Why Do I Get High Before Meeting My Family In the Holidays?

I feel it’s natural to feel nervous on certain occasions, I mean like going on a date or other circumstances make me feel butterflies in my stomach. Still, there are certain moments when I feel apprehensive and self-conscious even shame, and I start imagining what others are thinking or saying about me.

wondering why you feel like getting drunk or high during the holidays when you’re with family? Read on.

I can see how others don’t think about this much, but family gatherings are intense experiences.

I start getting fearful and worried in these situations, so I drink and use drugs before I meet them. I think this may be affecting my life and relationship with my family and other activities, and I feel very stressed out. It has also been challenging for my family having to deal with my addictions, and it’s taken a toll.

I have sought professional help for this problem through psychotherapy, which helped me build confidence.

feeling like getting high around family young african couple man and woman making peace after quarrel fight at home biracial family wife

I have been studying, and it turns out I am not alone; only in the United States, millions of people have a condition like mine. I read it usually begins between 11 and 19, throughout adolescence. It’s a common mental illness. Therefore, there’s hope if you have it. The tricky part for me has been being able to ask for assistance.

What has made it difficult for me to understand is why it comes down to family gatherings, I mean, I can speak in public with no problem and go out on dates, but family gatherings are just too much for me.

I couldn’t always see the symptoms, why I started drinking excessively during dinner, or why I got high on my way there. I always feel vulnerable in my family’s presence. I am quiet around certain people; I like to listen other than talk if you know what I mean.

feeling like getting drunk high during holidays with family beach couple broke up tension arguments

Not all gatherings are the same; I am fantastic in meetings with friends and co-workers, I even handle the keynote speeches for my company, but something about being with uncle ben and Aunt Lidia gets me anxious, having to talk to a full table of people that can see through me is unbearable.

Anxiety can be triggered or exacerbated by alcohol, drugs, or even caffeine or nicotine. Abruptly discontinuing the use of any of these substances may be stressful if you’re hooked on them.

• Have issues quitting alcohol on your own? We offer a family program at La Jolla Recovery in San Diego and can provide answers to all your questions on beginning the journey towards sobriety.

by Andrew G.