Can you face another Christmas living with an alcoholic, gambler or an addict?
There is less than a month until Christmas. And for many of us the focus of our attention has been on what the Covid restrictions are going to be at that time. What tier we are going to be in. And how very different Christmas will be this year compared with previous years. However, for those of us with an addict in the family, Christmas living with an alcoholic presents its own challenges. Some families dread this time of year and the chaos. Emotional trauma and difficult times it inevitably brings with an active alcoholic, gambler or addict in our midst.
Different way to celebrate
This year it is likely that there will not be prolonged trips to the pubs and the inevitable upset and chaos that they can bring. There might not be so many large celebratory family gatherings. Which become anything but when inappropriate comments are made, arguments start and even physical altercations ensue. However, as has been the case for much of this year, families will be cooped up together over the festive period. And addicts and alcoholics will be exposed. Everyone will be treading on eggshells not wanting to be the one who sets off the unpleasant exchange, the argument, the dreadful atmosphere. The amount of drinking and using and the effects of this will be there for all present to see.
Christmas living with an alcoholic – hope for the future
Some families feel that they really cannot face another ruined Christmas. So they consider sending the troublesome individual to drug and alcohol rehabilitation. This gets them out of the way so the rest of the family can enjoy their Christmas in peace. The rest of the family can also relax, knowing that the person they still love. (despite their addiction and challenging behaviour!) is also safe and cared for (and clean and sober!). It should also give some hope for the future. Maybe the treatment for alcoholism and addiction will actually work. What a new year present that would be!
Convincing someone they need treatment
If you want to get your family member into rehab, it is just a phone call away. The hardest bit – apart from finding the money for private addiction rehab centre – will be persuading the alcoholic or addict to go. They will come up with all the excuses under the sun. They have to be home for Christmas, their children need them there, they will not cause any problems, please do not send them off to rehab at this time of year where they will not know anyone, will be miserable, upset etc.
You need to be firm – preferably as a family – and say you will not have them present over Christmas, this is going to be the best possible Christmas present for you and all those who love him or her – that they are going off to get well and be there for a new start in 2021. Christmas is just a matter of days (5 days when Covid restrictions do not apply). What they could gain is a lifetime of recovery – hope and happiness.
