Recreational therapy, also known as therapeutic recreation, is a type of therapy that incorporates social activities to help promote the general health and wellness of people with life-altering conditions and addictions. Although some people do not think this form of treatment is as effective as some other standard types of therapy, it is important to note that focusing on exercise is going back to the basics.
When we were younger, we saw first-hand how physical recreation was prioritized in schools thanks to physical education classes. Not only was fitness ingrained in us from a young age, but we also learned that it does not have to be a lonely journey. Physical education courses allowed us to work out with friends to maximize our physical health and social skills—-recreational therapy is no different.
Unfortunately, most individuals recovering from substance use disorder are not surrounded by the best influences, which is how they became addicted in the first place. In our years of helping individuals recover from substance use disorder, we have learned that people who struggle with addiction tend to find it challenging to make healthy social connections. Unfortunately, many people with addiction and their friends are too accustomed to doing everyday activities while on drugs.
Recreational therapy teaches anyone who is dependent on drugs or alcohol that they are perfectly capable of partaking in fun activities without being intoxicated.
