Help at Christmas

Christmas is a time of joy for many, but can be a painful time for lots of us. Addiction is present all year round, but can be magnified in the festive period.

If you’re worried about your own drinking, drug use, or other addictive behaviour, help and support is available. To go to one of these 12-step meetings, you simply just need to have a desire to stop drinking, drug use, overeating or gambling. There are virtual and in-person options available globally, and you will be welcomed with open arms.

• Alcoholics Anonymous

• Narcotics Anonymous

• Overeaters Anonymous

• Gamblers Anonymous

If you love someone who is an addict, there is support for you too. You may feel completely alone, but please know that your experiences are held by countless others, and you will find understanding and support:

• Al-Anon

• The RISE Foundation (Ireland)

If you find this time of year hard, please know that it will pass. The biggest comfort I take from the festive season is that the new year follows, and with it, a sense of a fresh start.

Just to keep this aligned to the theme of this blog, the best book I read this year was Octavia Bright’s This Ragged Grace. She articulates the joy of sobriety with clarity, reflection and humility. I would recommend it to absolutely anyone, but especially to someone who wants to get sober and is scared of what their life will be. A whole new world is waiting for you, and it is so beautiful.

If you need someone to talk to about this, please do get in touch. You’re not alone.