Recreational Therapy in Adolescent Substance Use & Mental Health Treatment

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. (2)  

Benefits of recreational therapy include: (3) 

• 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. For example, they might sign up for a membership at a yoga studio or at a local gym. We help our clients figure out what it is they like to do and go from there.
• 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. For example, a client who previously experienced a fear of the water might be encouraged to participate in recreational therapy involving kayaking or swimming. The client begins to recognize that overcoming personal obstacles is entirely possible, and it is possible to accomplish much more with a clear head.
• Healing the body and the brain – Stressful life circumstances do quite a number on physical and mental health. Depending on the mental health concern, some clients who begin treatment are malnourished and nutrient-deficient. According to an article published by the U.S. National Library of Medicine, frequent exercise improves mental health by regulating mood, improving self-esteem, reducing anxiety and depression and improving cognitive functioning. (4) 

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. (5) 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 does much more than encourage clients to interact with one another in healthy and productive ways. Recreational therapy helps clients build self-esteem and return to a state of healthy physical functioning. (6) 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. (7) During music therapy, each client learns how to express their emotions through music, and how to utilize music as a healing tool. Some benefits of music therapy include stress reduction, fostering healthy communication skills, improving cognitive function (specifically memory and attention span) and enhancing social functioning. (8) 

Art Therapy

This therapeutic method revolves around the expression of unresolved trauma or uncomfortable emotions through creative means. (9) 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. (10) During this form of therapy, 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 on how to manipulate each pose to better serve their unique needs and physical ability level. In most cases, clients end class with a guided meditation, as they learn to quiet their minds and stay rooted in the present moment. Clients are never pushed past their personal limits, and are always treated with a high level of compassion and respect. Research has found that yoga can help individuals increase their self-confidence and experience an overall sense of well-being. (11)