Recreational Therapy in Adolescent Substance Use & Mental Health Treatment

Overview

According to the National Council, recreational therapy is a technique that utilizes activity-based interventions to address the unique needs of individuals experiencing mental health and substance use disorders. The purpose of recreational therapy is to comprehensively improve all areas of life including social functioning, cognitive functioning, physical functioning and emotional functioning.

At Guardian Recovery, we offer recreational therapy for teens and adolescents experiencing substance use and mental health disorders to aid them in developing adaptive coping techniques and reaching a sense of physical well-being.

How Recreational Therapy Can Help Teens During Recovery

Recreational therapy can help teens in a variety of ways. Research has found that recreational therapy can help improve an individual’s cognitive ability, communication techniques, and social skills.

Benefits of recreational therapy include:

• Providing structure — It is important for teens in mental health, or substance use, recovery to have structured days and very little idle time. It is often beneficial for clients to continue participating in a group activity once treatment concludes.
• Building self-esteem and helping clients develop a sense of self-worth — As they begin to recognize their own personal strengths, teens learn they are capable of doing much more than they previously thought.
• Healing the body and the brain — Frequent exercise improves mental health by regulating mood, improving self-esteem, reducing anxiety and depression and improving cognitive functioning.

The Role of Recreational Therapy in Holistic Treatment

Holistic treatment focuses on healing the mind and body as a whole. Recreational therapy activities — including physical activities like walking, participating in games and sports, weight training, aerobics and group hikes — are an important part of the holistic treatment process. These activities promote physical activity, which not only encourages wellness but is an effective coping technique.

Health & Wellness in Recovery

Mental health and substance use disorders are complex conditions in the sense that they have the power to destroy an individual’s physical and emotional well-being. Engaging in recreational activities helps clients build self-esteem and return to a state of healthy physical functioning. Physical activities are also good for mental health. The more well-rounded a mental health or recovery program is, the better chance a client has over long-term success.

Types of Recreational Activities We Offer for Adolescent Treatment

Depending on the specific Guardian Recovery locations, the following recreation therapeutic activities may be utilized during our adolescent recreational therapy program:

• Group sports
• Group hikes
• Group outings

Additional Experiential Therapies We Provide

In addition to recreational therapy, some of our Guardian Recovery locations offer other holistic and experiential therapies, including music, art, and yoga therapy for teens experiencing mental health and substance use disorders.

Music Therapy

Research has found that music can increase blood flow to areas of the brain responsible for emotional regulation. During music therapy, each client learns how to express their emotions through music, and how to utilize music as a healing tool. Benefits include stress reduction, fostering healthy communication skills, improving cognitive function, and enhancing social functioning.

Art Therapy

This therapeutic method revolves around the expression of unresolved trauma or uncomfortable emotions through creative means. Artistic expression can be a powerful healing tool, and art therapy helps our clients externalize what they are feeling in a healthy and productive way. Art therapy sessions are facilitated by a licensed therapist, and include drawing, painting, collage making and numerous other effective artistic exercises.

Equine-Assisted Therapy

During equine-assisted therapy, clients work with horses and horse specialists to help foster physical and emotional well-being. Clients may ride or work with the horses while simultaneously working with a mental health professional to process negative thoughts, feelings, and emotions.

Yoga & Meditation

During yoga and meditation, the instructor walks throughout the class as they instruct, adjusting clients as necessary and offering them insight. In most cases, clients end class with a guided meditation, as they learn to quiet their minds and stay rooted in the present moment. Research has found that yoga can help individuals increase their self-confidence and experience an overall sense of well-being.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will My Child Be Supervised During Recreational Activities?
Yes, each recreational activity is conducted by a licensed healthcare professional who supervises each client during each session.

Will My Teen Be Transported for Recreational Activities?
It depends on where you and your teen reside. At Guardian Recovery, we offer local ground transportation for those enrolled in our services.

Will My Child Associate With Children Outside of the Treatment Program?
Many of the other children that your teen may encounter are other teens enrolled in the treatment program. Clients typically associate with the same teens each week, as long as they are receiving treatment.

Can Parents Participate in Recreational Activities?
Adolescent recreational activities are reserved for those enrolled in treatment. We offer family therapy sessions to allow parents the opportunity to be included in their child’s treatment.

How Often Will Recreational Activities Be Held?
The frequency of recreational activities depends on the exact program that the client is enrolled in. Recreational sessions typically last about an hour.

What Specific Activities or Programs Are Included in Recreational Therapy?
Specific activities depend on the treatment goals being addressed during that recreational therapy session. Some activities that may be included include walking, participating in games and sports, weight training, aerobics, and group hikes.

What Will My Child Learn During Recreational Activities?
Teens learn a variety of skills and techniques when engaging in recreational activities. Clients learn how to develop a sense of self-worth, and physical routines that can help heal the brain and body.

Are My Child’s Particular Interests a Factor in Choosing Recreational Activities?
A child’s particular interests may be a factor when choosing whether or not recreational therapy is right for your adolescent. Children who are more interested in physical or artistic activities may enjoy recreational therapy more.