The holiday season, often celebrated as a time of joy and togetherness, is increasingly a period of heightened emotional strain for many Americans. A recent study by the Freeman Recovery Centre highlights how loneliness, financial pressures, and family tensions are driving a significant portion of the population toward alcohol, cannabis, and prescription anti-anxiety medications as coping mechanisms.
Experts warn that rising anxiety and isolation during the festive period are exacerbating self-medicating behaviors.
Holiday stress and emotional well-being
The Freeman Recovery Centre surveyed 1,000 US adults to examine the effects of the holidays on emotional well-being, substance use, and social interactions. The findings reveal a troubling shift: what should be a season of connection often becomes overwhelming. As one respondent reflected, the holidays amplify difficult feelings, turning gatherings into sources of dread rather than delight.
Among the most concerning trends are pre-emptive substance use to brace for social demands and the resurgence of emotions tied to loss and isolation. These patterns mirror broader US mental health trends, where economic worries and family dynamics are key drivers of seasonal anxiety.
Key findings on holiday stress and substance use
- 45% of Americans report increased urges to drink or use substances during the holidays.
- 41% admit to “pre-gaming” with alcohol before family gatherings.
- 73% say the holidays trigger emotions linked to past loss.
- Nearly three in four report feeling isolated or lonely during the holidays.
- 57% experience emotional hangovers after holiday events, with millennials (66%) and Gen Z (60%) most affected.
- 50% use substances to manage financial stress; 43% turn to alcohol and 31% to cannabis.
- 47% feel pressured to drink or use substances at family events.
- One in three use cannabis, and more than one in four use anti-anxiety medications before gatherings.
Vulnerable groups and broader trends
Those with prior substance use histories are disproportionately affected. An overwhelming 93% of this group report feeling lonely during the season, increasing relapse risk. Gen Z is particularly at risk, with 51% noting an uptick in urges to drink or use substances.
A 2025 poll by the American Psychiatric Association found that 41% of US adults anticipate greater holiday stress this year compared to 2024, largely due to economic concerns and healthcare access. Similarly, LifeStance Health’s 2025 Holiday Mental Health Report revealed that millennials and Gen Z are most likely to dread social obligations, with 34% and 33% respectively wishing to skip most gatherings.
Expert insights
Experts at the Freeman Recovery Centre, based in Dickson, Tennessee, emphasise that these behaviors are the result of stacked stressors rather than individual failings.
“Loneliness was another common theme that came up during the study results,” the centre noted. “Despite family or friend gatherings, many Americans feel lonely during the holidays – which is another reason for the spike in substance use.”
The centre, which provides comprehensive addiction treatment including detox, residential care, and outpatient programmes, advocates proactive steps like setting boundaries and fostering genuine connections to mitigate these risks.
The APA also suggests that while 44% of Americans view the holidays positively for their mental health, proactive measures such as exercise and healthy eating can buffer against downturns. For those in recovery, virtual therapy and community support groups can help reframe the season around self-care rather than obligation.
Addressing holiday challenges
As the December rush intensifies, the Freeman Recovery Centre’s work serves as a reminder of the hidden costs of holiday cheer. Addressing root causes such as financial strain and emotional isolation can help individuals reclaim balance. The centre offers support through sober living options and 12-step meetings, demonstrating that recovery is possible even amid seasonal chaos. Early outreach can turn potential pitfalls into opportunities for growth.
In the UK, similar pressures around Christmas and New Year affect mental health services. Organisations like Mind and Samaritans report comparable spikes in calls related to loneliness and substance use, highlighting the universal nature of this challenge. Awareness remains a crucial first step toward healthier holidays.