On Thanksgiving Day, Maryland Addiction Recovery Center hosted a very special recovery-oriented Thanksgiving feast for current patients, MARC alumni and the families of patients that are
currently in treatment at the MARC extended care residences. The Thanksgiving event was attended by more than 90 patients, alumni and family.
Making the event even more special, the current MARC patients contributed to the feast by coming together and cooking dishes for their families to be included in the spread.
Thanksgiving and the overall holiday season is often a difficult time for families who have a loved one suffering from
addiction. Often the festive and loving holiday season can be hijacked by the addiction issues of a parent, child or spouse. Beautiful family memories can be destroyed and often these negative family experiences can impact families for many years to come, turning what should be a happy time into one of darkness, anger and resentment. Holidays can also be difficult for people in early recovery, if not done in the right mindset and with support of a personal recovery program or with clinical support of a treatment program.
This type of recovery-oriented event is often the first time in many years a family can come together and celebrate the holiday with their loved one when that loved one is sober, present and part of the family. At MARC, we believe it even more important for the patients currently in treatment to contribute something to the event, in a way to show that they are now and will be continuing to be a participant in the holiday seasons to come.
These early recovery holiday celebrations are important for both patients in early recovery as well as their families. The patients learn that they can show up and participate as family members, give back to their families and get through what can often be a stressful situation. This is an important experience that can be a building block for future family events and holidays for a person so new to recovery. Family members are able to experience a holiday hopefully free from the drama, terror and fear of addiction, be able to see their loved one be a present and participating
family member and see some tangible evidence that their loved one is engaged in their treatment program, working on their issues towards a
path of recovery and beginning to get healthy. It can be a very important and healing experience for all involved.
We are extremely happy to be able to offer this Thanksgiving event for our patients, alumni and their families. We believe by supporting patients and alumni in early recovery, and their family members during the holidays, an amazing experience can be had by all and a wonderful foundation can be built for future holidays to come.
If you or someone you know is in need of help because of drug and/or alcohol abuse or addiction, please give us a call. Maryland Addiction Recovery Center offers the most comprehensive
dual diagnosis addiction treatment in the Mid-Atlantic area. If we aren’t the best fit for you or your loved one, we will take the necessary time to work with you to find a treatment center or provider that better fits your needs. Please give us a call at (410) 773-0500 or email our team at info@marylandaddictionrecovery.com. For more information on all of our drug addiction and alcohol addiction services and recovery resources, please visit our web site at www.marylandaddictionrecovery.com.