50 Addiction Recovery Group Activities

group activities for addiction recovery

Additionally, this can promote an environment where group members feel comfortable asking for help when they find themselves struggling. For group members who are new to recovery, group sessions can provide valuable education about addiction and recovery. Journaling and reflection exercises are valuable recovery group activities that encourage introspection and personal growth.

group activities for addiction recovery

Worksheets By Therapy Type

group activities for addiction recovery

Mindfulness is similar to meditation and requires participants to focus on what is going on in the present moment without judging the situation or oneself. These group activities strive to demonstrate the importance of good communication and develop someone’s verbal and non-verbal communication skills. A trust fall is an activity where one member of the group stands, sometimes on a platform, and then falls backward in an upright position, relying on the support of the group members to catch them. Icebreakers can be essential building blocks for successful group discussion and interaction.Icebreakers are used when a group has come together for a specific purpose. For clients who monopolize, are constantly joking, or who attempt to intentionally distract by changing the topic, objectively point out your observations. When appropriate, ask other group members to comment on your observations and provide feedback to their peer.

  • TherapyByPro is an online mental health directory that connects mental health pros with clients in need.
  • Activities can encourage discussion when members may be reluctant or unsure of how to contribute to the conversation.
  • She has provided psychotherapy in a residential treatment program and an outpatient addiction treatment facility in New York as well as an inpatient addiction rehab in Ontario, Canada.
  • As repressed emotions are released, individuals can experience positive feelings in the present.
  • Pass out one half sheet of paper to each client and ask participants to write down their fears.
  • This can be done using a diffuser, or people can be offered a selection of different oils to find one that appeals to them to dab on their wrists.

Trust-Building Exercises

group activities for addiction recovery

A comprehensive list of 12-step and other support groups, such as AA, NA, SMART Recovery, Dual Recovery Anonymous, NAMI, etc. A printable deck of cards with 40 positive quotes that can be used as affirmations. Each group member writes down their “first impression” of other group members.

Discussing Triggers

This exercise not only encourages a positive mindset but also allows individuals to connect on a deeper level by sharing meaningful aspects of their lives. Journaling is about getting in touch with your experiences through writing, while expressive writing is about processing emotions. The writing exercise allows group members to remember and describe their most meaningful memories. When coping with stressors, group members focus on building confidence and reducing troublesome stress without judging themselves for their feelings. Whether you meet once a day or several times a week, expressive writing as a group will surely boost everybody’s mood. Group members can later challenge their anxious thoughts by living in the moment, remembering to pay attention to the present, and learning how to stay present.

Warm-ups set a contemplative tone, helping participants transition into the group environment and encouraging them to be present and engaged throughout the session. The initial moments of a substance abuse support group can be filled with apprehension and vulnerability. group activities for addiction recovery Introduction activities are crucial in breaking down barriers and creating a welcoming atmosphere. These substance abuse group activities often involve having each member share their name, a brief personal background, and their reasons for joining the group.

group activities for addiction recovery

Substance Use Group Therapy Topics & Themes

  • Group meditation may be guided by someone, or it may just be a group of individuals who gather to silently meditate together.
  • The writing exercise allows group members to remember and describe their most meaningful memories.
  • During your time at drug and alcohol rehab, as part of an effective treatment plan, you will be expected to take part in group therapy.
  • In other words, they acknowledge the thoughts without judgment and then gently return their attention to their breathing.

Fun and Engaging Addiction Recovery Group Activities

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