TOLEDO, Ohio — With the holiday season drawing to a close, alcohol and drug prevention experts want to remind everyone that addiction is not something that needs to be handled alone.
The Talbot Center in east Toledo is working year-round to keep those who struggle with addiction on the road to recovery.
However, according to Talbot Health Services CEO Matthew Rizzo, the use of alcohol and other substances tends to rise during holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas and around the new year.
"We continue to see growing numbers of individuals and families that are struggling with addiction, whether it's alcohol or drugs," Rizzo said.
Rizzo said that typically 13 to 15 percent of Americans struggle with a substance abuse disorder around the time of year when the holidays have concluded.
"We tell folks that many times the holiday season can be like riding a rollercoaster, where it's expensive, there are long lines, it's up and down. Eventually, you get off the ride and some people can get off the ride and others may struggle with depression and/or substance use," Rizzo said. "But there are things you can do to stay on the road to recovery."
Tom Wojo is a counselor at Talbot Health Services and has been in recovery for 21 years.
He said at the start of his recovery, the hardest part was the lack of support from family and friends and the stress that comes with letting them down. Wojo said it is easier to stay on track with a supportive community and if you are struggling now, you should reach out to local resources immediately.
But most importantly, don't give up on yourself.
"The main thing is that they have to get with people who have a positive influence on them and stay around them," Wojo said. "Because an addict will go back to their old habits when their self-esteem goes down and they have no motivation to continue to move forward."
The treatment center is always updating its resources, including providing the most effective treatment medications. If you need help, it is always a good time to reach out and stay connected with your nearest recovery communities.
More information on Talbot Health Services is available online at talbothealthservices.com.
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