Author: Gary Jackson

The 30 Best Substance Abuse Group Activities

Potential areas include education, family, likes, dislikes, professional interests, responsibilities, hometown, etc. This activity forces interaction between members, which can help decrease feelings of loneliness and isolation. Members write down as many goals as they would like and pass the ideas around. Once the list is complete, the group can brainstorm practical ways to implement behaviors that will help achieve these goals. They may bring one luxury item, one entertainment item, and one survival item. This is often a revealing activity that can help members get to know one another.

We do not receive any commission or fee that is dependent upon which treatment provider a caller chooses. 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. Rowing hard, they use it to guide them to shore, where they are given dry clothes, a hot meal, and a cozy place to sleep. Imprint this image in your mind, or perhaps even draw a picture of it, so you can use it again for guidance in your real life.

List of Group Therapy Activities for Substance Abuse

The substance abuse group activities are a path to healing as the journey towards addiction recovery is rarely undertaken alone. For many, especially those recovering from addiction, recovery is significantly enhanced by the support and camaraderie found within substance abuse support groups. These groups are pivotal in promoting sobriety, providing emotional reinforcement, and fostering personal growth. As the understanding of addiction continues to evolve, professionals and researchers increasingly recognize the vital contribution support groups make in the holistic recovery process.

• They are a form of group therapy available free of charge all over the world, with no membership requirements (other than the desire to lead a life free of substance abuse).
• Once your group feels comfortable with each other you can start digging deeper.
• It also encourages the one-day-at-a-time philosophy, which makes sobriety seem less overwhelming.
• They also work to develop their communication skills and learn to engage in fun, healthy social experiences.

These groups further encourage exploration of emotional and interpersonal conflicts, confrontation about denial and harmful behaviors, and discussion about responsibilities and limitations. They add structure to chaotic lives and provide a safe environment in which to practice newly developed skills. Through the group dynamic, clients foster hope and examine core issues that exacerbate their addictive disorders. They also work to develop their communication skills and learn to engage in fun, healthy social experiences. The group dynamic encourages honest feedback and facilitates bonding between individuals with shared experiences.

Helpful activities for grief and loss

In this activity, the group identifies and discusses common triggers for their particular loss (what stimulates negative emotions such as sadness). Group members and leaders can then suggest different coping strategies they could use when feeling triggered. According to Alan Wolflet (2004), group activities for grief and loss should help members with the six needs of mourning. Each pair is asked to report to the group on three commonalities discovered. This activity helps individuals feel more connected and provides a sense of belonging.

She has experience working with individuals living with a variety of mental health concerns including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, and trauma. Jane received her master’s degree in Clinical Counseling from Centenary University in 2022. Prior to her transition into the field of counseling, Jane worked for 10 years as a licensed massage therapist. Her first career was in animal training and behavior following her bachelor’s degree in Animal Science from the University of Connecticut in 2008.

What Is Group Therapy?

This card can have a list of three to 10 coping skills that they can use when they are struggling. Examples could be breathing, counting, calling a friend, calling a hotline, listening to a song, or pausing. This worksheet on radical acceptance can be completed individually inside or outside of a group session. Members can share their responses with the group and reflect on what they learn about themselves and from one another.

We have assessments, practice forms, and worksheet templates mental health professionals can use to streamline their practice. We are dedicated to transforming the despair of addiction into a purposeful life of confidence, self-respect and happiness. We want to give recovering addicts the tools to return to the outside world completely substance-free and successful.

How Does Group Therapy Help with Substance Abuse?

Theme groups are focused on support and finding commonalities between members. They tend to have more structure than process groups and focus on a single topic. Two Dreams prefers to hold process groups in order to enhance the holistic treatment experience and to help clients equip themselves with the tools needed for their own recovery. Other goals of group therapy include gaining inspiration through the recovery of others, self-identifying as a recovering addicting, and examining core values. Participants support and nurture each other like a family by reinforcing good behaviors and helping each other cope during difficult tasks.