Betsy Byler
Betsy Byler
Eat, Drink and Be Merry: Holiday Skills
Eat, Drink and Be Merry: Holiday Skills
Eat, Drink and Be Merry: Holiday Skills
Monday 31st October 2022
Therapist Betsy Byler shares tips on managing holiday stress and substance use on 'All Things Substance'.
Explicit
37 minutes
Informative
Supportive
Empowering
Hopeful
Thought-provoking
About this podcast
Author:
Betsy Byler
Overview:
Categories:
Sobriety Toolkit
Innovative Treatments & Recovery Paths
Navigating Intimate Relationships
Recovery from Trauma
Family Recovery from Addiction
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Episodes:
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Get the buttons here!Holiday Stress and Substance Use: Betsy Byler's Practical Tips for Therapists
Boundaries around the holidays aren't super popular. One of the hard parts about quitting a substance is that most of the people I've ever met in recovery have memories of feeling like they would never have fun again if they had to give up their substance totally, if alcohol disappeared from the world.
Holidays are often painted as a picture-perfect time of joy and celebration, but for many, they can be a season fraught with stress and anxiety. In this episode of 'All Things Substance', therapist Betsy Byler dives into the complexities of holiday stress and its interplay with substance use. She sheds light on how the festive season can amplify feelings of tension and anxiety, especially for those struggling with addiction or in recovery.
Byler discusses the common pitfalls, such as turning to alcohol or drugs to cope with the pressures of family gatherings and social expectations. But it’s not all doom and gloom. Byler offers practical strategies for therapists to help their clients navigate these choppy waters. She emphasizes the importance of setting realistic goals for the holiday season, planning ahead for potential triggers, and maintaining open lines of communication with loved ones.
Setting boundaries is key, she notes, to ensuring that clients don't feel overwhelmed by the demands of the season. For those in recovery, the holidays can be particularly challenging. Many fear that giving up substances means giving up fun altogether. Byler counters this by encouraging clients to discover new ways to enjoy the season without relying on alcohol or drugs. Whether it's finding alternative activities or learning new coping skills, there are plenty of ways to create positive, substance-free memories.
Byler’s message is one of hope and practicality. She urges therapists to support their clients through the holiday season by focusing on positive, healthy coping strategies. By working together, therapists and clients can transform what might be a stressful time into an opportunity for growth and joy. If you're a therapist looking to better support your clients during the holidays, this episode is packed with valuable insights and actionable advice.
Tune in to 'All Things Substance' and equip yourself with the tools to help your clients have a happier, healthier holiday season.