Addiction specialists say these 3 steps can help get you through holiday stress

CINCINNATI (WKRC) - Local addiction specialists say stressful family dynamics, holiday parties, and even money problems can make staying sober this time of year especially challenging.

They want to share three steps that can help with substance use struggles.

"I struggled with drugs and alcohol for over 20 years. I lost jobs, relationships, ended up incarcerated for 18 years," said Dwayne Thomas.

It was during that time behind bars that, Thomas says, he chose a new path.

"I knew I had to change my life. I knew I was going to end up dead on the street or dead somewhere in prison," he said.

So, now, along with Aaron Laine, Thomas is a peer counselor at the DeCoach Rehabilitation Centre.

Both suggest three strategies to stay sober during the holidays, starting with declining holiday invitations to avoid triggers.

"You have to be your biggest advocate in those things," said Laine, who is also the chief marketing officer at DeCoach. "You can't expect your family to all get on board with what you're trying to do."

The second strategy is to make a plan.

"Know where you're going, have an exit strategy, understand that there are support groups -- people like myself, people like Dwayne, thousands of people in this community that are going through this sober," Laine said.

Finally, the third step, Laine and Thomas say, is accountability -- to someone there, and perhaps someone above.

"I think recovery and my faith go hand-in-hand," Thomas said. "My higher power is Jesus Christ, and He carries me through my day."

Thomas and Laine say several 12-step programs have meetings around-the-clock on the actual holidays as well for sobriety support.

The team at DeCoach invites you to call (513) 914-4673 if you need help.

They will respond even on the holidays, and help facilitate treatment and crisis intervention.