Sober Living

Engaging Group Therapy Ideas for Addiction Recovery

substance abuse group activities

They write recovery-related questions on a ball for participants to toss around, with the person holding the ball answering the question. Sessions may occur anywhere from daily to monthly, depending on the level of care. For example, intensive outpatient treatment may require meeting twice a week, while inpatient programs may offer daily sessions.

substance abuse group activities

Learn About Self-Care

  • The implementation of new and challenging activities for group members helps to strengthen those bonds.
  • Participants can also share different coping skills that have worked for them, as well as what hasn’t worked.
  • 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.).
  • These exercises provide a platform for validating feelings and addressing unresolved issues with family members and loved ones.
  • In conclusion, the utilization of effective substance abuse group therapy activities can significantly contribute to the recovery journey.
  • Randomly assign locks to half of the group and keys to the other half.

Below is a list of therapy topics and themes that may be used during group therapy for substance use disorders. Although the list is comprehensive, it is by no means a complete list of every topic or theme that may be touched upon during treatment. To find another treatment program, browse the top-rated addiction treatment facilities in each state substance abuse group activities by visiting our homepage, or by viewing the SAMHSA Treatment Services Locator. Self-care includes creating a sleep routine, eating healthy meals, staying hydrated, exercising, and spending time with loved ones.

A list of possible group therapy activities

  • These practices promote self-awareness, reduce anxiety and depression, and enhance overall well-being.
  • We are dedicated to transforming the despair of addiction into a purposeful life of confidence, self-respect and happiness.
  • Have the group identify and discuss common triggers for substance abuse.

Substance abuse often leads to strained relationships with loved ones. Group therapy can address this issue by focusing on communication skills. Topics include active listening, assertiveness, conflict resolution, and rebuilding trust.

substance abuse group activities

Who leads group therapy?

  • Closing activities should highlight important aspects and reinforce any themes of the session.
  • Effective group leaders can help create an environment where members can challenge each other in a productive manner while practicing these life skills.
  • Thought replacement or cognitive restructuring is one of the fundamentals of CBT.
  • During a mindfulness meditation, group members focus on their breathing and treat their thoughts like passing clouds.

Behavioral activation involves identifying and engaging in positive behavior. You can encourage members to keep a gratitude journal and write everything they are grateful for. Draw or paint a picture of something in nature that has found a way to thrive in a harsh environment, such as a cactus in the desert, or tree roots bursting up from a sidewalk. Talk about your own resilience in the face of challenges, and how you might learn to be more resilient in the future. Have a group lecture and/or discussion about the neuroscience of addiction.

substance abuse group activities

Thanks for reading this resource on 58 Substance Abuse Group Therapy Activities for Recovery. The use of group therapy activities for substance abuse can be a helpful tool in https://ecosoberhouse.com/ creating a safe and healthy group environment. Activities can encourage discussion when members may be reluctant or unsure of how to contribute to the conversation. Other goals of group therapy include gaining inspiration through the recovery of others, self-identifying as a recovering addicting, and examining core values.

Psychoeducation & Process Groups

These activities offer people in recovery a sense of purpose and a chance to give back to the community by focusing on the needs of others. The sense of accomplishment and camaraderie fostered through these experiences can boost self-esteem and motivation in people in recovery. You can prepare for these situations by roleplaying as a group therapy activity. Group members will act out the events while discussing how to handle conflicts and achieve the healthiest outcome. Throughout your recovery, it’s important to be open about your feelings. Some recovery groups promote emotional openness by playing feelings charades.

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