Warm-ups set a contemplative tone, helping participants transition into the group environment and encouraging them to be present and engaged throughout the session. Knowing which https://ecosoberhouse.com/ to use can be overwhelming. Below are a few suggestions based on the goals of exploring various emotional states, including love, positivity, loneliness, fear, and understanding legacy. 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. When you come to rehab and need to share intimately in a group setting during early recovery, it’s no wonder people get uncomfortable.

• Treatment professionals use a multitude of group exercises as part of group therapy to engage clients and help them stay sober.
• Many people with a substance use disorder might find that they have hurt those that are close to them in one way or another due to their struggles with addiction.
• These groups use a variety of activities to help people recover together.

Substance abuse group activities designed to elucidate the addiction cycle help participants identify their patterns, from initial use to cravings, relapse triggers, and recovery milestones. Group discussions, journaling prompts, and interactive diagrams enable participants to recognize the nuances of their own journeys and empower them to interrupt the cycle. 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. Clients design both outer – what the world sees – and inner – the hidden self – masks. This activity can be used to target all sorts of issues from body image to values to character defects (in addiction) and more.

Family & Friends Toolbox

They provide a safe environment in which members can practice newfound interpersonal skills and behaviors. Process groups are mostly substance abuse group activities unstructured with no singular topic of discussion. Theme groups are focused on support and finding commonalities between members.

• Alternatively, group members can take turns drawing cards, but all group members are encouraged to share their answers.
• Those who are found in possession of a Class A drug such as heroin, even if it is for personal use, could face up to seven years in prison plus an unlimited fine.
• Many therapists and substance abuse counselors encourage people to engage in group activities as part of the recovery process.
• In the video description, there is a link to the full video if you’re hungry for more.
• EMDR is especially useful as some people have negative reactions to psychiatric medications and EMDR does not use any medication.

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. For the group’s first half, allow your clients to paste the strips to their posters. Icebreaker games inject fun and playfulness into the group dynamics, making it easier for members to open up and participate actively. These games could involve sharing something about oneself based on a prompt, playing word association games related to recovery, or even engaging in light-hearted team challenges.

Group Activities For Addiction Recovery

This worksheet can be used to develop a collaborative treatment plan. A fun worksheet for creating a bucket list of things that the client can do in sobriety (that they wouldn’t have been able to do in active addiction). A 1-page worksheet for affirmations, positive self-talk, and problem-solving strategies for daily challenges. A shared bucket list that includes spaces to write in when an item was added to the list and when it was completed. A 1-page handout with 25 quotes from the Dalai Lama on topics such as kindness and happiness. The prompts include questions about values, potential, expectations, and more.

Substance abuse support groups are unique spaces where individuals battling addiction can connect with peers who share similar experiences, feelings, and aspirations. These groups offer a haven for members to openly discuss their struggles, triumphs, and setbacks without fear of judgment. Two Dreams utilizes process groups as opposed to theme/support groups. Process groups are focused on self-exploration and giving/receiving feedback.

Your Ultimate Group Therapy Guide (+ Activities & Ideas)

Added topics include online therapy, specialized groups, ethnocultural diversity, trauma, managed care, and more. To learn more about this exercise, we recommend Judith Belmont’s book 150 More Group Therapy Activities & TIPS, which will be described in more detail below. Alternatively, we have an extensive collection of free worksheets on challenging negative thoughts in this CBT worksheets article. Day Two builds on this reflection, but participants are encouraged to write a different and more positive ending to the event or situation they described on Day One.

Brainstorm ideas for the ideal hospital or retreat to provide you with mental and emotional healing. 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, . While the physical effects of your drug dependency will be alleviated during detoxification, successful recovery requires dedication to rehabilitation.