Addiction often spikes during the holidays.
For the individuals I work with in addiction and recovery, the holiday season can be especially difficult. While there are many reasons for this, one of the most common is neglecting self-care and struggling to maintain mental health amidst the stress and temptations of the season.
There’s one approach I’ve found to be particularly effective during the holidays. I call it the Neri Method, inspired by Saint Philip Neri.
What Made Saint Philip Neri So Remarkable?
Saint Philip Neri, a 16th-century priest in Rome, was known for his joy, humor, and positivity. In the midst of an indulgent society, he maintained a life of virtue, free from temptation.
While divine grace played a role, much of his success came from his mindset. He focused on joy, gratitude, and humor, which kept him grounded and attracted others to his message.
The Power of Positive Focus in Addiction Recovery
When struggling with addiction, we can be our own worst critic. Dwelling on past mistakes and bad habits makes recovery harder. The same is true for how we interact with loved ones in recovery. Harsh words often do more harm than good. The key to progress is to focus on affirmations, not faults.
Recovery is about shifting from a negative narrative to one of gratitude—appreciating the past, looking toward the future, and focusing on the present with thankfulness.
Saint Philip Neri understood this. He didn’t take himself too seriously, even showing up to a dinner with half his beard shaved off to lighten the mood. His playful spirit and gratitude were contagious, helping others find joy and peace.
Applying the Neri Method to Your Holiday Season
The holiday season can be tough for those struggling with addiction. Instead of focusing on negative experiences, focus on what you can affirm and celebrate.
Create a “gift list” of things that bring joy, laughter, and gratitude. Share these with family and friends, highlighting the positive moments in your life. This simple shift will help foster a supportive, uplifting environment for those in recovery.
By focusing on the positive, you’ll be giving the gift of a mindset that nurtures healing and freedom from addiction.
A Final Thought
As we head into the holidays, remember Saint Philip Neri’s example. By focusing on joy, humor, and gratitude, he maintained peace and freedom amidst life’s challenges. You can do the same.
When you focus on affirmations instead of criticisms, you’re offering the greatest gift of all: a mindset that fosters recovery and healing.
St. Philip Neri, pray for us!