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In this post, I highlight 50 Substance Abuse Group Therapy Activities for Recovery that you can use with your clients. Every substance abuse group therapy session is different and is based on the needs of the group as a whole. One of the main goals of substance abuse treatment is to identify triggers and coping strategies. Many individuals who struggle with substance abuse also deal with feelings of loneliness.
You will also find different interventions, exercises, meditations, and more in our Positive Psychology Toolkit. Many of these suggestions and planning materials can be applied to both individual clients and therapy groups. Before you read on, we thought you might like to download our 3 Positive Psychology Exercises for free. 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.
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This activity can spark some great discussion and encourage positive social interaction between group members, so make sure not to cut it off too early. It is usually a complement to individual therapy and sometimes medication as well, although it may be used as a stand-alone treatment for certain issues or problems. 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.
He has had the privilege of working in a variety of geographic regions and levels of care. He truly enjoys the satisfaction of helping people and their families find the program that will best suite their clinical needs, giving them the best chance at successful outcomes. Group therapy is commonly used in the treatment of people with depression and anxiety. A group setting is a perfect place for people suffering from depression or anxiety to connect with others, practice important social skills, and learn healthy coping strategies from one another. Group therapy is a common approach used in the treatment of substance use disorders.
Discussing Triggers
Have the group identify and discuss common triggers for substance abuse. Suggest different coping strategies they could use to stay sober when triggered. Group sessions can allow members to work through challenging emotions such as shame and guilt. Listening to what other members share can provide a sense of validation and normalcy for members who may have thought that they were alone, or wrong for feeling as they do. We find that many of our clients are unsure of what to expect, and need time to feel out the group dynamic before speaking up. 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.
When clients catch the ball, they have to talk about the statement or answer the question closest to their right thumb. The DEA currently accepts attestation of recent training only if you graduated from an accredited US medical school (MD or DO) within 5 years of June 27, 2023. Captured from Internal Medicine Meeting 2023, this video bundle package provides 2.5 hours of high-yield video content covering strategies and management options for treating substance use disorder. When you take your group out for a nature day, leading a group hike is a great idea.
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Equipping participants with robust coping mechanisms is a vital aspect of relapse prevention. These activities teach individuals how to manage stress, anxiety, and negative emotions without substance use. Through mindfulness exercises, https://ecosoberhouse.com/article/top-10-substance-abuse-group-activities/ problem-solving simulations, and guided imagery, participants learn healthier ways to navigate life’s challenges while maintaining their sobriety. Living in active substance abuse leads to many dangerous coping mechanisms.
This extremely simple exercise simply divides members into pairs and requires them to look into each other’s eyes for 60 seconds. Maintaining prolonged eye contact will help group members get comfortable with each other, practice an important part of social interaction, and connect with each other on a deeper level. Trust-building activities are also great ways to get group members comfortable with one another and encourage a safe and secure place to share.
