Recreational therapy uses a variety of different activities to address the emotions and symptoms that may hinder a person’s recovery. For example, many people who suffer from drug or alcohol addiction also experience depression, anxiety, or trauma. If left untreated, all of these conditions can make recovery and long-term sobriety difficult. However, recreational therapy treats addiction by addressing these issues and providing an array of benefits, including:

Challenging patients to push themselves and overcome difficulties, therefore, building a sense of accomplishment surrounding mental and physical challenges.
Learning to trust others by participating in team-building and trust-building activities.
Developing leadership, team-building skills, and support systems.
Building confidence, resilience, and self-esteem.
Encouraging patients to face their fears, heal emotionally, and walk through challenges without using substances.
Helping patients build self-awareness and problem-solving skills.
Motivating patients to live healthier, more independent, and fulfilling lives.
Reducing a person’s sense of isolation, anxiety, depression, and stress.
Introducing patients to new, sober hobbies and activities that they can use to fill their spare time and/or cope with future challenges.
Encouraging patients to take care of their physical and mental health.
Improving motor functioning and cognitive abilities.
Preventing relapse by developing skills to cope with challenges in recovery.
Providing patients with a break from behavioral therapy and an outlet to cope with stress and/or have fun.

When incorporated into the treatment of drug and alcohol addiction, recreational therapy introduces patients to new activities and offers a reprieve from the rigorous work conducted in behavioral therapy. Often, individuals are unaware that they are undergoing therapy; instead, they perceive the experience as engaging in enjoyable activities. In truth, those in recovery have typically relied on substance use as a coping mechanism, underscoring the significance of discovering new pursuits during rehabilitation. Through the utilization of recreational therapies in rehab, patients can access comprehensive healing for the body and mind.

Individuals struggling with addiction or mental illness can find value in this type of care, particularly when integrated into a holistic treatment approach focused on proven methods. Recreational therapies are employed to address a range of issues including eating disorders, anger management, grief, trauma, and behavioral challenges. The primary objective of this treatment is to surface underlying emotions, facilitating healing and the development of coping strategies.