Group therapy for addiction treatment is a dynamic that is incorporated into successful addiction recovery programs like Summit Malibu’s. Recovering addicts will work on developing a support system as they share, process, explore, problem-solve, and commune.
Read on to find out how you can discover acceptance and validation for yourself or a loved one through these 7 helpful addiction group therapy activities.
1. Face the Fears
Addiction group therapy participants will write one of their greatest fears on a slip of paper and place it in a container. These fears are discussed as they are drawn by a group leader, or participants can take turns drawing and leading the discussion.
2. Learn the Language
This may include the medical terms associated with addiction recovery, but it is more about identifying and understanding language as a trigger. Are there common words the group associates with substance abuse? What are considered good words and bad words?
3. Alternative Activities
Work together as a group to create a list of activities you can do instead of using and abusing substances. Some tremendously healthy ideas are:
- Dancing
- Walking/Hiking
- Writing
- Drawing
- Gardening
- Volunteering
4. Meditation and Mindfulness
Addiction group therapy activities should include different types of meditation. Understanding and practicing mindfulness in all facets of life can help lead to a successful recovery.
5. Breaking Bad Habits
Make a list of bad habits, then discuss their impact and how to cease the practice of these habits.
6. Reverse the Roles
You have probably seen this on TV or in the movies. Addiction recoverers can “play the role” of someone in your life who you have hurt or who you need to have a conversation with. This honest discussion may reflect ideas not previously considered.
Perhaps more challenging while also, perhaps, more revealing is to have another group therapy participant play the role of you, while you play the role of the loved one.
7. Heroes and Villains
One person’s hero may be another person’s villain. Through this discussion, you may better understand the imperfections of your role models as well as the possible good in those you find negative.
Contact Summit Malibu
The addiction recovery specialists at Summit Malibu incorporate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavioral Treatment into their 3 daily group therapy sessions. For more information on group therapy as part of our treatment services, contact Summit Malibu today.
