Our Christmas message for people trying to remain substance free

Christmas can be a tough time for some people, especially if you are recently in recovery from drug or alcohol use.  If you want to remain drug or drink free, here are some tips that might help

Stay calm and remind yourself

Why you don’t want the drink or drug, write it down and keep it in your pocket
Of the consequences of relapsing, such as danger of overdose
Of the benefits you have gained so far
Of how you will feel after
To avoid trigger situations
You are in control and can choose to say ‘yes’ or ‘no’

Then

Find something to do that will take all your attention, like reading a magazine or doing the newspaper crossword
If you are in a risky situation where you are around people drinking or taking drugs, and you are finding it very difficult, leave
Read your list of reasons why you don’t want to relapse
Find a friend or one of your support network to talk to
Have something to eat and go for a long walk
Whenever you feel very uncomfortable, upset or miserable, keep telling yourself it will pass If you have cravings, pretend that the craving is like a sore throat that you have to put up with until it goes away

Overdose
Remember, there is a higher risk of overdose if you have not used drugs in a while. Find out more on our overdose page

Christmas support
Some services will be closed or have reduced opening hours over the Christmas period. If you are already accessing a service, find out their opening times in advance so you can be prepared.

For emergencies contact 112 or 999

The HSE Drugs and Alcohol Helpline is available on freephone number 1800 459 459 and the email support : helpline@hse.ie. Helplines Christmas opening hours:

• Mon 23rd Dec 9.30am to 5.30pm
• Tues 24th Dec 9.30am to 2pm
• Closed Christmas Day
• Closed St Stephens Day
• Fri 27th Dec 9.30 to 5.30pm
• Mon 30th Dec 9.30am to 5.30pm
• Tues 31st Dec 9.30am to 5.30pm
• Closed New Years Day
• Thurs 2nd Jan 9.30am to 5.30pm
• Fri 3rd Jan 9.30am to 5.30pm.

Regular opening hours (Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 5.30pm) will resume on Monday 6th Jan.