Festive plea from Harrogate and North Yorkshire support group as ‘tough time’ looms for addicts

With alcohol consumption rising during the festive season, it can be one of the hardest times for those struggling with addiction, but they are being reminded they are not alone and support is in place for anyone who needs it.

Drug and alcohol recovery service North Yorkshire Horizons has a range of virtual options in place to ensure no one has to suffer in silence.

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Jenna Wing, Area Manager for Harrogate, said: “Christmas and New Year can be hard for lots of people in lots of situations because of stress, money worries, keeping up appearances and family disputes.

“The short days and long, dark nights of winter can have a negative effect on people’s mindsets.

“Research has highlighted the particular problems associated with depression around Christmas, especially in groups who have substance misuse issues.

“Alcohol often takes centre stage over Christmas and this can be really tough.”

The service has launched a new campaign titled ‘Beat the Winter Blues’, aimed at helping people through the colder months, with a series of posters and social media messages to encourage people to open up about their struggles and tips on how to face issues with a more positive mindset.

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It comes after the latest Government announcement that up to three households in Tier 2 can now only meet for Christmas Day - rather than from December 23-27 as initially planned.

The latest news has sparked anxiety and upset for many, who had already made plans to spend time with family and friends over the festive period - and support services say the latest development could lead to a rise in substance abuse if people have to spend more time alone.

Ms Wing added: “We are finding that drinking at home is something we are seeing a lot more of, there has been an increase in alcohol use in some populations this year, and we are worried this is stacking up problems for the future.

“The impact of the pandemic and not being able to see friends and family has contributed to an increase in alcohol use, as some people drink to self-medicate or alleviate stress.”

North Yorkshire Horizons has also shared advice for friends and families of anyone who may be going through a difficult time on how they can help.

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“Friends and family can support loved ones by being mindful, they could have non-alcoholic options available and not put any pressure on them to have an alcoholic drink,” Ms Wing said.

“If you know someone in your family is struggling with alcohol issues, talk to them, be supportive and show them that you care. Educate yourself so you can support them and encourage them to open up about the reasons they are drinking, help them access professional support and be mindful of how they may be feeling as it will be especially difficult for them over this festive period.”

Anyone who is facing these issues is being reminded they are not alone and they can access support whenever they need it.

Ms Wing added: “If you are finding things challenging you should speak to family and loved ones, let them know how you’re feeling. Eat well, take care of yourself. Perhaps try something new and connect with others.

“If you need additional help to address your alcohol use, get support from services like North Yorkshire Horizons.”

Who to call if you need help

The county’s addiction support services are continuing to offer their help in any way possible, with new systems in place to adhere to the current Covid-19 restrictions.

North Yorkshire Horizons offers access to experienced and professional teams who work with those on a journey to recovery from drugs and/or alcohol.

A ‘key worker’ is allocated to anyone using the service, who will support them throughout their treatment and help them draw up a ‘recovery plan’.

Although the help on offer may be slightly different in light of the pandemic, the team has worked hard to create a full range of online support via video conferencing and telephone support so the service is still accessible.

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Its doors have also remained open to the most vulnerable service users.

James Royal, Lead Practioner at the Harrogate hub, said: “We have reorganised our hubs to make them as safe as possible, following Government advice. In addition, we have established new processes and procedures to keep everyone as safe as we can.”

If you need support or advice you can contact North Yorkshire Horizons on 01723 330730, email: [email protected] or visit: www.nyhorizons.org.ukHarrogate Alcholics Anonymous (AA) meetings have been running via Zoom throughout the pandemic, with some now resuming face-to-face services.

The district now has a total of 16 active weekly AA groups with seven groups having gone back to Covid-secure venues and Covid-compliant gatherings with masks, social distancing and track and trace capability.

To find out more, visit www.harrogate-recovery.org