Men and women's drug rehab centers alike know how hard the holiday season is on the recovering addict. Normal stresses can trigger a relapse in a former addict any time of the year but the holidays have always seemed to pack a special punch. Statistics show that the holiday season (the time between Thanksgiving and New Years Day) is when a recovering addict is more likely to relapse than any other time of the year. Since Thanksgiving is right around the corner and we are all gearing up for the holidays in our own way, acclaimed women's drug rehab Destination Hope wanted to share some useful information on how to steer clear of a relapse this holiday season.

The first thing that friends and family members of recovering addicts need to understand is how many alcohol and drug users started abusing substances as a way to cope with stresses in their lives. This is a very common beginning to addiction. You start to count on drugs or alcohol to be that crutch in your life, to help "take the edge off" when you are feeling overwhelmed or anxious and before you know it, you've become dependent on it. That's why a huge focus of women's drug rehab is centered on removing unnecessary stresses from your life as well as teaching you how to handle the unavoidable ones in a healthier fashion.

And really, what time of the year is more stressful than the holidays? Let's face it, the holidays can drive even the most even keeled of us to our breaking points, so recovering addicts face a difficult challenge in not letting the pressure get the better of them. They have the most precious thing of all to lose, their sobriety.

Women's Drug Rehab Tools to Support Your Recovery this Holiday Season

• Continue with your plan that has helped you remain sober so far.
• Make a daily schedule and stick to it!
• If your holiday plans involve travel, locate the meetings and support groups nearest you and plan on attending them.
• Always have the phone numbers handy of 5 sober influences you can call any time you feel a craving coming on.
• Make time to take part in sober activities that you enjoy.
• Get plenty of rest. We respond to stress and struggles much more effectively when we are not overly tired.
• Remember that your sobriety comes first so if you find yourself in a high risk situation, get out!
• If you do happen to succumb to the pressure and relapse, do not wait, get yourself into a detoxification program and then a women's drug rehab immediately.