Author: Alex Thompson
50 Substance Abuse Group Therapy Activities for Recovery
Many recovery groups make affirmation collages by writing down positive statements, cutting them into strips, and gluing the strips onto poster boards. During a mindfulness meditation, group members focus on their breathing and treat their thoughts like passing clouds. In other words, they acknowledge the thoughts without judgment and then gently return their attention to their breathing. If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please contact at Sound therapy may be most beneficial when offered by a trained practitioner, but music, instruments, or nature sounds may also be incorporated informally into group and peer sessions.
As individuals continue in recovery group activities, they begin to develop very strong bonds with one another. The implementation of new and challenging activities for group members helps to strengthen those bonds. Pass out pieces of paper with drawings of a large bottle on them, and two lines are drawn across the bottle to create three different layers inside. Make it clear that participants do not have to share anything they write, so they’ll feel free to explore potentially surprising emotions. Continue reading for a list of some of the best ideas for substance abuse group activities you can use at your facility. Try a few of these and see how they resonate with your group then figure out how you can proceed.
- Pass out pieces of paper with drawings of a large bottle on them, and two lines are drawn across the bottle to create three different layers inside.
- Participants in substance abuse groups may have histories of trauma that can be triggered during discussions.
- Mindfulness is the practice of observing the present moment without judgment.
- We particularly emphasize mindfulness, the concept of intentionally paying attention, and being present in the moment with compassion, with acceptance, and without judgment.
They can also discuss any recent challenges or successes related to their recovery journey. We previously posted a list of 60 substance abuse group therapy activities to give readers an idea of what kinds of topics they might encounter during a theme/support group. Ask group members to introduce themselves by sharing three weird, funny, or interesting things about themselves as an “ice breaker” for one of your addiction recovery support group activities, . Hawaii Island Recovery, the Big Island’s premiere residential substance abuse rehabilitation facility for adults, offers a comprehensive treatment program in a tranquil and healing environment. For all your therapy practice and substance abuse group activities needs Theraplatform can help. Theraplatform, an EHR, practice management and teletherapy tool built for therapists can help you share and organize your materials.
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In the next half of the group, allow clients to share their posters as the second part of substance abuse group activities. Supply small cardstock posters and glue sticks for each client, along with shared markers When the clients enter, give each client a cardstock poster. Have the clients write their names in the middle of their poster with a marker of their choice. You can also spread the affirmations on a table for your group participants to look through.
Lastly, substance abuse group activities can provide group leaders with an opportunity to provide psychoeducation in an interactive way that members respond to. If you or a loved one is looking for substance abuse treatment, you can find it today. The term “support group” can be defined as a recovery modality designed to foster a sense of community among peers during and after drug and alcohol rehab. And support groups are able to assist in the treatment of both mental health and substance use disorders.
This can include medication-assisted treatment, group therapy, individual therapy, life skills groups, psychoeducation groups, and support groups. Some clients may present with reluctance to participate in the different forms of group therapy during their treatment program. Individual therapy provides clients with one-on-one time with a trained Counselor which can feel less overwhelming and more personal than a group setting.
In group sessions, everyone knows that everyone else there has faced similar issues. Peer recovery groups, like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and other 12-step groups, are peer-led, non-professional options for building a support system during recovery. Therapists who run these groups are very resourceful and in order to keep the process relatively fresh introduce different activities and topics continually. We do not receive any commission or fee that is dependent upon which treatment provider a caller chooses.
Sharing Fears
Brainstorm ideas for the ideal hospital or retreat to provide you with mental and emotional healing. Think of emotional problems you face, such as depression or a bad temper. Then write about or discuss how these emotions might serve you, such as the way your depression forces you to slow down and rest when you’re overwhelmed.
These groups offer a haven for members to openly discuss their struggles, triumphs, and setbacks without fear of judgment. Groups are lead by a trained group leader who prompts discussion and encourages everyone to participate. Other than gently guiding conversation, the group leader is responsible for picking up on client issues that reoccur in group therapy and in daily life.
Group therapy can give them a chance to feel connected to others, and witness others in their own recovery. Many recovery groups encourage gratitude by having members write gratitude lists. These lists can include anything you feel grateful for, from your sobriety to your loved ones to your favorite foods.
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The more you learn about triggers and how to manage them, the easier it is to maintain your recovery. We do not receive any compensation or commission for referrals to other treatment facilities. Group discussions can help people come up with or expand upon goals they want to achieve during recovery, such as getting to a sobriety milestone or landing a new job. Practicing gratitude has proven benefits for mental and physical health, and it can boost recovery by helping people focus on the positives.
Triggers are people, places, feelings, or other things that make you want to abuse drugs. Mindfulness is the practice of observing the present moment without judgment. It can boost your sense of well-being and help you cope with drug cravings and other recovery-related challenges. We are here to provide assistance in locating an Ark Behavioral Health treatment center that may meet your treatment needs. Much like music, artistic activities can help people relax and focus on something soothing, which aids in recovery and healing. Forms of charades like emotions charades can also encourage participants to explore their emotions and become more comfortable with them.
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The program here at Two Dreams focuses on the improvement of one’s life through the achievement of mental peace, physical well-being, and personal productivity. We particularly emphasize mindfulness, the concept of intentionally paying attention, and being present in the moment with compassion, with acceptance, and without judgment. Every two weeks our clients engage in “group phase therapy” in which each individual reports on which phase they think they’re currently working on in their personal recovery journey. The rest of the group comments on the accuracy of their assessment and gives advice. Participants in substance abuse groups may have histories of trauma that can be triggered during discussions. Facilitators should be prepared to manage potential crises by having trauma-informed strategies in place.