Continuing Recovery on Valentine’s Day Posted On
Valentine’s Day is around the corner. Use this holiday to bring the family together while continuing to recover from the effects of problem gambling. In this article, you’ll find some ways to bring fresh ideas and rebuild relationships shared with a loved one in recovery from problem gambling.
Problem Gambling And Family
The effects of problem gambling can span to affect every significant relationship in the life of the gambler. The people closest to the one struggling with problem gambling are affected the most. The people closest tend to be parents, spouses and children. Although people struggling with problem gambling usually have the best intentions while gambling, the damage can feel overwhelming.
Relationships can be repaired. Recovery is possible. Therefore, change is possible, and, with the right help, the partnership can come out stronger on the other side.
Focusing On Family
Holidays and anniversaries are important to keep the family’s connection strong. These special days give reason to stop the regularities of routine and the hustle and bustle of life. They offer devoted time to stop and connect with those who are important. Valentine’s Day is one of those days.
Many people laugh at holidays like Valentine’s Day, but, as silly as it may be, it is a day to devote time to loved ones. What can be more important than that?
For families recovering from the consequences of a loved one’s struggle with problem gambling, Valentine’s Day can be seen as a great day to focus on the love of family. Therefore, it’s a day to remember why rebuilding relationships are so important, and a way to regain strength to continue on the family’s path to recovery from problem gambling.
Family Focused Fun
Many people try to go and buy things to bring joy to loved ones. Flowers, stuffed animals and colorful cards are great ways to put a smile on a person’s face, but there are other ways. Here are a few ways to spend time focusing on family.
Board game night can be a great way to bring some fun to the family. Choosing games that are relaxing, but fun for the whole family can be an exciting way to reconnect with everyone. Some games can include Scrabble, Trivial Pursuit, Sorry or Scategories. All these are examples of fun games to play together with the family. Make sure to choose games that won’t act as triggers for the loved one in recovery for problem gambling and focus on having fun together.
Family outing together can be a great way to have fun. There are many family outings that don’t need to cost much, or any money. Simple ideas like going for a hike or bike ride together, visiting a local museum or library together, or participating in a night of bowling are all ways to enjoy low-cost or free activities together. Not only are family outings are great ways to step out of the home, but also great ways to create new memories together.
Volunteering is a great way to get the family together. There are so many ways to give back to the community or volunteer. You could help a neighbor with their yard, volunteer at a soup kitchen, or spend time at a senior center. Whatever you choose, giving back will bring up the spirits of the family. Volunteering together is a great way to rebuild the family while improving the well-being of the community.
Helpful Resources
Finally, wherever you and your family are on the path to recovery from problem gambling, support is always available. Please reach out to your local Problem Gambling Resource Center by visiting NYProblemGamblingHELP.org.
