Why Does a Healthy Family Culture Matter?
People in recovery from addiction may not think too much about family culture and why it matters in the grand scheme of things. One of the first things to be impacted by addiction is family life. Relationships get strained, some will enable the addiction to continue while others fight to get the person help they need. There are many family roles in addiction that can keep it going rather than stop it in its tracks. A healthy family culture is one of the best ways to combat addiction and keep people healthy in recovery. Learn some tips for how to cultivate a healthier life at home in support of sobriety.
Dining In
Today’s culture moves at a rapid-fire pace. Everyone seems to be going their own way, doing their own thing, and not being able to slow down long enough to even eat a meal together. Kids are the ones getting left behind (usually in front of their devices) and struggle to feel connected with the family. Both parents may be working tough jobs with long hours so everyone may eat at different times. Dining in together at least a few times a week is not only healthy for the family, it’s also healthier for the body and mind overall. It helps a person to feel more mindful of what they are eating and food prepared at home is usually healthier than eating out.
Pitch In
For people who live with a family, whatever that looks like, it is a good idea to have everyone pitch in to help make food. Eating healthy as children sets them up for success later as they are more willing to eat healthier food than they are if they eat lots of junk food growing up. Not only that, but families who cook together are more likely to eat together, which builds connection and conversation. Recovery is about taking time for loved ones and making space for healthier lifestyle habits. Cooking and making food at home can help a person’s health but also relational wellness.
Stress Relief
Family should be a place of safety and connection. Recovery from addiction can put a strain on relationships and make it harder to stay connected to family. Shame, stigma, and the pain of going through recovery can tax everyone’s reserves. The key is to find a way to de-stress with family in ways that support recovery. This might mean more movie nights, game nights, going out to fun places in the community, getting out in nature, and seeking healing spaces from addiction. It helps to also plan vacations and time away so people can relax together, away from life’s stresses, and feel more confident in their journey of recovery.
It may not seem like a healthy family culture has much to do with personal challenges with addiction and recovery. However, there are myriad ways a person can find family to be a safe, vulnerable space to go to when they struggle. The key is to remain open to shifting family culture to include ways of staying sober while maintaining family life at the top of the list.
It is difficult to feel part of a family when you are struggling with addiction. It is a lonely disease that takes you away from everyone and everything you love. The challenge is to get help with Palmetto in a safe environment and let us help support your reintegration back into family life as a sober individual. The healing journey should always include family. Our program provides special focus for professionals including chiropractors, nurses, doctors, lawyers, and more who need help with addiction recovery. Call us to find out more: 866-848-3001.
