CHRISTMAS WARNING ON ADDICTION
TALBOT GROVE ADVISING FAMILIES ON MANAGING ADDICTION ISSUES AHEAD OF THE FESTIVE SEASON
TALBOT Grove Executive Director Con Cremin has urged the public to be mindful of their drinking ahead of the festive season as Christmas can be a challenging time for those suffering from or affected by addiction issues.
Mr Cremin said Christmas can pose a number of challenges to those who struggle with addictions. Some people struggle with being indoors during wintry weather, while others may have lost loved ones in the past and their sense of loss deepens at this time of year.
“For most people Christmas is a joyful, joyous festive time of year, but not for all,” he said. “For some people affected by addiction – be that involving alcohol, gambling, food, drugs or other substances – it can be a sad, lonely and stressful time.
Christmas is often noted for alcohol consumption, and Mr Cremin encouraged inclusiveness towards those who do not drink and has asked the public to be mindful of the affects of drinking in front of children and young teenagers.
“Plan and schedule some family activities that do not involve, or revolve around, the consumption of alcohol,” he said. “If concerned about the alcohol consumption of a family member, do not confront them when they are drunk. It may be much more useful to wait until the following morning to have a serious conversation with that person. They may then be conscious of the hurt that they are causing to themselves or that they may have caused others, so this can be a good time to speak to them.”
Talbot Grove can offer advice at (061) 7141511 or www.talbotgrove.ie.