As a person’s brain concentrates on these activities, it becomes more difficult to dwell on drugs or alcohol. Our West Virginia rehab facility is an ideal place to reflect on and recover from negative behavior. With a recreation center, indoor pool, and gym, you’ll never be bored and will always have something exciting to look forward to.

Kayla is a Mental Health Counselor who earned her degree from Niagara University in Lewiston, New York. She has provided psychotherapy in a residential treatment program and an outpatient addiction treatment facility in New York as well as an inpatient addiction rehab in Ontario, Canada. She has experience working with individuals living with a variety of mental health concerns including depression, https://ecosoberhouse.com/ anxiety, bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, and trauma. Specifically, coping skills are techniques used to deal with stress and difficult situations. Although they may not be long-term solutions, they help a person deal with painful experiences and things that may lead to negative behaviors. Unhealthy coping skills for substance abuse can do more harm than good in the long run.

Team-Building Exercises And Trust-Building Games

These exercises allow individuals to practice with group members how they will handle difficult situations without relapsing. These meetings provide a safe space where members of the group can share personal information without being judged, and it lets them know they are not alone in their experiences. Group therapy is most effective and enjoyable when members connect and collaborate.

Group meditation can also bring challenges, such as navigating distractions from others, such as coughing, sneezing, or sounds from shifting in their seat. Problem-solving practice helps identify strategies to support people in coping with the difficulties of life and creates the ability to solve substance abuse group activities everyday problems. Creative arts may be used in a group setting as an alternative therapy. Creativity has been proven to have positive clinical effects, especially on mental health disorders. Group therapy provides a uniquely rich environment and powerful setting that can improve mental health.

Group Ideas & Topics

If a person struggles with another mental health disorder at the same time, it is essential to meet with a medical health professional as well. As previously discussed, it’s easy for individuals to turn to negative coping strategies while in recovery. However, to maintain sobriety and to enjoy a happier life and better well-being, there are a few healthier coping skills for substance abuse.

Activities in a group setting keep clients engaged and help them build bonds with peers. It’s extremely important to have a system of support throughout recovery. Therefore, having healthy relationships with people who understand the needs of a person in recovery can help maintain sobriety in the long term. Besides friends and family, a network includes other people who are trying to avoid drugs and alcohol. A system of trustworthy individuals comes in handy when temptations arise. Group therapy is a common approach used in the treatment of substance use disorders.

What Are Unhealthy Coping Skills?

Relapse is more common than you think; most people in recovery return to drug and alcohol use within one year of completing treatment. The GROW With Your Team worksheet specifically helps with group development, team cohesion, and learning to set and achieve common goals. This can be a wonderful activity to use to start a group because it allows members’ active participation in accomplishing objectives and the healing process. In this activity, the group identifies and discusses common triggers for their particular loss (what stimulates negative emotions such as sadness).

• After the session, clients share the meaning of their art with other group members.
• Engaging in volunteer or community service projects as a group can play a pivotal role in preventing relapse.
• Group interventions may include group therapy, peer support group meetings, group outings during treatment, and alumni programs as a part of aftercare.
• Expressive art storytelling can be made into a group activity by having members take part in expressive art together.
• Below, we breakdown examples of the types of coping skills that can help you truly conquer substance abuse and addiction.
• A 1-page handout with simple “in-the-moment” calming strategies for anxiety-provoking events.

Group therapy sessions led by an experienced facilitator can be a source of stabilization and support. The group can also comfort members through times of crisis and guide them. Create a coping cheat sheet summary card that group members can keep with them between sessions.

Developing Coping Skills for Substance Abuse Recovery

Start with five minutes and try to clear your mind and focus on the present moment. It’s okay to notice what you hear around you, like the traffic going by outside or a breeze blowing by your face. However, you want to notice these things and then release them, without thinking about them too much. Writing or journaling is an excellent way to unpack your emotions and start understanding them.

These groups further encourage exploration of emotional and interpersonal conflicts, confrontation about denial and harmful behaviors, and discussion about responsibilities and limitations. They add structure to chaotic lives and provide a safe environment in which to practice newly developed skills. If you or a loved one is looking for substance abuse treatment, you can find it today. One of the most common experiences people in recovery share is cravings and triggers to drink or use drugs, and discussing them can help prevent relapse. Whether it’s 12-step meetings, SMART Recovery, or group therapy, these services are a crucial part of drug and alcohol treatment programs and aftercare support. At addiction treatment centers like Catalina, we can connect you with providers that specialize in substance use disorder and behavioral therapies.