While it might be a merry Christmas for many, some of us will be struggling this festive period. Here are our tips on how to handle it. It’s no wonder that the holidays see many of us return to the hospital to battle our addictions. Hospitals are full at this time of year, all with people infected by the sadness of being alone at this supposedly happy time of year. Societal expectation has us comparing ourselves to how we think things should be. If we don’t spend enough on the kids, if we are alone, if we aren’t smiling as much as the people in the commercials – all of this takes its toll. Now add to this already hefty plate of issues the fact that some of us are addicts and former addicts. What greater temptation could there be to go back to the world of substance abuse, than at Christmas time? The festive season is when we indulge ourselves when many of us give in to excess. For an addict, this is a dangerous path. Recovery takes a long time and we put so much effort into it. It’s terrifying to think that an obese man in a red suit could make us wobble… but he does. The best we can do, therefore, is to prepare ourselves for a bumpy road and keep in mind that every year that passes, this will become easier. One day, you will get through the Christmas period without thinking about alcohol or drugs. Until then, here are some Help4Addiction top tips to stay away from the cravings, this holiday time.