Recreation in rehab may sound like a person is having a good time. While this initially may seem confusing, rehab is often an experience that is more good than bad. It is true that there is nothing good about what the body and mind experiences withdrawing from drugs or alcohol. However, an addiction rehab program can also be an immensely positive experience. Learning to enjoy life without drugs or alcohol creates real recovery. In addition to traditional therapeutic approaches, recreational therapy programs are essential to a healthy recovery.
What are Therapeutic Recreation Programs?
Suffering from a debilitating condition like drug or alcohol addiction is a constant battle. Therapeutic recreation helps a person return to a sense of normalcy and rebuild their leisure life. They find better ways to stay healthy while recovering from an addiction. A quality addiction treatment program will treat the mind, body, and soul. As such, therapeutic recreation programs focus on building up the body to help the mind and soul recover.
Working hand-in-hand with psychotherapies, recreation therapy helps a person in many ways such as:
- Relearning socialization
- Increasing independence
- Restoring motor skills
- Boosting mental and physical health
- Improving levels of functioning
This therapy keeps them engaged with others who share a sober mindset. The person gains more energy for life after rehab. Recreation therapy offers a chance to learn more about their true selves. In conclusion, hands-on activities may lead to huge breakthroughs.
Art therapy programs are often part of recreational therapy. During art therapy, exploration of one’s past or identity can become easier. However, specific therapy selections are determined by an individualized treatment plan.
Choosing Therapeutic Recreation Programs
Choosing recreation therapy as part of a comprehensive treatment program offers many benefits. It teaches the person that feeling good and being sober are not mutually exclusive. Performing one or two activities daily can improve self-confidence and help them enjoy life again.
The types of activities used may include:
- Music
- Painting
- Yoga
- Rope courses
- Meditation
- Sports
Therapeutic recreation programs usually begin after detox. During this time period, they help to diminish the desire and psychological need for drugs or alcohol. A person has the chance to heal while replacing despair with hope.
Effectiveness of Therapeutic Recreation Programs
Therapeutic recreation is effective because of the multifaceted way it targets addiction. For instance, a fitness therapy program can naturally increase endorphins and lower anxiety. A person is less likely to engage in unhealthy habits when their body feels well.
The person uses fitness and other recreational activities to relearn crucial abilities and skills lost to addiction. These therapies tap into specific skill sets and capture their imagination. Additionally, these therapies help you explore new activities that you enjoy. Combining them with traditional methods enhances a person’s recovery experience. With this in mind, your therapy team will create a plan for you.
Recreation serves as a distraction, another way it is effective during addiction treatment. This is based on the premise that the mind cannot entirely focus on two different things at once. The mind is distracted from cravings and withdrawal symptoms while it focuses on playing basketball or mountain climbing.
Get Results from Therapeutic Recreation
Consider the value of a recreational therapy program at Pillars Recovery. This is just one helpful aspect of our recovery services for men and women. We offer a scenic location where you receive a continuum of care on the journey that changes your life.
Recreational therapy can help you heal and build a solid foundation. Our variety of programs can reaffirm your decision to get and stay sober. You meet new people while starting to feel and look better. Comprehensive addiction therapy services will help you find the strength that you did not know you had
Call 866.782.0247 now if you are ready to end your addiction. Pillars Recovery has individualized recreational, holistic and evidence-based programs for each step on your road to recovery.
