Clients are asked to identify five to 10 chapter titles for their life and briefly explain each. They can share these stories with other group members, which helps reinforce the idea that the past is in the past and the future is an opportunity for new beginnings. Narrative group therapy is an existential approach to therapy and allows clients https://ecosoberhouse.com/ to take ownership of their story by sharing it and rewriting it (Clark, 2014). In 1905 he was teaching education classes on hygiene for patients struggling with tuberculosis (Pratt, 1907). Write questions or statements related to the group topic on masking tape and place them randomly around the beach ball and pass it around to group members.

Her passion is helping clients and families find the best treatment options to meet their individual needs as they embark on their journey to long-term recovery. His role at High Watch is to ensure that we have the financial capacity to deliver the care and services our guests need day in and day out. His work and the work of his team is critical to our mission of seeing the disease of addiction go into remission for each individual who passes through our door.

Ice Breakers and Activities for Adults

When they are done, they can share their counts and their 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. Burns finds that these ANTS can cause depression and anxiety and lead to low self-esteem, self-doubt, and a host of other problems. Reading this out loud to your group will help them create a mental image of the future event; one in which it is attainable. Ideally, it should provide some insight into how this can be achieved and motivate them to pursue them.

group activities for adults with substance abuse

If you’re curious to see an actual group therapy session unfold, this video can satisfy that curiosity! In the video, two group therapists facilitate a group therapy session with teenagers. Added topics include online therapy, specialized groups, ethnocultural diversity, trauma, managed care, and more. For this activity, the therapist should lead the group through a discussion of NUTS and ANTS, terms which can be used substance abuse group activities interchangeably when talking about the self-sabotaging habits we have. This cognitive therapy worksheet can help clients trace the development of a particular schema and understand the subsequent reactions, sensations, and choices he or she makes. Day Two builds on this reflection, but participants are encouraged to write a different and more positive ending to the event or situation they described on Day One.

Why are substance abuse groups effective?

Michelle came to us in February of 2022 after she relocated her residence from Bergen County. She has been working and serving in the addiction field for over 12 years. Michelle earned her CADC Credentials at Bergen County Community College. With a heart for helping others, Leila comes to us with over 6 years of experience working in the treatment industry. Leila holds a BA in Communication from Auburn University and has held a variety of roles in a few different substance abuse facilities over the years.

Once the list is complete, the group can brainstorm practical ways to implement behaviors that will help achieve these goals. Also, please leave a comment below if you have other ideas, or would like to add to the discussion. As with all therapies, continuously assessing the efficacy of group activities and participants’ progress is vital for tailoring interventions. Facilitators must implement methods for evaluating group dynamics, individual growth, and overall outcomes.

8 Substance Abuse And Recovery Group Activities – Sainik Defence Academy