Why You Should Start Treatment in December

Starting Treatment Now May Be The Right Move

The holiday season can be stressful with shopping for gifts, decorating homes, making travel plans and more. For others, however, the hustle and bustle of the holiday season may take a back seat to problems such as substance abuse, addiction, mental illnesses and other psychiatric, physical, emotional or behavioral health issues. It can be hard to imagine taking time out of a busy schedule rife with traditions to start treatment in December. However, we believe that there are plenty of reasons why you should start treatment rather than wait for the new year.

At The Right Step, our team of experts gives clients the treatment and care they deserve that empowers them to overcome substance use or other disorders, take back control of their lives and achieve healing that lasts every day, all year long.

What Does This Holiday Season Have in Store?

In some cases, individuals struggling with a substance use disorder may not be welcomed home for the holidays. This is because of mistakes they made or hurt they caused their family due to drugs or alcohol. Regardless of what you’ve done in the past, you deserve to enjoy a happy holiday, even if it looks different from years past. And it may make December the perfect month for you to seek the treatment you need.

Reason #1 to Start Treatment in December: Receive Care That Can Help You Through Seasonal Loneliness and Depression

The holiday season can present barriers that may prevent individuals from beginning treatment. Some individuals may feel more lethargic during this time of year due to winter blues. Others may experience something more intense, like seasonal affective disorder (SAD)—a type of depression typically experienced in fall and winter with fewer daylight hours.

Mood changes caused by this disorder can impact the way people think, feel, behave and handle daily activities. Individuals experiencing SAD may not feel any motivation to do anything, including seeking treatment. Likewise, the holidays can be lonely for individuals who won’t be with family, friends or a significant other. The loneliness felt this time of year might encourage some people to continue using substances to numb any negative feelings.

At The Right Step, our treatment team implements flexible treatment plans that allow us to meet clients where they are. We help give them the chance to break free from the cycle of substance use.

Reason #2 to Start Treatment in December: You Can Spend Your Holiday With Others You Can Relate To

Many treatment programs include group therapy sessions. In group therapy, you can learn better socialization and communication skills, express yourself and listen to others who have similar issues to your own and form connections and relationships with your new peers. When you start treatment in December, you spend the holidays in a safe environment with other individuals receiving treatment and mental health professionals who can understand what you’re going through.

Without any stress related to past mistakes or hurt you’ve caused your family, you can grow and share the holiday spirit with individuals you relate to and mutually support. Ultimately, you’ll be able to cope with stressors and behaviors, own up to errors and issues, and find solutions—progress that can help you enjoy family gatherings and holidays with the people you love.

Start Treatment in December at The Right Step

You can make a commitment to recovery and sobriety at any point of the year. But doing so in December can give you the chance to make a fresh start going into the following year. Clinicians and therapists at The Right Step can help you regain control of your life through flexible programs such as:

Call The Right Step Centers at 844.873.3042. We help you receive treatment through research-backed and holistic options to heal the body, mind and spirit. Here, you get the support and guidance you need to achieve and maintain sobriety. Not just for the holiday season but for every year to come.