10 CBT Group Activities Essential for Substance Abuse Recovery

As a way of encouraging recovery progress, or supporting continued recovery success, many support groups use specific activities to keep their members engaged. Learn all about how you can adapt substance abuse group therapy ideas the classic principles of client centered therapy to the modality of teletherapy. You, nor your loved one, are under any obligation to commit to a Treatment X treatment program when calling the helpline.

Try Role-Playing Exercises

A 1-page worksheet for exploring motivation for substance use recovery. A 1-page worksheet for examining past substance use relapses and strategies for avoiding future relapses. A 3-page worksheet for substance use recovery for planning leisure activities and enhancing wellness/spirituality.

• Learning to be present and mindful is a vital part of the recovery process.
• As therapists, we know loneliness can sometimes be a trigger for our clients.
• After writing their own name on the sheet, they turn it in to staff (effectively allowing staff to maintain a safe and productive environment).
• Music can be a form of emotional release and can help individuals express feelings they may struggle to verbalize.

The Importance of Support Systems

• A therapist aims to reshape your thoughts towards a more positive perspective for better behavioral outcomes.
• The group provides a structured environment where members are held accountable for their actions, helping them resist temptations and avoid relapse.
• By sharing methods, group members learn actionable ways to handle cravings effectively.
• Afterward, participants may be invited to share any surprising or revealing thoughts they had, if they feel comfortable doing so.

It’s important to have moments of levity during addiction recovery to help build camaraderie and enthusiasm, and playing charades can provide some. Self-care includes creating a sleep routine, eating healthy meals, staying hydrated, exercising, and spending time with loved ones. They are often available at addiction treatment centers but can also be found at community centers or in other public locations. Sessions may occur anywhere from daily to monthly, depending on the level of care. For example, intensive outpatient treatment may require meeting twice a week, while inpatient programs may offer daily sessions.

Managing Anger

This activity can help individuals manage stress, reduce anxiety, and focus on their goals. Art therapy is a creative way for individuals to express emotions that may be difficult to verbalize. Art therapy allows for emotional release and fosters self-expression, without the need for words.

Read Next

• Rediscovering a sense of purpose and passion is a motivating part of recovery.
• CARF International accreditation demonstrates a program’s quality, transparency, and commitment to the satisfaction of the persons served.
• This topic encourages members to create affirmations that support their recovery and share them with the group to inspire and uplift each other.
• Have everyone write out a list of self-affirmation, then select one or more of these to share with the group.

A growth mindset encourages individuals to view challenges as learning opportunities, which is especially valuable in recovery. This discussion emphasizes seeing setbacks as steps for growth, building resilience, and fostering a positive approach to personal development. This discussion explores different types of physical activities and encourages members to incorporate regular exercise into their lives.

Listening Skills Practice

A to-do list of kind deeds with blank spaces to write in your own ideas for spreading kindness. A 2-page handout with journal prompts for recovery, based on material from The Sober Survival Guide (created with the author’s permission). The prompts include questions about values, potential, expectations, and more.

• Drumming can serve as a powerful outlet for releasing emotions and fostering a sense of togetherness in the group.
• The purpose of this exercise is designed to help clients discover and celebrate their positive traits and affirmations, so providing clients with several strips to choose from is critical.
• A fun worksheet for creating a bucket list of things that are only possible in sobriety.
• The Discovery House is a fully licensed, Joint Commission accredited, comprehensive drug and alcohol treatment center located in Reseda servicing the Los Angeles area.
• The helpline at AddictionResource.net is available 24/7 to discuss the treatment needs of yourself or a loved one.

Handling Social Situations

The following three PDF downloads are lists of ideas/questions for groups. Group facilitation wasn’t always comfortable, and I made many mistakes, but I grew. I realized it’s okay to be counselor and human; at times, humans say dumb stuff, hurt each other’s feelings, and don’t know the answer. A group therapy resource guide with recommended books, topic ideas, group activities, practical tips, and more.

Good nutrition plays a vital role in physical and mental health, supporting recovery efforts. This topic provides insights into how balanced diets benefit mental clarity, mood stability, and overall well-being, helping members make healthier food choices. This topic explores strategies for maintaining healthy, supportive relationships that encourage sobriety.