There is always great anticipation about the holiday season as this is a special time for many families. It is a special time with special events, parties when relatives and friends are more likely to gather together to celebrate this time of year. However, this time of year can also be a very challenging for many reasons.
The holidays can also be difficult when there has been the loss of a loved one or there is an ill or absent family member. The gaiety of the holidays can accentuate feelings of loss and pain. The holidays can be very emotional and can create stressful situations where there is the potential for someone to drink too much, relapse, misuse drugs, get overwhelmed, work too hard to have a nice celebration, spend too much money or have unrealistic expectations about the holidays.
In addition, during the holidays, teens and adults have more access to alcohol at intergenerational parties where alcohol is available but not necessarily monitored. Another issue is that students returning home after being at college may “invite” younger siblings to parties where alcohol and or other drugs are available. During this past year there is great concern about the use of marijuana, prescription drugs, and a significant increase in the number of teens vaping nicotine or marijuana.
Also, adults may be so busy, that there is less supervision of their teens and what they are doing. Talking to teens about these issues can be a very positive way to deal with these concerns. It gives a parent the opportunity to restate expectations, set boundaries, and state what the consequences will be if a teen uses alcohol and other drugs. A conversation with your teen can provide a chance to share both their and your concerns and expectations in regards to the holidays. Fears of parent or sibling relapse, car crashes, arrest or other alcohol related behavior can make the holiday season very stressful for teens. A conversation about these concerns can provide an opportunity to explore some strategies to help your teen reduce stress and remain alcohol and drug free.
Source: Parenting for Prevention
