When you have a loved one in treatment for addiction or mental illness during the holidays, the season can feel heavy. You might feel guilt, uncertainty, or anxiety. The mixed feelings of wanting to provide support while also avoiding enabling behaviors can be overwhelming.
You want to be supportive. You want to do the right thing. But what is the right thing?
Ultimately, supporting your loved one’s recovery today creates the possibility for more meaningful holidays together in the future. You don’t need all the answers, but a little guidance can go a long way.
Here are six tips to help you navigate this season with care and confidence.
1. Don’t Let the Calendar Decide for You
It’s natural to feel guilt, sadness, or disappointment if your loved one is missing the holidays. But remember, it’s the beginning of healing a life-threatening disease. Don’t delay or interrupt care because of a date on the calendar. Choosing recovery is the greatest gift you can give or receive.
2. Create an Alternative Holiday Plan
You can celebrate the holidays any time. Plan a special celebration post-treatment to help keep them motivated while allowing your family to maintain traditions in a healthy way. It’s also perfectly fine to create new traditions or celebrate differently this year. Substance use disorder affects the whole family and healing as a family often means embracing change.
3. Trust the Treatment Team
Once your loved one is in care, the best way to support them is by trusting their clinical team. Follow their guidance and encourage them to complete their recommended treatment and to set up a clear plan for aftercare.
Leaving treatment early, especially during the holidays, greatly increases the risk of relapses and recovery setbacks. The gift of time and space to heal is invaluable.
4. Support Without Enabling
Early recovery is a time of physical and emotional healing. Impulsivity and emotional decision-making are common. Set clear boundaries, be honest about what you can and can’t do, and don’t be afraid to say so with compassion.
“I’m so glad we can connect during family visitation. I love you and support your recovery, but I won’t help you leave treatment early.”
5. Include the Whole Family
Everyone can play a role in healing. Children, parents, siblings, and extended family can be a lifeline during treatment—even from a distance. Each facility has guidelines for visitation, letters, and care packages, so take time to learn what’s allowed. Send cards, letters, or small approved items to remind your loved one that you believe in them. Your words of love and support can make all the difference. Remember, recovery is a family victory.
6. Take Care of Yourself
Supporting someone in recovery is hard, and you deserve support too. Attend support group meetings, webinars, or educational seminars about addiction to better understand how the disease works and how it impacts families. When you connect with others who have faced similar challenges who can provide encouragement and perspective, you’ll feel less alone, and more equipped to help.
Recovery may look different than what you pictured for the holidays, but it’s also the start of something new, strong, and worthwhile. You’re not alone, and every step you take to support healing makes a difference.
Looking Ahead: Hope for Future Holidays
Even if this holiday season feels uncertain or emotional, remember that treatment is an investment in all the holidays to come. Recovery creates the possibility of rebuilding trust, improving relationships, and creating new traditions grounded in health and connection.
Whether your loved one is in detox, inpatient treatment, outpatient care, or preparing for aftercare, your support matters. Every encouraging word, every healthy boundary, and every act of self-care contributes to long-term healing.
Contact Recovery Centers of America today for confidential screening, professional assessment, and evidence-based interventions tailored to your needs and circumstances.
