The holidays can be meaningful, joyful, and full of connection — but if you’re healing from addiction or supporting your son through his recovery journey, this season can also bring emotional intensity you weren’t expecting. Changes in routine, increased stress, family tension, and exposure to alcohol or old triggers can make addiction relapse feel more possible, even if things have been going well.
If the holidays bring up worry, you’re not alone. With the right support and relapse prevention strategies, you can move through this time feeling grounded, steady, and understood.
If you’re feeling anxious about the holidays and how they may affect your son’s sobriety, we are here to help.
Our structured sober living communities give young men the accountability, support system, and daily routine they need to stay steady in early recovery.
What is a drug relapse?
A drug relapse happens when someone returns to substance use after a period of sobriety. Relapse is common among those recovering from substance use disorders, and for many families, this can be one of the most stressful parts of the recovery journey.
Relapse isn’t a sudden moment; it’s usually a gradual process influenced by stress, emotional overwhelm, and vulnerability tied to past patterns of drug dependence, alcohol addiction, or substance abuse. Understanding what relapse actually means helps you recognize warning signs early and respond with compassion instead of fear.
Research shows that addiction functions as a chronic condition that affects the brain’s reward and stress systems, which is why cravings, emotional distress, and increased vulnerability can show up even months into sobriety [1]. With awareness and support, relapse can be prevented (or quickly contained) before it grows.
Related: What Does It Mean To Relapse?
Why holidays can increase relapse risk
The holiday season shifts nearly everything that helps someone stay steady in early recovery. You may notice:
- More access to alcohol or substances
- Family conflict or unresolved trauma surfacing
- Loneliness, grief, or unmet expectations
- Higher financial and emotional stress
- Disrupted sleep, lower structure, and fewer routines
- Time around certain people is tied to past substance use
For young adults, especially, holiday gatherings can create a perfect storm of emotional and environmental triggers. National reports show that alcohol use spikes during major holidays like Thanksgiving and New Year’s, increasing exposure for anyone healing from alcohol relapse or rebuilding from drug abuse [2].
If you’re supporting your son during the holidays, these shifts don’t mean relapse will happen — but they do make relapse risk something worth preparing for.
Related: Holiday Blues and Substance Abuse: Why the Holidays are Hard — And How to Protect Your Recovery
What are the three types of relapse?
Professionals often describe relapse as unfolding in three stages — each with its own emotional and behavioral signals.
1. Emotional Relapse
In this first stage, you’re not thinking about using, but your body and emotions feel off-balance. You may notice irritability, isolation, restlessness, grief, or rising emotional distress. These shifts are early relapse warning signs, especially if you’re overwhelmed or not practicing regular coping strategies.
2. Mental Relapse
The tug-of-war begins. You might think about old habits, glamorize past substance use, or feel tension between wanting to stay sober and craving relief. This stage reflects changes in internal stress systems and brain activity associated with cravings [1].
3. Physical Relapse
This is the final stage, when someone uses alcohol or drugs again. Physical relapse almost always follows growing stress, disconnection, or emotional buildup. The goal is never punishment — it’s reconnecting with support, rebuilding structure, and understanding what led up to the moment.
What is the relapse rate during the holidays?
There isn’t a single statistic that defines holiday relapse rates, because relapse is deeply personal and influenced by environment, support, and mental health. However, research and national behavioral data offer clear insights:
- Alcohol-related risks rise significantly around major holidays and holiday travel periods [3].
- Stress (a major driver of relapse) increases for many Americans during the holiday season, especially for families managing financial pressure, grief, or complicated relationships [4].
- Individuals in early recovery report increased cravings, emotional overwhelm, and difficulty staying connected to healthy routines during December and early January [1].
While we can’t assign a precise number, the evidence shows that relapse risk is higher during the holidays, especially when coping skills are limited or someone doesn’t have a stable support system.
What matters most is recognizing these realities early and building relapse prevention strategies that help you stay focused, steady, and supported.
How to protect your sobriety — or support your son — during the holidays
Recovery is an ongoing process, and the holidays require a bit more intention. These tools can strengthen your foundation:
Lean into structure
Even with unusual schedules, try to maintain sleep routines, meals, movement, and time for reflection.
Use coping strategies that help your nervous system reset
Breathing exercises, time outside, journaling, or grounding can reduce emotional overload.
Stay connected to support groups and supportive friends
Isolation increases relapse risk. Connection helps you feel understood and steady.
Identify triggers ahead of time
Knowing what situations, people, or emotions challenge you helps you stay prepared.
Create an exit plan for gatherings
You’re allowed to take breaks, leave early, or choose not to attend.
Prioritize your health
A healthy lifestyle (nutrition, rest, movement) makes a meaningful difference in preventing relapse.
When you approach the season with intention, you’re not just staying sober, you’re strengthening your long-term recovery and building coping skills that last well beyond the holidays.
Related: Staying Sober During the Holidays: A Compassionate Guide for You and Your Loved Ones
If your son needs structure, connection, and guidance to stay safe and focused during the holidays, we can help.
Our sober living program gives young men the foundation they need for long-term sobriety, healthy habits, and a stronger future.
Moving forward with hope and confidence
Whether you’re working to avoid relapse, supporting your son through early recovery, or rebuilding after a setback, the holidays don’t have to feel overwhelming. With the right environment, treatment options, coping skills, and support, relapse becomes something you can anticipate, understand, and actively prevent.
What matters most is knowing you’re not alone and that long-term recovery is absolutely achievable, even in the most challenging seasons. If you or a loved one is finding it hard to stay sober during this time of year, contact us today. Our sober living in Los Angeles can give you the tools to make it through this holiday season and maintain your recovery for many more.
References
- Preface | National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2025, January 8). National Institute on Drug Abuse. https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/addiction-science/drugs-brain-behavior-science-of-addiction
- 2022 NSDUH Annual National Report. (n.d.). CBHSQ Data. https://www.samhsa.gov/data/report/2022-nsduh-annual-national-report
- Drunk driving | NHTSA. (n.d.). NHTSA. https://www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/drunk-driving
- Even a joyous holiday season can cause stress for most Americans. (2023, November 30). https://www.apa.org. https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2023/11/holiday-season-stress