Revitalizing Recovery: 8 Engaging Therapy Activities for Teens and Adults in Addiction Counseling

According to the National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics (NCDAS), more than 48 million Americans are affected by substance use disorders. These include addictions to marijuana, opioids, cocaine, alcohol, among others. Substance Use Disorders (SUDs) are ongoing and often worsen without suitable treatment.

Key symptoms of SUDs encompass increased tolerance, strong cravings, and withdrawal symptoms. Additional indications of addiction can include:

• Using substances longer or in larger quantities than planned
• Failed attempts to quit
• Devoting excessive time to thinking about, planning for, engaging in, and recovering from substance use
• Notable changes in personal hygiene, physical looks, and appetite
• Facing negative impacts in work, education, and personal relationships
• Withdrawing from loved ones, activities, and interests
• Emergence or escalation of legal issues
• Engaging in deceitful, manipulative, or stealing behaviors related to continued use

Various treatment programs exist to help those struggling with alcohol and drug dependency. Individuals likely to experience withdrawal often receive referrals for detoxification, usually followed by inpatient treatment. Outpatient services continue to provide support as individuals incorporate relapse prevention techniques and healthy lifestyle choices into their daily lives.

The Benefits of Addiction Therapy Activities for Clients

Addiction treatment plans are generally based on proven therapies, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), contingency management, and brief interventions. Treatment might involve individual sessions, group therapy, family programs, and educational talks.

Often, SUDs coincide with mental health challenges like anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and ADHD. In these instances, integrated care that addresses both conditions is usually advised. This may include psychiatric assistance and further therapy or counseling sessions focused on mental health issues.

Utilizing clinical worksheets can introduce or reinforce relapse prevention techniques and life skills to aid clients in managing triggers, cravings, and other stressors during their recovery. Worksheets act as a practical tool for clients to refer to outside therapy. TherapyByPro offers a wide range of therapeutic resources for mental health professionals. Examples of substance use disorders suitable for individual or group therapy activities include:

Therapeutic Activities for Your Clients

Therapeutic activities for addiction can be customized based on clients’ symptoms, goals, and therapy settings. There are distinct differences between activities for teens and those for adults. As you peruse our list, think about how these activities might be modified for your clinical practice.

1. Developing a Trigger Map

Trigger mapping is a therapeutic exercise suitable for both teens and adults, whether in a group or individual format. Clients are encouraged to identify their internal and external triggers. You will guide them in visually representing how these triggers lead to emotional responses that cause distress or contribute to substance use. This activity is beneficial for clients dealing with cravings, impulse control, and relapse prevention strategies.

2. Journaling

Journaling can be highly beneficial for clients facing various mental health challenges, including SUDs. It serves those who battle negative thoughts, anxiety, guilt, and shame, especially those at heightened risk for relapse. Urge clients to document experiences related to their automatic thoughts that aggravate their distress or cravings. This activity fosters greater self-awareness regarding distorted thinking patterns and external influences that contribute to substance use.

3. Simulating Social Scenarios

Simulating challenging social situations can provide valuable practice for teens and young adults in either individual or group settings. Here, clients act out real-life circumstances that may provoke a relapse, addressing both internal and external triggers. This exercise is essential for those who may be susceptible to peer pressure and impulsivity. Allocate time for feedback and guidance on effective communication skills that help manage social boundaries.

4. Clarifying Values

Value clarification techniques, stemming from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), can aid adults, young adults, and teens struggling with motivation or a sense of purpose in their recovery. In this exercise, clients identify their personal values and examine how their actions align or clash with these values. You might consider using a rating system or employing this as a journaling prompt for therapy sessions.

5. Building a Recovery Timeline

Developing a recovery timeline is a common therapy activity in both inpatient and outpatient settings. In this exercise, provide clients with the materials they need to illustrate the course of their addiction and their current state. Encourage them to mark significant stressors or experiences that influenced their substance use, times of recovery, relapses, and more. This activity can enhance self-awareness and empathetic understanding of their experiences and struggles.

6. Assembling a Coping Skills Toolbox

Creating a coping skills toolbox can benefit both teens and adults. After supplying your client with materials, have them compile a resource that includes calming techniques, grounding methods, positive affirmations, and strategies they can use to handle cravings or stress. This is especially useful for clients dealing with impulsivity and emotion regulation, particularly those at risk of relapse. Discuss when these coping tools can be employed and encourage clients to identify strategies applicable across various environments such as school, work, home, and social situations.

7. Forming a Decisional Balance Chart

Creating a decisional balance chart helps clients weigh the pros and cons of their choices related to substance use, facilitating clearer decision-making processes.