Department of Human Services Department of Human Services Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

Loneliness, grief, and loss are very much related to both anxiety and depression. There are many activities to incorporate into group therapy for adults. Pratt (1907) believed that the emotional substance abuse group activities for adults connection and support led to increased hope and physical improvement. In 1905 he was teaching education classes on hygiene for patients struggling with tuberculosis (Pratt, 1907).

Mindfulness Activities for Your Group Sessions

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. The activities should reflect the goals and composition of group members as well as the theoretical approach used by the group leader or therapist. A pre-group orientation is helpful to identify individual patterns of group members and their history of interpersonal relationships (Whittingham, 2018). There are several factors that should be considered as a therapist or leader begins to perform activities in group therapy. A needs assessment is essential to determine the purpose of the group and the specific activities, format, and structure that will follow.

Mindfulness-Based Addiction Treatment At Oasis Recovery

Exercising and being active in general help the mind stay busy and help keep the mind off of cravings. Other great expressions of addiction group topics include journaling, enjoying music, helping others. This type of addiction topic in group therapy helps the patient self-examine their feelings they may or may not have known about. This helps with dealing with these feelings and helps the process of healing. Group meditation is among the most powerful recovery activities for groups. The experience of meditating alongside others can be encouraging, inspiring, and help build social skills and self-esteem.

Frequently Asked Questions

He traveled the country for 10 of those years working as a banking consultant teaching large banks how to acquire new customers. Jim’s favorite song lyrics are “Yes there are two paths you can go by but in the long run; there’s still time to change the road you’re on.” Led Zeppelin – Stairway To Heaven. Both the group leader and other group members will work to encourage honest feedback constructively and create a nurturing space in which people can grow and heal. It is always important for group members to discuss any current issues and get advice and support from other members of the group.

• By simulating scenarios involving peer pressure or social settings, participants can practice assertively declining offers of drugs or alcohol.
• Many mindful body scans are available through guided meditation apps or online.
• This can include learning to cope with uncomfortable emotions and situations.
• Substance abuse group activities can range from collaborative exercises that require teamwork to sharing personal anecdotes or engaging in empathy-building exercises.
• Many support group meetings and group therapy sessions start with check-ins.

Group therapy sessions focusing on understanding addiction help individuals understand the science behind their condition. Below is a list of therapy topics and themes that may be used during group therapy for substance use disorders. Although the list is comprehensive, it is by no means a complete list of every topic or theme that may be touched upon during treatment. The ideas and activities for substance abuse group therapy that are used will have an impact on the benefits that our clients have. There are many benefits that can occur within a group setting which includes reducing isolation. Active addiction can cause clients to distance themselves from their loved ones and friends which can make recovery feel lonely.

• You can also spread the affirmations on a table for your group participants to look through.
• It is common to discuss many different topics in substance abuse group therapy.
• Group reflection promotes self-awareness and emotional regulation, as participants learn from one another’s experiences and lean on each other for support.

These lists can include anything you feel grateful for, from your sobriety to your loved ones to your favorite foods. That’s why some recovery groups encourage members to bring candles, essential oils, and other aromatic materials. Group members can then discuss their favorite scents and the feelings they provide. DHS seeks to use PA’s Medicaid program to offer targeted supports and services to help people live healthier lives. Our offices offer essential services and benefits catering to the diverse needs of Pennsylvanians and are dedicated to helping individuals and families thrive. Mock Narcotic Anonymous Group is a different addiction group topic.

This involves refraining from engaging in personal or professional relationships with participants outside of the group context to ensure an equitable and safe environment. Confidentiality is a cornerstone of effective support groups; however, maintaining privacy within a group setting can be complex. Participants need assurance that their personal stories and struggles will not be shared outside the group. Facilitators must establish ground rules around confidentiality and clarify its limits when discussing issues that may necessitate mandatory reporting, such as harm to self or others. Daily mood charts or mood trackers are a great way to help clients understand the link between their environment, situation, and feelings. Clients can record the emotions they experience throughout the day.