Navigating Opioid Use Disorder During the Holidays

This holiday season, as we continue to recover from COVID-19 and its many lasting effects, we are seeing a rise in mental health cases known to trigger Opioid Use Disorder. This time of year can feel especially challenging for people dealing with OUD, especially when compounded with other mental health problems and various issues we often encounter during this time of year.

Keep reading to learn more about various triggers and how you can help alleviate concerns for those dealing with OUD, as well as support them on their path to recovery.

Why Do Opioid Overdoses Increase in The Winter?

According to a survey on mental distress resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic by Johns Hopkins’ Department of Mental Health, up to 15% of people with no prior mental health conditions developed psychological distress symptoms during the pandemic. This increase in mental distress, combined with seasonal affective disorders, such as depression, serve as a key influence on people turning to substances including opioids, alcohol, and stimulants to cope. 

Addictive disorders are also known to disrupt relationships with family and friends and cause job loss and financial instability. This harsh cycle is exacerbated during the holiday season as a result of lack of proper shelter from harsh conditions, extreme financial problems, inadequate resources, and diminishing mental health. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, “the holidays can serve as a reminder of loss, loneliness, and shame.” 

Through this multitude of mentally distressing factors, the holiday season is emotionally burdensome for people in general. When coupled with the symptoms and stresses associated with OUD, users often feel overwhelmed and look towards substances as a means of protection, or as an escape from this stress.

Common Triggers for OUD during the Holidays

  • Stressful family dynamics

  • Traveling

  • Busy schedules

  • Social Events

  • Financial burdens 

  • Reminiscing on past holidays / loss

Dr. Kelsie Pierre, MD, of Atrium Health Behavioral Health, states that the months of November, December, and January can serve as a trigger for people dealing with OUD because of increases in “family conflict or financial strain.” Many people dealing with OUD feel a great pressure to be perfect in front of family members, and may not feel comfortable talking about their disease with them.

Stresses can also come in the form of financial burdens associated with the season, coupled with holiday shopping. Another element of the seasons that can be overwhelming is traveling to see loved ones and keeping busy schedules without space for physical and mental recovery.

All of these factors combined can increase an individual's reliance on drug and alcohol use “to cope with various problems [which are] amplified during the holiday season.” Reports from the CDC show that the most dangerous times of the year for drug-and-alcohol related deaths are the months of December and January. In fact, reports have shown nearly 91,000 drug-related deaths solely in the month of December since 1999. 

Navigating Your Social Life With OUD

The holidays also initiate an increase in communal gatherings and social events which often pressure people into the overindulgence of substances such as drugs and alcohol. 

Tip for Navigating Holiday Triggers

  • Set social & personal boundaries

  • Make your physical & mental well-being a priority

  • Seek out support

  • Start new traditions

  • Engage in healthy self care

  • Practice mindfulness everyday activities

Dr. Pierre recommends that, if you or a loved one is dealing with the effects of OUD this holiday season, you don’t attend events or parties that might trigger you, cause you more stress, or aren’t safe for your continued recovery. This can be done by avoiding social settings which may cause you additional stress, or compromise your safety and continued recovery.

It is important that people dealing with OUD know that it is normal to have a feeling of wanting to escape this holiday season, especially with the various stressors of the recent pandemic and the financial and emotional complications associated with seeing large amounts of friends and family. 

It is recommended that, if you are feeling triggered by your surroundings, remove yourself from the situation and instead participate in activities you find fulfilling. If you are not suffering from OUD, but know someone who is, offer them supportive guidance, and let them know that they are not alone in their recovery. Numerous studies have also shown that practicing mindfulness can act as a protective factor against drug craving and problematic substance use.

How Businesses Can Support Employees with OUD

If you are an employer, you can do your part to support the health of your employees who are struggling with OUD during the holidays by starting conversations in your workplace which address the harsh reality of OUD, and treating it like any other chronic disease. Workplace policies which encourage employees to lead with integrity and be honest about their diseases, provide coverage for treatment, and wholly support long term recovery are shown to reduce the negative effects of OUD on employees, families, and businesses overall.

Learn How to Support Your Employees this Holiday

Looking for more information on how you can deal with the effects of OUD, or help a loved one on their road to recovery? Visit our Opioid Use Disorder Business Toolkit for various resources you, or your employer, can utilize for support and information on how you can reduce stigma in your everyday interactions with OUD.

Paige Soucie