Conversation Matters

San Diego-based Shoreline Recovery Center offers encouraging conversation tips for loved ones with addiction during the holiday season.

For individuals in recovery, navigating sobriety can feel like a solitary journey. Especially during the holiday season, it can heighten stress and anxiety, feelings of isolation and increase relapse risk.

“The holidays often bring a mix of emotions,” said Shoreline Recovery Center Therapist Mike Kubota. “While it’s a time for celebration, it can also be overwhelming for those struggling with addiction.”

Even during friend and family gatherings, breaking the stigma surrounding addiction is an ongoing conversation–one that needs to be normalized. It’s a sensitive season and increased precautions should be made for those supporting a loved one currently fighting their dependency.

Substance use disorders (SUDs) are chronic, treatable conditions, but stigma makes them more difficult to recover from. Negative attitudes, beliefs and conversation contribute to how the disease is perceived.

Changing the conversation surrounding addiction can reduce stigma and even improve treatment outcomes and there are many ways to foster meaningful discussion.

Shoreline Recovery Center staff, for example, focus on the importance of real conversation in their communities and bring awareness to the stigma of addiction within its family programming.

“It’s important for those in recovery to feel safe and not judged, especially when they are surrounded by loved ones,” said Shoreline Recovery Center Clinical Director Mike Gallagher. “One way to do this is to encourage open dialogue by listening without criticism or making assumptions.”

Having these types of compassionate conversations can make a significant difference—and sometimes even save a life.

Another option offered by Kubota is to ask open-ended, supportive questions. “Some examples are, ‘How have you been feeling lately? or ‘Is there anything weighing on you right now?’”

Another way that loved ones can be supportive is to be mindful of causing potential triggers. Hosting alcohol-centered celebrations or bringing up past struggles can be difficult for those in recovery, especially during large gatherings.

“Part of breaking the stigma of addiction is normalizing the conversation by having one that’s treated like a medical condition,” Gallagher said. “It should be checked regularly and not be associated with guilt or shame.”

It takes a lot of courage to seek help, so it’s important to educate yourself on the biological and psychological aspects of addiction to help dispel misconceptions.

Of course, it’s always a good idea to remind loved ones that they’re not alone. Sharing personal experiences also humanizes the issue and shows that healing is not only possible, but common.

At Shoreline Recovery Center, staff help individuals find the right balance for long-term recovery using various tools. They’re taught how to build a support network by actively connecting with others, as well as find new, sober activities like volunteering, joining a class, or pursuing a new hobby. They also learn how to create structure with healthy routines and realistic goals.

“Addiction recovery is real and loved ones can be an asset in that journey,” Kubota said.

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