Relaxation as a group activity is easy to do and does not have to be social. You can easily do the techniques you learn when your treatment is finished. Adventure therapy is one of the more costly and difficult group activities.
By using drawing, painting, or collage-making, members can explore feelings they may find hard to verbalize, allowing for a therapeutic release and greater self-awareness. Emmy is a content specialist dedicated to helping brands boost their online presence and reputation through tailored, well-researched copy. With expertise across diverse niches—including mental health—she crafts messages that resonate with target audiences. So let’s raise a (non-alcoholic) toast to the power of community, creativity, and good old-fashioned fun in the journey of recovery. After all, a life reclaimed from addiction should be one worth living – and enjoying – to the fullest. Recovery isn’t just about staying sober – it’s about building a life worth staying sober for.
We do not receive any commission or fee that is dependent upon which treatment provider a caller chooses. Have everyone write out a list of self-affirmation, then select one or more of these to share with the group. These can be general affirmations that might help anyone or targeted affirmations that celebrate the qualities that make you unique. Help group members who might be struggling with this by brainstorming affirmations for them. Facilitators should respectfully address disruptive behaviors or dominance during group activities, using assertive communication and clear guidelines.
Make it clear that participants do not have to share anything they write, so they’ll feel free to explore potentially surprising emotions. Have the group identify and discuss common triggers for substance abuse. Suggest different coping strategies they could use to stay sober when triggered. Some group members may be ambivalent about participating in activities because they struggle with commitment to recovery.
Discuss the upside to stress, i.e. the positive role that some forms of stress can play in your life. Marking recovery anniversaries acknowledges members’ hard work and dedication. This celebration reinforces commitment, offers a chance to reflect on growth, and encourages members to keep moving forward in their journey. By shifting focus to the positive, you can boost your mood and cultivate a more optimistic outlook while lowering stress levels in the process. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) might sound intimidating, but who says it can’t be fun?
People can openly share their thoughts and feelings, reduce self-stigma and shame, and help each other process and grow from difficult experiences or emotions. Most addiction treatment centers, from smaller outpatient facilities to comprehensive centers with residential options, offer some form of group therapy or peer support. It’s important for inpatient and outpatient rehab facilities to incorporate beneficial substance abuse group activities. Group therapy is a helpful and effective method of treatment if you conduct it properly. You want to encourage as much participation as possible and there are a few different ways you can do that. Let’s dive into the list of CBT group activities for adults recovering from substance use disorder and mental health issues.
Connecting with nature can be deeply healing, and this experiential activity for group therapy combines physical activity with mindfulness. Participants take a walk in a natural setting, reflecting on their recovery journey as they move through the environment. Afterward, the group gathers to discuss their feelings and insights from the experience, fostering connection to both the self and the natural world. Writing can drug and alcohol group activities be a therapeutic way to process emotions, and this experiential therapy activity focuses on the cathartic power of writing. In this exercise, participants are asked to write a letter to their addiction, detailing how it has impacted their lives and what they hope to achieve in recovery. Sharing these letters in a group setting can lead to powerful discussions and emotional breakthroughs.
Although it sounds strange, drumming is an excellent group treatment activity. Many compare the trance like state that people fall into while drumming to deep medication. Much like music, artistic activities can help people relax and focus on something soothing, which aids in recovery and healing. 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.
Cooking works well as a group activity because of the reward at the end of the session. Most people enjoy eating what they made as well as the sense of accomplishment that they receive. Group therapy in addiction treatment consists of three or more people, led by a licensed therapist, working together through issues related to addiction using behavioral therapy. Many recovery support groups worldwide are also free of charge, making them an accessible and convenient option for continuing care and relapse prevention once treatment ends. Substance abuse group activities are one of the most intimidating parts of rehab for many people. Addiction isolates you from those around you, such as friends and family, and you get used to mostly being on your own.
These activities are designed to promote trust, sharing, skills, and alleviate the symptoms of withdrawal. Many people who stop using have no idea what to do with their time once their addiction ends. These activities help them learn new skills and get ideas for things they can do after treatment ends.
If you liked this list, please feel free to share it or link to it! Also, please leave a comment below if you have other ideas, or would like to add to the discussion. Bring some brainteaser exercises and optical illusions to a meeting.
Acknowledging small achievements is motivating and uplifting in recovery. This activity encourages members to celebrate even minor milestones, helping them recognize progress and reinforcing a sense of accomplishment. Good nutrition is foundational for mental and physical health, especially in recovery. This session educates members on balanced diets, the importance of nutrients, and how dietary choices can positively impact mood, energy, and overall well-being.
Goal-setting and accountability partnerships are highly effective in recovery treatment programs like an intensive outpatient program. They build commitment to recovery, foster mutual support, and enhance motivation. In this activity, you can share your current emotions, challenges, or successes in a safe and supportive environment. Guided by a facilitator, the group ensures you can voice your thoughts without interruption.
Working with clay or other sculpting materials allows participants to create three-dimensional representations of their emotions, experiences, or hopes for the future. This experiential therapy activity taps into the tactile and creative process, encouraging participants to explore complex emotions through physical creation. It is also a great way to focus the mind and engage in a calming, hands-on task. Incorporating movement into therapy can help individuals process emotions stored in the body.
Having a foundation for how to handle conflict can help prevent emotions or worries from taking over when conflict arises in life. Our clients often ask us these questions related to CBT group activities. Are there changes you need to make to improve in this area, and how should you go about it? Talk about the importance of good sleep hygiene (avoiding too much caffeine, avoiding screen time right before bed, getting up at the same time each day, etc.). Ask group members to decorate the outside of their bags with words and images that represent the self they show to the world. Decorate the inside of the bag with words and images that represent the hidden qualities that few people get to see.
This article will help you paint a picture of what enrolling in a residential, outpatient, or partial hospitalization program is like. As a group activity, you can learn different ways of meditating and relaxing. Group meditation is practiced all over the world today and continues to be a highly recommended treatment for stress and addiction. Cooking and baking are both activities that promote body wellness. Many addicts do not know the basics of nutrition, meal planning, and how to eat healthy. Group cooking activities can be meal planning, cooking, baking, or shopping exercising.
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