Common Group Therapy Exercises & Activities

group therapy activities for substance abuse

A group leader must evaluate either subjectively or objectively (or both) how the group members have progressed and whether goals have been met (Levine, 2011). Create a coping cheat sheet summary card that group members can keep with them between sessions. This card can have a list of three to 10 coping skills that they can use when they are struggling. Examples could be breathing, counting, calling a friend, calling a hotline, listening to a song, or pausing. This worksheet on radical acceptance can be completed individually inside or outside of a group session. Members can share their responses with the group and reflect on what they learn about themselves and from one another.

group therapy activities for substance abuse

Resources From PositivePsychology.com

Participants can share how they are practicing self-care to encourage and inspire their peers. Participants can also share different coping skills that have worked for them, as well as what hasn’t worked. Sound therapy may be most beneficial when offered by a trained practitioner, but music, instruments, or nature sounds may also be incorporated informally into group and peer sessions. If a client is disrespectful (cursing at you or another client, name-calling, insulting, etc.) while escalated, let them know it’s not okay, but don’t attempt to provide feedback. (A simple, “Hey, that’s not okay,” will suffice.) Bring it up with the client later when they’re able to process. (Prizes optional, but always appreciated.) During the debriefing, it’s fun to learn more (and thereby increase understanding and compassion).

Download 3 Free Positive Psychology Exercises (PDF)

Cognitive-behavioral techniques focus on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviors. When it comes to group therapy, the power of expressive arts cannot be overstated. The use of art, music, and other creative mediums can enhance the therapeutic process and facilitate healing on multiple levels. This expanded version will delve deeper into the benefits of art therapy and music therapy in substance abuse recovery. Substance abuse treatment is challenging, but recovery is possible with the right support and guidance. Group therapy provides a nurturing environment where individuals can share their struggles, learn from each other, and build the skills needed to overcome addiction.

group therapy activities for substance abuse

Exercises and Worksheets for Depression and Anxiety

Give group members a few minutes to identify their NUTS and ANTS and count how many they can identify within a certain period of time. When they are done, they can share their counts and their what are some ideas for substance abuse group activities? NUTS and ANTS with the group, if they are comfortable doing so. ANTS refers to Automatic Negative Thoughts, an acronym coined by David Burns in his groundbreaking book Feeling Good.

  • This activity is a great icebreaker but is also fun to do with group members that are already familiar with one another.
  • Keep reading to learn more about group therapy and what you might discuss when you become involved.
  • The CBT group therapy activities are an incredible way to develop social skills, learn from other participants, and improve thinking patterns and coping mechanisms.
  • The rest of the group comments on the accuracy of their assessment and gives advice.
  • Please note that Two Dreams utilizes process groups as opposed to theme/support groups.

Common Group Therapy Exercises & Activities

Research indicates that individuals who engage in treatment and remain committed to recovery often experience positive outcomes. These outcomes include significantly reduced drug and alcohol misuse, decreased criminal activity, and improved overall social and psychological https://ecosoberhouse.com/what-are-sober-living-houses/ well-being. Topics could include the neurological aspects of addiction, the cycle of addiction, and the long-term effects on physical and mental health. With knowledge, individuals can better comprehend the need for treatment and strategies to overcome addiction.

Activities for building healthy relationships

Art therapy and music therapy allow individuals in substance abuse recovery to explore their emotions, gain insight into their recovery journey, and develop healthy coping mechanisms. These creative mediums offer a safe and supportive environment for self-expression and personal growth. By incorporating expressive arts into group therapy, individuals can enhance their overall well-being and increase their chances of long-term recovery. Embarking on the journey of recovery from substance abuse often involves joining group therapy sessions, which can be daunting at first. However, these sessions offer a supportive environment for individuals to share their experiences, learn coping strategies, and foster personal growth.

Once the escalated client exits the room, acknowledge what happened and let the group know you intend to follow up with that person. If a group member wants to talk about it, ask them to limit their share to how it made them feel, but stress that it’s not okay to talk about an absent group member. (“How would you feel if we talked about you when you weren’t here?”) Strongly suggest that they wait until the person returns (and is open) to have a group discussion (if appropriate). Professional associations, such as the American Group Psychotherapy Association, have developed best practice guidelines based on scientific data and clinical research. The Association for Specialists in Group Work created best practice guidelines for group work and guiding principles. This resource guide provides practical information and tools for group therapy for mental health practitioners.

  • Most of these activities and exercises can be applied to a wide range of group therapy situations.
  • Essentially, goal visualization is mental imagery of the participant’s desired positive future, whether that relates to the goal achievement itself or simply to the process of working toward it.
  • This activity cultivates a supportive environment for personal growth and empowerment.
  • Have clients each bring in an item, object, or picture that represents a fond memory of the individual they are grieving.

Groups are lead by a trained group leader who prompts discussion and encourages everyone to participate. Other than gently guiding conversation, the group leader is responsible for picking up on client issues that reoccur in group therapy and in daily life. Clients will oftentimes subconsciously demonstrate actions in group therapy that are representative of their routine patterns and thought processes. These instances serve as opportunities for the group leader to make suggestions and to give the client insight into habits that might need alteration.

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