loved Ones

Many people think that being an active alcoholic or drug addict is a choice and that it comes down to willpower. Once you enter rehab, however, you will learn that the true nature of addiction is that it is a medical disease that involves both genetics as well as environmental causes.

Now, taking that into account, being in active addiction turns us into very selfish people. We end up hurting not only ourselves but, our loved ones, too. And we usually don’t want to do such things, such as steal and lie, but our addiction has such a powerful hold over us that we can’t stop, even if we truly want to.

You may not want to see it that way but, take it from this recovering addict: when you are drinking or drugging yourself to death, you aren’t just hurting yourself, as much as you want to believe that; your family and friends are going through their own version of hell as they sit on the sidelines watching you self-destruct. Once you realize this, I think it will help to put things into perspective for you. Going to rehab for the holidays isn’t just about you – it’s about those who love you and only want the best for you. By avoiding rehab simply because you don’t want to spend your Christmas in treatment, you are again being the ultimate selfish brat. There, I said it. I know these are harsh words but, addicts and alcoholics are pretty studdorn and I know this because I am one and I know a lot of others like me.

Rehab for the Holidays: A Truly Priceless Gift

Being in active addiction, you probably don’t have a lot of money to spend on presents for your family members and other loved ones. So, why not give them the ultimate gift? By getting help and being somewhere safe at holiday time is really a two-fold present: you will be giving them the best and whole authentic you (the person they always knew and loved) and you will be giving them some peace of mind – both of which are priceless.

Rehab for the Holidays: The Gift That Keeps On Giving

Going to rehab for the holidays isn’t anyone’s idea of an ideal way to spend the holidays. I totally get it. But, look at it this way: what’s one Christmas in rehab compared to the countless Christmases, birthdays, and other holidays and special occasions that you would ruin by not being clean and sober? Take this opportunity, not just for your family but, for yourself. Show yourself the ultimate gesture of love and compassion by getting help today.

If you or a loved one is struggling with substance abuse or addiction, please call toll-free 1-800-777-9588 to speak directly with an Addiction Specialist. We are available 24/7, every day, including holidays. If you’re ready to turn your life around and lead a life worth living, the time is now!