Medical professionals in Taiwan are warning about heightened addiction risks during Lunar New Year. The festive season creates conditions that threaten relapse prevention for people with alcohol or drug histories. Consequently, health authorities urge vigilance throughout the holiday period.
The Ministry of Health and Welfare’s Jianan Psychiatric Center issued the warning on Sunday. Clinical experience demonstrates that relapses frequently occur during family reunions and banquets. The center specifically identified HALT states as primary triggers. These include being hungry, angry, lonely, or tired.
Surges in social gatherings, disrupted routines, and emotional fluctuations characterize the holiday. People can easily re-encounter addictive substances when their guard drops. Therefore, staying sober and drug-free represents the key principle for safeguarding health.
Dr. Huang Yu-fei, director of the center’s Department of Addiction Psychiatry, provided detailed guidance. She noted that urging others to drink during celebrations often leads people to overlook physical strain. This social pressure compounds addiction risks significantly. Consequently, she outlined four protective principles for holiday gatherings.
The public should never drink on an empty stomach. People must avoid pressuring others to consume alcohol. Drinking contests should be completely avoided. Most critically, no one should ever drive after drinking. These simple rules reduce immediate risks during celebrations.
Dr. Huang also described warning signs of alcohol addiction. These include inability to control intake and hand tremors after stopping. Anxiety and heart palpitations when not drinking signal developing dependence. She urged anyone experiencing such symptoms to seek professional help immediately.
The Lunar New Year presents particular dangers for younger populations. Teenagers face elevated risks due to peer pressure, curiosity, and holiday parties. Emerging drugs disguised as coffee sachets, candies, or snacks compound these dangers. Therefore, parents must remain vigilant during the festive period.
Dr. Huang advised parents to watch for specific behavioral changes. Sudden sleep pattern alterations and unexplained mood swings warrant attention. Secretive behavior or mysterious packaging should prompt open communication. Professional help should follow rather than blame or punishment.
Holiday relapse prevention connects directly to the HALT framework. Busy social schedules lead to irregular meals and missed nourishment. Extended family interactions may reignite old conflicts and resentments. Feelings of exclusion amid lively gatherings can trigger intense loneliness. Late nights and travel cause physical and mental exhaustion.
Maintaining regular meal and sleep schedules becomes essential during holidays. Adequate rest must be intentionally scheduled between social obligations. Paying attention to emotional changes helps identify emerging risks early. Consequently, these practices support relapse prevention throughout the celebration period.
Many individuals drink due to perceived social obligation rather than genuine craving. Dr. Huang suggested preparing polite refusal phrases in advance. Claiming medication requirements provides a graceful exit. Volunteering as designated driver eliminates alcohol pressure entirely. These strategies reduce social anxiety around refusal.
Family members constitute the most vital support system for recovery. Dr. Huang recommended the three dos and three don’ts principle. Homes should remain completely free of alcohol and drugs. Positive encouragement strengthens recovery commitment. Monitoring sleep and emotional changes enables early intervention.
Conversely, families should avoid publicly disclosing past addiction struggles. Excessive monitoring may provoke resentment and resistance. Never drink in front of someone in recovery under any circumstances. Stable, gentle companionship proves more helpful than blame.
Addiction represents a chronic brain disease requiring long-term treatment. It cannot be overcome through willpower alone. Professional support and medication remain essential components of sustained recovery. Therefore, holiday relapse prevention requires comprehensive family and medical support.
Treatment services remain available throughout the Lunar New Year holiday. Addiction medication and emergency care continue operating normally. People experiencing difficulties should not hesitate to seek help immediately. Consequently, support exists for those struggling during this challenging period.
In conclusion, Taiwan health authorities emphasize relapse prevention during Lunar New Year. The HALT framework identifies key risk conditions requiring attention. Family support, professional help, and personal vigilance combine to protect recovery. This holiday can remain joyful without compromising hard-won sobriety.
