The holidays can be a stressful time, and for some, they might coincide with addiction recovery. How can family members be supportive during this season?

Monika Taylor is the director of addiction treatment services at Crouse Addiction Treatment Services. She works with people recovering from addictions. Taylor says holidays can be tough for people still using or in early recovery.

She suggests families have a conversation ahead of a gathering about expectations — for example: If alcohol will be served; if the family member needs to leave early; or if they want to talk about their recovery process at all. People with an addiction might want to contact their sponsors, especially if they are traveling out of town, to make sure they will have support.

Taylor also mentions the stresses of the season can be triggering as people recovering from addiction are learning how to manage those feelings.

"It’s completely new and you have to relearn how to live without alcohol and drugs as a crutch, or as something that maybe takes away your anxiety or your depression or things of that nature," said Taylor.

She also recommends attending Alcoholics Anonymous for family members needing support through their loved one’s recovery. According to the New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports, last year, more than 84,000 people in upstate New York were admitted for recovery from addiction.