They can also help group members become more comfortable with engaging in sober fun and working in physical proximity. Other groups consider themselves as closed, so new members may only join when a new group forms. The only time confidentiality may be broken is if the group’s therapist becomes concerned for a group member’s safety or the safety of someone else. Jennifer brings over 25 years of nursing experience to the Lodge ranging from public health to corporate health. Having graduated from St. John’s University in 1990 with a BA in Psychology, Jackie began her career in Human Resources and Office Services/Training. Her journey led to a change in the industry, and Jackie began her career at Haley House in 2011 as Resident Advisor.

These groups offer a haven for members to openly discuss their struggles, triumphs, and setbacks without fear of judgment. Reflecting on one’s highs and lows in life is a common practice in group therapy. On a large piece of paper, group members plot out these points and connect them with a line. They then share with the group the feelings and thoughts they have surrounding their life’s timeline. Together, the group discusses the ways these events are similar and different from each other.

Finding Help in Addiction Treatment

No matter where you live, there are places in nature to take your clients as one of your substance abuse group activities. Coastal areas have their beaches, Florida has the Everglades, Colorado offers the beautiful Rocky Mountain Range, and Hawaii provides an endless amount of outdoor activities. Bring your group out to explore some beautiful outdoor scenes and breathe in some fresh air. Every session is unique, but there are certain activities that you can expect before your first substance abuse group therapy activities. This review discusses some of the more common therapy activities a counselor may implement in group sessions. She hosts weekly Zoom sessions with the family members of current and past students to help normalize their experiences and to provide a space where group members share their experience, strength, and hope.

• It’s difficult to showcase athletic ability in a talent show so taking your group out to play sports gives athletic clients their time to shine.
• He strives to show them that spirituality can elevate the joy of living.
• Doing this longer than ten minutes may make your clients feel uncomfortable.
• These substance abuse group activities foster empathy and a deeper awareness of the ripple effects of addiction.
• This makes them one of the best options for substance abuse group activities.
• The following 10 group therapy activities are commonly used to treat addiction and mental illness.

When we look at treatment programs that are designed to help individuals who are struggling with a substance abuse disorder, we often see that treatment facilities utilize a combination of different approaches. This can include medication-assisted treatment, group therapy, individual therapy, life skills groups, psychoeducation groups, and support groups. Some clients may present with reluctance to participate in the different forms of group therapy during their treatment program. Individual therapy provides clients with one-on-one time with a trained Counselor which can feel less overwhelming and more personal than a group setting. When a client shares their hesitations with you about group therapy, there are numerous benefits that you can discuss with them.

Adult Children of Alcoholics: Discussion Questions

Psychoeducation activities are foundational to substance abuse education within support groups. These substance abuse group activities  focus on equipping participants with accurate and comprehensive information about addiction – its biological, psychological, and social underpinnings. Through presentations, discussions, and educational materials, participants gain insights into the nature of addiction, its impact on brain chemistry, and the factors that contribute to its development. Warm-up exercises serve as a bridge between members’ daily lives and focused group discussions. These exercises can include mindfulness activities, deep breathing exercises, or brief reflections on personal progress since the last session. Warm-ups set a contemplative tone, helping participants transition into the group environment and encouraging them to be present and engaged throughout the session.

Megan has been a member of the Alina Lodge family for many years, serving as an intern in 2011, and joining the Clinical team full time in January of 2012. Prior to coming to Alina Lodge, Megan was the Senior Case Supervisor for Passaic County Court Appointed Special https://ecosoberhouse.com/article/top-10-substance-abuse-group-activities/ Advocates. He strives to show them that spirituality can elevate the joy of living. Bill began his Alina Lodge career in 2011 as a Facilitator and decided to pursue a CADC after seeing Students’ lives transformed over the course of their stay in treatment.

There are two kinds of group therapy sessions

In 2020 he became a Clinical Manager with Brookdale Recovery Center and in 2022 accepted his current position as Primary Counselor at Alina Lodge. Aaron spent the first 20 years of his marketing career in financial services as a Senior Vice President of Strategic Marketing with Sovereign Bank. He traveled the country for 10 of those years working as a banking consultant teaching large banks how to acquire new customers. Jim’s favorite song lyrics are “Yes there are two paths you can go by but in the long run; there’s still time to change the road you’re on.” Led Zeppelin – Stairway To Heaven. Derek has an extensive background in non-profit, medical research and healthcare finance and administration having served as a Chief Financial Officer exhibiting strong organizational and leadership performance. Both the group leader and other group members will work to encourage honest feedback constructively and create a nurturing space in which people can grow and heal.

Group members may notice feeling less anxious, happier, more energetic, and more in tune with themselves and the world around them. Over time, regular practice of mindfulness can help members of the group manage cravings, cope with anxiety and depression, build intentional relationships, and maintain sobriety. Additionally, the group will challenge their negative thoughts and irrational beliefs and discuss best and worst-case scenarios. Cognitive behavioral therapy equips group members with greater insight, perspective, and confidence to face their own problems. It also teaches them effective actions and coping skills to manage life’s challenges and avoid relapse.

A list of possible group therapy activities

At the end of each “scene,” the therapist checks in with the group member whose life events are being reenacted. The role-play session often ends with the therapist recasting key individuals of the group member’s experience and rewriting key events so that he or she might obtain healing and closure. Jackie received her Canine Good Citizen Certification from the AKA and is a Certified Therapy Dog. Jackie O graduated from C.A.T.dogsinc a premier pet therapy organization in Ft Lauderdale dedicated to improving the lives of those in need. Jackie O has provided companionship to assisted living facilities, addiction treatment centers, veterans’ groups and holds a special place for her work at Holy Cross Hospital Cancer Infusion Center.

By simulating scenarios involving peer pressure or social settings, participants can practice assertively declining offers of drugs or alcohol. These activities build confidence, enhance communication skills, and empower individuals to prioritize their recovery goals. Substance abuse support groups are unique spaces where individuals battling addiction can connect with peers who share similar experiences, feelings, and aspirations.

For more tips on facilitating check-in and the role of personal interactions between group members, have a look at the videos we’ve linked to below. For example, if you have time for a longer check-in from each member, a phrase like “tell us the story of…” can be a good prompt for members to share more than a few words. If you’re short on time and just want a quick update, using “say a few words on…” may be the better option. Strengths Spotting can be a useful warm-up for an existing team or group, and works best if the facilitator gives an example positive story to get things started.