VIDEO – LEAD ME NOT INTO TEMPTATION –                                                                                    

Dec. 5, 2024 – Christmas trees and Menorahs light up, friends and family gather to ring in the new year, and people caught in the web of addiction prepare for a battle. The holidays, a season of joy and cheer for most people, look different through the eyes of someone in recovery.

December and January are among the most dangerous times of the year for drug and alcohol-related deaths, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

“There are really two kinds of things, it’s either being around people who are triggering for you or not being able to see people and that’s a trigger,” said Lifeboat Addiction Recovery Executive Director Hunter Taylor.

Six and a half years into sobriety, Taylor’s battle is more easily won, but at the start of his recovery, he said it was hard to get through.

“Going around people and trying to figure out how I fit into these functions where alcohol seems to be a focal point or marijuana seems to be a focal point,” he said. “Where do I fit into this? How do I find where I should be surrounding myself?”

Taylor eventually found his way to fit in and stay strong. Mid-Michigan Recovery Services Executive Director Patrick Patterson said others can find that strength to.

“You can always call us,” he said. “A lot of agencies provide help. We’re experts when the utility of drug and alcohol use has failed, so we’re that next step.”  

CONTINUE@WILX