Navigating the Holidays: Compassionate Care in Inpatient Detox

The holidays often bring out the best in us, with volunteering and donations typically peaking in December across Canada. Culturally, we embrace the holiday spirit as one centred around giving, which is precisely what those struggling with an addiction need: an abundance of open-heartedness, love, kindness, consideration, giving people opportunities and the benefit of the doubt.

The season can also be challenging, evoking both pain and healing by triggering difficult memories or highlighting connections. Many individuals struggling with substance use often feel isolated, unloved, and experience minimal kindness. This time of year can be a stark reminder of what their lives currently lack. Despite these challenges, Executive Director Siân Lewis emphasizes the positive impact of individualized attention and the warm atmosphere created by the Day One Society team. They strive to foster an environment for healing and a sense of belonging, noting that while some clients may choose to forgo inpatient detox during the holidays to spend time with family, others may find comfort and support in that environment. This contrast leads to fluctuating client numbers during this period.

"We've definitely had clients stay with us over the holidays, but numbers change from year to year. People will come to Detox when they are ready - we respect that and we're there for them whether it's Christmas or any other time of year. It depends on the individual, and there's no right or wrong way."

The frontline staff who work directly with patients extend love, kindness, consideration, and respect.

“Regardless of the time of year, our team always practice from that place of valuing people. They have big hearts and a wealth of skill and knowledge, enabling them to provide safe care to individuals. They understand the challenges of living with a substance use issue as a significant health issue, and they know how to support someone through that journey."

This compassion plays a significant role in instilling the sense of self-worth that their clients need and deserve. At Day One Society, the holidays offer the perfect opportunity to showcase their care and consideration. It all begins with the tree and festive decorations in the main lounge, which serves as a space for activities such as art, watching TV, eating meals, and taking classes led by a nutritionist or relaxation therapist.

The season also provides an opportunity for staff to delight clients by ensuring each person receives a stocking filled with personally selected items. Siân explains that "This gift giving helps clients feel the truth of themselves, which is they are worthy, they deserve kindness and respect, and they deserve to be seen."

Food is also used to spread seasonal cheer, with special holiday treats on December 24. All food is prepared on-site, so the dinner and special treats are home-baked. Siân shares, "Everything is made with nutritional ingredients, and our cooks knead love into everything they make, Christmas time or otherwise. They love to cook. They love feeding the people who come through our doors for help. They love to take care of them in that respect, and I think clients feel that." A traditional turkey dinner is also served on December 25.

Siân says, "I believe that for some people, the holiday provides a chance to connect in a way they may have never experienced before. Although there can be pain associated with the season, they arrive to see the tree and realize that it is part of their space, their environment, and it's meant for them. Dinner is prepared especially for them, and the gifts are chosen specifically for them."

Clients have access to a phone, so they can connect with people while they're in Detox; however, family visits are typically prohibited to maintain focus on recovery, given the short duration of stays, which averages 5.5 days. Most people start to feel physically better after about three days; it's a very tight window of opportunity to provide full support and education. It is essential to ensure they gain as much as possible from their stay so that, when they leave, they are as strong as they can be to take the next steps.

Siân explains, "We focus on empowering clients to take responsibility for their recovery because that's their right.”

As a community seeking solutions and change, the conversation about substance use must include the importance of de-stigmatizing addiction. While we may not have all the answers as individuals, we can take a significant step forward as a society by embracing the spirit of generosity and kindness that we emphasize during the holiday season. By applying this mindset throughout the year, we can better support those who are struggling with active addiction.

"Some of that stigma breaks people down, leading to feelings of unworthiness, which makes the message of care and kindness even more crucial. I believe Christmas serves as a reminder, one of many in our society and culture, of how important it is to care for others and refrain from judging them. That is the message: that no matter who you are, you deserve compassion from your fellow human beings. I think it's very interesting that what Christmas represents is exactly what people with addictions need."