The Most Wonderful Time of Year… Sometimes

Seventeen years old, about to start his last semester of high school and embark on the rest of his life, John spent a December evening studying with friends. Lost in the books, it had gotten incredibly late when he packed his things and started walking home. Not even a block down the road a drunk driver took an incredibly wide U-turn through the cul-de-sac striking John at over 40 miles per hour—he wouldn’t live to see the ambulance arrive…

John was my friend, and having to use “was” instead of “is” still haunts all of us.”
– Lindsay

During the holiday season, our roadways become more crowded and dangerous than ever as nearly 40 million people travel over 50 miles to and from holiday parties, joining friends and family in celebration. While the holiday season can be the most wonderful time of year, it is also a time when alcohol abuse is more socially acceptable at these family gatherings marking the darker side of the holidays as a time of premature death from drinking and driving and an increase in addiction.

The death toll from accidents involving alcohol abuse is arguably at its highest point between Thanksgiving and New Year’s. Drunk driving also accounts for the following shocking statistics:

• An average drunk driver has driven drunk 80 times before first arrest

• This year 10,839 people will die in drunk-driving crashes—one every 50 minutes

• 50 – 75% of convicted drunk drivers continue to drive on a suspended license

• Every minute, one person is injured from an alcohol-related crash

Also, the holidays are a time of year that can be more stressful than usual and it may seem like a few drinks are a good way to take the edge off; yet, it can easily become a slippery slope leading to alcohol addiction. The holiday season has since seen a rise in relapse rates and depression, marking this “joyful” time a threat to sparking and/or continuing alcohol and drug addiction. Here are a few more tips to having a safe and joyful holiday season:

• Be aware of the dangers affiliated with the holiday season. It will keep the intended joy at the forefront of your time with family and friends

• Make sure your loved ones don’t drink and drive and remain precautious while traveling to holiday get-togethers

• The holidays give high school and college kids a break from their studies and are more likely to irresponsibly party—address the dangers while they are home

• Seek treatment for alcohol and drug addiction before the holidays are underway. What better gift than addiction recovery?

If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction and are ready to seek the alcohol and drug rehab treatment you need during this holiday season, don’t hesitate to call our trained addiction specialists toll free at 855-678-8337.

Happy Holidays,

The Recovery Place Family