YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio - The holidays bring so much joy and cheer for many people, but it can be a really difficult time for some, such as those fighting the battle of addiction.

Shannon Deskins of Youngstown is on the road to recovery. She's a mother and now has three grandkids, but suffered for years when she became clinically addicted to meds after surgery stemming from a spider bite.

Deskins has been a part of BrightView treatment center in Boardman for about a year. She said she has a deep understanding of the struggle of addiction during the holidays.

"At holiday time, you still feel like that black sheep," she said, "and you still feel like an embarrassment and you tend to self isolate."

Operations Director and Clinical Supervisor Jennifer Mackovick said it's important to identify triggers during the holidays and find someone who will support you, whether that be family, friends or a counselor.

"The biggest thing is the support and having good people in your life who are supportive of you and your recovery," Mackovick said, "Maybe others who are also recovering... spend time with them during the holidays to help it be a little easier to get through."

Deskins said she feels it's really important especially during the holidays to pay very close attention to the ones you love who are struggling with addiction or are still in recovery.

"We're still people, and we will need help. We still need love," she said. 

To seek help from BrightView, you can call 833-510-Help.

As for Deskins, her life has completely turned around, and she's getting her Bachelor's degree to become a trauma counselor.