The holidays can be a very stressful time for families. If you are struggling with addiction, the holidays can be a trigger for relapse. Family therapy can promote recovery and wellness by providing support and guidance during this difficult time. Planning effective family therapy activities for Thanksgiving can help ease tension and ensure everyone can try to have a good time.
The professionals at Insight Recovery Centers know how triggering the holidays can be, especially for people who have just entered recovery. Supporting family connections and strengthening bonds is vital to avoid holiday burnout and tense situations. Our outpatient programs help our patients learn how to set healthy boundaries and communicate effectively with those closest to them. Plus, they have the opportunity to experience family counseling outside of holiday situations to help them be more comfortable planning family therapy activities for Thanksgiving. If you are ready to make a change, call 703.592.6946 today to learn more about how our family therapy program promotes healthy recovery.
The Impact of Holiday Stress on Addiction Recovery
The holidays are a time of year when many people struggle with addiction. The stress of the season can be a trigger for relapse. With dinners that may include drinking and parties that may include drugs, it can be difficult to stay sober.
If you are in recovery, you may find that the holidays are a difficult time. There may be family members who do not support your sobriety or who are triggering for you. It is important to have a plan in place for how you will stay sober during this time. Family therapy can help you develop a plan and promote support in your family.
5 Family Therapy Activities for Thanksgiving
Here are five family therapy activities for Thanksgiving:
- Talk about your expectations for the holiday – Discuss what your ideal holiday would look like and what expectations you have for the holiday. This exercise will help to set realistic expectations and avoid disappointment.
- Make a list of things you are thankful for – This can be a collaborative activity where each family member shares something they are thankful for. This activity shifts the focus from negative to positive.
- Plan an activity that everyone can enjoy – This can be anything from playing games to watching a movie together. Having a shared activity will help to reduce stress and create bonding experiences.
- Set boundaries with extended family members – If there are certain topics or people that you know will be triggers, it is important to set boundaries ahead of time. This will help to reduce stress and conflict during the holiday.
- Have an exit plan – If things start to get too overwhelming, it is important to have an exit plan in place. This might include leaving the room or taking a break outside. Having an exit plan will help to prevent arguments and ensure that everyone has a safe and enjoyable holiday experience.
When to Plan Family Therapy Activities for Thanksgiving and Other Holidays
It is important to plan family therapy activities for the holidays in advance. This will help to reduce stress and ensure that everyone is on the same page. Planning ahead of time will also allow you to have a backup plan if something goes wrong.
If you are struggling with addiction, the holidays can be a difficult time. Family therapy can help you develop a plan to manage triggers and stress. Contact the professionals at Insight Recovery Centers by calling 703.592.6946 or completing our online form today to learn more about our outpatient addiction treatment programs. We can help you have a successful and sober holiday season.
