Fighting Through Addiction During Holiday Season

ZANESVILLE, Ohio- Although this season should be filled with joy and laughter, for some it can be this season can be the polar opposite.

For people dealing with substance abuse this season can become a very trying time Executive Director of Muskingum Behavioral Health, Steve Carrel said this time of year is often the most difficult for people with addictions.

“Your recovery has to be your priority. And if that means you have to avoid some of the people in your family who are not in recovery, that means doing that. We recommend too, if you are going to places that are risky, go with a friend. Have someone from AA (Alcoholics Anonymous), who’s real solid in recovery go with you. Have a plan don’t just walk into places without a plan” said Carrel.

Carrel said addiction affects everyone. If you or someone you know is in need of support Muskingum Behavioral Health is sponsoring a Family and Friends Support Group.

“We’re going to put a group together. We’re going to set it out in the community and invite anybody, literally anybody that has concerns about a loved one come. And we’ll talk about some of the steps you can do to help motivate that person with the addiction towards care” said Carrel.

Carrel mentioned recovery coaches will lead this group. Recovery coaches are individuals who successfully completed the recovery process. This group is free of charge and will be held at Eastside Community Ministry at 221 Stillwell Street on December 17th at 6:30 p.m.