Holiday Stress & Overindulgence: Finding Control with Counseling
Introduction
The holidays bring fun, parties, and celebration. But they also bring pressure, stress, and emotional triggers. For many adults, this combination leads to drinking more than usual, losing control, or slipping back into unhealthy habits.
If you are worried about your drinking this holiday season, or if you have already noticed yourself reaching for alcohol more often, you are not alone. Kim Hart of SOAR Counseling & Recovery understands the emotional weight this season carries and offers compassionate support through Christian counseling and individualized strategies that help you regain control and protect your well-being.
Why the Holidays Make Drinking Harder to Control
Holiday drinking is normalized in nearly every setting: work gatherings, family meals, parties, and even cozy nights at home. Drinking becomes harder to manage for reasons such as:
1. Emotional stress
Holiday expectations can create overwhelming pressure.
2. Social events centered around alcohol
It feels almost expected to drink at every gathering.
3. Family conflict or unresolved pain
Old wounds resurface, and alcohol becomes a quick escape.
4. Loneliness or grief
Missing loved ones can make the season feel heavier.
5. A disrupted routine
When structure disappears, coping habits often slip.
Kim reminds people that these triggers do not mean you are weak. They mean you are overwhelmed and need supportive tools for the season you are facing.
Warning Signs That Holiday Drinking Is Becoming a Problem
If you recognize any of these symptoms, it may be time to reach out:
Drinking more than you intended
Needing alcohol to relax or cope
Hiding how much you're drinking
Feeling guilt or shame afterward
Arguing more with loved ones
Using alcohol to get through gatherings
Feeling out of control
Seeking support early can make a major difference.
How Counseling Helps You During the Holidays
Kim offers individualized counseling designed for the emotional challenges of the holiday season. Her approach includes:
1. Emotional coping strategies
Learn how to manage stress, pressure, and emotional triggers without turning to alcohol.
2. Creating boundaries and safe plans
Develop decisions about events, environments, and situations where alcohol will be present.
3. Faith-based strength and encouragement
Christian counseling helps restore peace, purpose, and clarity during difficult moments.
4. Accountability and understanding
Kim provides compassionate, judgment-free support through temptations and setbacks.
5. A personalized holiday plan
You receive customized steps tailored to your triggers, schedule, and emotional needs.
Conclusion
The holidays do not have to control you. With the right guidance, support, and a tailored recovery plan, you can enjoy the season without falling into unhealthy drinking patterns.
At SOAR Counseling & Recovery, Kim Hart offers compassionate care to help you break harmful cycles, protect your emotional health, and stay grounded through the holiday season.
If you need support, you are not alone. Help is here when you are ready.
📍 321 Westgate Parkway, Suite 4
Dothan, Alabama 36303
📞 (334) 677-SOAR
📧 soaraboveaddiction@gmail.com