Dealing With the Chronic Side Effects of Drug Abuse During the Holidays

Mature woman consoling her young daughter in the living room.

Dealing with Drug Abuse During the Holidays and the side effects that come along with drug addiction can be devastating, impacting an individual in multiple ways, including physically, mentally, emotionally, and psychologically.

The process of recovery can be lifelong for some individuals, depending on the severity of their preexisting condition. The good news is that recovery allows the body the opportunity and chance to heal, and many of the side effects from addiction can be reversed through sobriety.

Some of the side effects from drug abuse may take longer to heal and recover from, and it can be frustrating to continue to experience these types of consequences, even when in recovery.

Though you may be putting all your time, effort, and energy into recovery efforts, you may find that you are still struggling in various aspects to heal from addiction and be completely restored. Some of the chronic side effects of drug abuse might include ongoing pain, fatigue, infection, cardiovascular complications, arthritis and other rheumatologic problems, and liver and kidney disease to name a few.

Dealing with Side Effects

Dealing with these side effects may require regular and constant medical care, which can also be difficult to maintain. However, this is a necessary and important part of your recovery and treatment as well.

Group of 3 women doing yoga at sunsetDuring this holiday season, you may feel especially exhausted from dealing with the chronic side effects of drug abuse and the work required to take care of your health and manage the symptoms you may be experiencing.

Perhaps this has prevented you from participating in activities that you previously enjoyed or limited your ability to interact with friends and family.

Whatever your situation, remember that you are not alone this holiday season, and that by taking a step towards recovery from drug abuse, you are giving your body the best opportunity and chance to heal.

Intervening with the chronic drug abuse, though difficult and challenging in itself, will give your body the ability to heal and restore. The recovery process is a gradual journey, and it is critical that you give yourself the grace you need and deserve to get by, one step at a time.


Crystal Karges photo

Crystal Karges

Crystal is a Masters-level Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) with a specialty focus in eating disorders, maternal/child health and wellness, and intuitive eating. Combining clinical experience with a love of social media and writing, Crystal’s passion to help others find recovery and healing is integrated into each part of her work.

As a Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor, Crystal has dedicated her career to helping others establish a healthy relationship with food and body through her nutrition private practice.


The opinions and views of our guest contributors are shared to provide a broad perspective of addictions. These are not necessarily the views of Addiction Hope, but an effort to offer discussion of various issues by different concerned individuals.

We at Addiction Hope understand that addictions result from a combination of environmental and genetic factors. If you or a loved one are suffering from an addiction, please know that there is hope for you, and seek immediate professional help.

Published on November 25, 2015
Reviewed & Updated by Jacquelyn Ekern, MS, LPC on April 15, 2019
Published on AddictionHope.com