BRENTWOOD, Tenn., Jan. 17, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- American
Addiction Centers (NYSE: AAC), a leading national provider of
drug and alcohol addiction treatment services, releases five tips
to help those in recovery stay sober post-holidays and throughout
the winter months.
After the holidays, many people experience a letdown when
feelings of sadness or depression can increase. Common post-holiday
letdown symptoms include fatigue, loneliness, sadness and reduced
motivation -- all potential triggers for relapse. In fact, the
third Monday in January, known as "Blue Monday," is widely
recognized as the most depressing day of the year.
Another factor contributing to post-holiday letdown is Seasonal
Affective Disorder (SAD), sometimes referred to as the "winter
blues." Lack of sunlight experienced in winter months can lead to
reduced chemicals (serotonin, dopamine) in the brain that are
associated with positive moods. In addition, many people have a
tendency to cut back on exercise and socialization, preferring to
"hibernate" inside instead. It is estimated that SAD affects six
percent of Americans while another 14 percent experience the winter
blues.
"Shorter days and colder weather can make winter a difficult
time for many, especially those in recovery, which can lead to
relapse," said Dr. Lawrence
Weinstein, AAC chief medical officer. "It's important to
take steps to look after your mental and physical health, and with
a bit of preparation and the right mindset, you can avoid falling
into a damaging pattern that could compromise your sobriety."
AAC's Five Tips to Beat the Winter Blues include:
- Prolong the joy. Extend the uplifting mood of the
holiday season by bringing some of the typical holiday experiences
into the new year (i.e., plan a get-together in January or
February). Planning a social event is half the fun, and since it
will not be competing with other activities that crowd the holiday
season, you can prepare with less stress.
- Continue the sentiment of gift-giving. Incorporate
a "pay-it-forward" attitude into your daily life. Give gifts of
time (spend an afternoon with a relative), assistance (help out an
elderly neighbor by plowing snow) or sharing (volunteer at a
homeless shelter). Such gifts cost nothing and can boost a sense of
wellbeing.
- Reframe your attitude about winter. Choose to view this
time of year through a more positive lens and find useful ways to
spend your time. Consider working on indoor tasks you may have been
putting off like cleaning out the garage or a closet. You will feel
a sense of accomplishment and pride when you are done, and this
will boost your mood.
- Capitalize on your inside time to enjoy yourself as
well. Have a weekend movie binge, try new recipes or pick up a
book you've been wanting to read. Alternatively, try embracing
wintertime activities like ice skating or skiing with friends. Once
you start, you may find you can enjoy spending time outdoors even
when it is cold.
- New Year, New Outlook. With the right attitude and
proactive planning, you can avoid the winter blues and post-holiday
letdown. Approach the new year with exuberance rather than
reluctance, and this positivity will strengthen your commitment to
recovery.
If you or a loved one are struggling with addiction, call (866)
665-8980.
About American Addiction Centers
American Addiction
Centers (NYSE: AAC) is a leading provider of inpatient and
outpatient substance abuse treatment services. We treat clients who
are struggling with drug addiction, alcohol addiction, and
co-occurring mental/behavioral health issues. We currently operate
substance abuse treatment facilities located throughout
the United States. These
facilities are focused on delivering effective clinical care and
treatment solutions. For more information, please find us at
AmericanAddictionCenters.org or follow us on Twitter
@AAC_Tweet.
Contact
Joy Sutton,
615-727-8407
jsutton@contactaac.com
View original content to download
multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/american-addiction-centers-releases-five-tips-to-beat-the-winter-blues--stay-sober-300780020.html
SOURCE American Addiction Centers