Happy Holidays!

As harvest winds down and snow is headed this way, the Walker Center has our hands full with new clients daily.  Our inpatient facility is bustling with over 30 in-house occupants. While over in Twin Falls, the outpatient staff has kept busy with adult and adolescent treatment as we strive to increase awareness that addicts in recovery can be vulnerable this time of year.

Looking ahead, the prevention program is ramping up to begin offering the Life Skills Training to 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders in several of the Magic Valley school districts.  This great program, offered year-to-year with the schools offers lesson and activities in an education setting to give youth the tools they’ll need to avoid the risk of addictive situations in the future.

The Gooding office will be decking the halls in the next few weeks with the anticipation of hosting the annual Christmas Cantata—a musical celebration locally led by the Methodist Church—on December 10th, 11th, and 12th at 7 pm.  This is an event our residents often enjoy attending in their free time, as well as the general public.

A few things to remember as we gear up for some winter cheer:

In the spirit of the holidays, it’s very important to be aware that recovering addicts may be vulnerable this time of year as many holiday celebrations include alcohol. The need for “safety plans” to exit high-risk events is part of a strong relapse prevention plan.

With the necessity of spending more time indoors, the holidays can often shed new light on addiction in the home.  The close quarter’s cold weather brings can make it easier to notice when a loved one is in trouble with addiction, especially if there is already concern that a friend or family member may need help with drugs or alcohol.

Sometimes seasonal workers who do well in maintaining sobriety while working during the warm months may find it harder to cope with their addictive tendencies when cooped up indoors and not busy working.    

For addicts who live alone or have a weak support system, this time of year can draw attention to their loneliness.  While everyone else is gathering for gingerbread houses at the fireside, going on family skiing vacations to the cabin, and sipping on spiked eggnog—many addicts are often struggling with their inner demons.

Keep us in mind as it gets colder and remember we’re here to help.

“The hardest thing you can do is smile when you are ill, in pain, or depressed. But this no-cost remedy is a necessary first half-step if you are to start on the road to recovery.”

—Allen Klein, former manager of the Beatles

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