Pass out pieces of paper with drawings of a large bottle on them, and two lines are drawn across the bottle to create three different layers inside. Make it clear that participants do not have to share anything they write, so they’ll feel free to explore potentially surprising emotions. Have the group identify and discuss common triggers for substance abuse. Suggest different coping strategies they could use to stay sober when triggered. Trust, often damaged by addiction, is essential in recovery.
Understanding the Connection Between Addiction and Mental Health
It’s designed by teachers with specific activities and clear instructions. You may not imagine it, but when I worked with kids Connect-4 was probably the most valuable game in my office. But the easy physical actions of the game (and simple rules) made it easy to chat while we played. Emotions Match, inspired by the traditional Match Game, helps kids match up expressions and body language with the names of feelings.
For example, each “set” earned in traditional Go-Fish would require the player (or all players) to name a feeling word. Players round a game board while they either answer discussion prompts or draw or act out feelings scenarios. For example, if a player lands on a charades space, they might act out the feeling “sad” or the scenario “mad at my friend.” But rather than trivia questions, the DBT games include thoughtful prompts with no right or wrong answers. Encourage group members and clients to take a one-minute mindful moment, discuss boundaries, or identify skills that work best with strong emotions.
And one of my favourite teambuilding activities to run with all age groups. Here are a few of my favourite experiential activities designed to help groups connect, reflect, and bounce back from challenges. Think of them as the fun, practical element that makes the learning stick, and more engaging for everyone. These activities alone won’t magically create resilience. This activity provides a sense of purpose and fulfillment. They provide a platform for expressing tough emotions well.
Having to return to the beginning is a perfect chance to talk about feelings. Check out this printable match game which comes in a set with several variations. If you like, you can use just the emotions, or use two copies of the traditional feelings cards. For example, a blue block might correspond to happy feelings. A player might then discuss a time recently that made them feel happy, or what it was like to feel that way. Or, blocks can be numbered and correspond to discussion prompts.
- Triggers are specific situations, emotions, or people that can prompt substance use.
- The movements and postures promote restorative breathing, gentle stretching, strength, and flexibility development.
- This article explores 50 substance abuse group activities designed to empower individuals in their recovery journey.
- At Mental Health Center of San Diego, our mental health group activities are created around your needs.
- Vision boards offer a creative way for members to visualize their goals and dreams.
The Role of Emotional Processing in Long-Term Sobriety
These practices aren’t just “nice to have”, they’re part of a strategic plan to reduce depression, increase motivation, and promote emotional stability. So give them a go, adapt them to your group, and most importantly, have fun while building those all-important resiliency muscles. Remember, as an experiential trainer, I see these activities as tools to bring your curriculum to life. All you need is a rope—nothing fancy, but something with a bit of heft (not a shoelace.) You can play in pairs, but it’s even better with teams of 6–8 people.
Substance abuse support groups must address unique ethical considerations and challenges to ensure a safe, supportive environment for participants. Below are issues facilitators should consider during therapeutic group activities. There are plenty of instruction sets online for easy crafts that can be fun and encourage positive growth. With time, clients often notice improved mental clarity, better sleep, and stronger emotional resilience. Drop a comment below with your favourite activity from this list or share one of your own that helps build resilience in your group. I’m sharing three awesome team-building activities that are fun and easy to lead and help you explore and develop those all-important resiliency skills.
The path to recovery may be an individual one—but it’s best not walked alone
This game uses candy of various colors, like Skittles or M&Ms, to prompt discussion. For example, you can divide the colors by feelings, coping skills, or mindfulness activities. Connecting with nature can be deeply healing, and this experiential activity for group therapy combines physical activity with mindfulness. Participants take a walk in a natural setting, reflecting on their recovery journey as they move through the environment.
This fun Family Feud style therapy game reviews overall wellness, mental health, and coping skills. Improvisation exercises provide a playful platform for practicing social skills. It’s amazing how thinking on your feet in a supportive environment can boost confidence in real-world interactions. Best for small groups who love strategy, Catan is one of those board games that sucks you in and keeps you playing way longer than you planned. It’s a mix of strategy, trading, and luck, and it’s amazing for building friendships in early recovery. Group therapy is a common approach used in the treatment of substance use disorders.
Explore our collection of therapy tools at The Counseling Palette. This coping skills Jeopardy-type game show is created to be fun and interactive. It’s designed for teens and adults (see a kid-friendly version for all ages below or get them both in a bundle). It includes discussion prompts as well as some tips in each category and several hands-on group activities such as creating individual coping strategies.
Games focusing on emotional regulation are games to play in recovery groups incredibly useful in both youth and adult recovery settings. Learning to manage emotions like anger, frustration, or sadness is key to maintaining long-term emotional health. The following printable activities focus specifically on these areas. The present thinking about relapse is that it happens in stages.
- The following printable activities focus specifically on these areas.
- This game is excellent for family therapy or schools as well as drug abuse therapy for kids.
- For example, you can divide the colors by feelings, coping skills, or mindfulness activities.
- It’s great for groups, telehealth, and individual clients in-person or online.
Download the Giant Therapy Bundle Before Your Next Session!
Share with group members where you are in your recovery journey. Draw or paint a picture of something in nature that has found a way to thrive in a harsh environment, such as a cactus in the desert, or tree roots bursting up from a sidewalk. Talk about your own resilience in the face of challenges, and how you might learn to be more resilient in the future. These groups support recovery by providing a judgment-free environment where members can show acceptance and offer validation. But of all the different treatment methods, support groups may be one of the most valuable for both the treatment process itself and continued recovery post-treatment. Acknowledging small achievements is motivating and uplifting in recovery.
Discuss how treatments for physical illnesses – like broken bones or infections – are similar to treatments for psychological illnesses like addiction. Brainstorm ideas for the ideal hospital or retreat to provide you with mental and emotional healing. Think of emotional problems you face, such as depression or a bad temper.
Practicing Mindfulness
This adaptability keeps people engaged and ensures that no one feels like they’re being left behind. In group therapy, each session has to make space for different people, different stories. So the activities are often designed to create room for everyone, no matter where they are emotionally.
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As I mentioned, my introduction to the game was at a sober house in Mid-City, and have been hooked ever since. It was a weirdly good way to bond because everyone’s sense of humor comes out, and people aren’t afraid to be goofy. Ask the group to visualize themselves lost at sea in a storm at night.