Substance abuse group therapy activities are an important part of an addiction treatment program in Argyle, TX. Clients in recovery usually participate in the activities after they go through a medical detox program and are ready for behavioral therapy. Group therapy is done in an inpatient or outpatient setting and is usually led by one or more therapists working with a small group of clients.
What is the Purpose of Group Therapy?
Group therapy, or group counseling, is a type of mental health therapy commonly used in substance abuse treatment. Therapists use group therapy activities as a way for members to give and receive support and motivation from each other. If nothing else, group therapy makes you realize that you’re not the only one struggling with addiction. The activities will help you to learn about yourself, develop communication skills, accept criticisms, and learn positive ways to cope with substance abuse triggers.
6 Substance Abuse Group Therapy Activities in Rehab
Going to group therapy can be an intimidating, yet fun and engaging way of coping during rehab. Your therapist may decide on substance abuse group therapy activities that serve as “icebreakers,” before moving to activities that dig deeper into the issues of drug and alcohol abuse.
Icebreakers
- Check-in and warm-up – Group members take turns expressing how they feel today and telling the group how many days since they’ve been sober. Everyone should loosen by the end of check-in and be ready to dive into the other substance abuse group therapy activities.
- Discuss common triggers –Talking about triggers such as stress, loneliness, anxiety, and depression can help everyone to see the role their environment, thoughts, and feelings play in drugs or alcohol use.
- List positive self-traits and affirmations –This exercise allows clients to identify and celebrate positive things about themselves. Examples of things they can list on pieces of paper are, “I am smart,” “I am talented,” “I can get through this,” or “My strength is greater than my struggles.”
Digging Deeper/Breaking Through
- Discuss the importance of mindfulness – Mindfulness helps keep an individual focused. It teaches group members to be aware of things, thoughts, and feelings as they occur without judging the experience. Practicing mindfulness can help prevent recovering substance abusers from acting compulsively, e.g., drinking alcohol or smoking drugs to cope.
- List alternatives to drug and alcohol use – Examples of positive alternatives are exercise, playing sports, yoga, meditation, volunteering, and gardening. Some members may opt to listen to music, dance, or talk with a trusted friend or a therapist. These are all holistic coping methods.
- Goal setting – Each group member will make a list of the things they wish to accomplish during and after rehab. They can write it in a book or on a vision board. Goals can include getting a job, going back to school, or attending sober groups as part of relapse prevention.
Addiction Recovery at Santé Center for Healing
Our addiction treatment professionals at Santé Center for Healing in Argyle, TX, do not underestimate the effectiveness of substance abuse group therapy activities. This is why we may include group therapy into your personalized treatment plan. The decision is based on the results of your dual diagnosis evaluation.
Based on your needs, you can recover in a residential rehab program, outpatient program, or an intensive outpatient program. Substance abuse treatment in any of these programs typically involves drug/alcohol detox as well as exposure to different types of treatment and therapies. For example:
- Group therapy program
- Family therapy program
- Psychotherapy program
- Trauma therapy program
- Relapse prevention therapy
Your New Life Can Begin Today
Santé Center for Healing is committed to helping men and women in Argyle, TX, and surrounding areas. We also welcome professionals who are looking for a private location to recover from substance abuse. If you feel ready to talk to an admissions counselor, please call 866.238.3154.