Therapeutic recreation in rehab may just sound like having a good time. However, this type of therapy serves a very key purpose for a healthy recovery. Recreational therapy helps you learn how to rebuild your leisure life, stay healthy and engage with people who share a balanced, sober mindset. Through this therapy, you can become more energized for your new life after rehab.
Recreational therapy also provides other ways to learn about yourself, instead of just being inside a room and sitting still. Hands-on activities can make a bigger impact in some areas and for some people when compared to psychotherapy. Some people have their biggest breakthroughs in therapeutic recreational activity.
What Is Therapeutic Recreation?
Recreation therapy helps people work through and deal with addiction. Some of these therapies use interaction with nature to bring a greater sense of calm. Others involve indoor activities such as physical fitness, yoga, meditation or arts-based therapy.
Florence Nightingale was the first medical professional to note that recreation can greatly improve a patient's quality of life. This is why the American Red Cross started using recreational therapy in hospitals by the start of the 20th century. Medical professionals then began to widely use it for the treatment of mental illness after the 1940s. Now, addiction treatment centers commonly use it.
As a complement to psychotherapy, therapeutic recreation can benefit rehab patients in many ways. At Pinnacle Peak Recovery in Scottsdale, Arizona, clients are able to enjoy full access to a gym during their stay in the program. They can also enjoy wilderness therapy in the beautiful terrain of Arizona for hiking, climbing and other activities. These adventures aren’t just fun, they also push individual limits, expand their abilities, improve their self-confidence and even help to stabilize their emotions.
Indoors, Pinnacle Peak Recovery clients engage in art therapy, yoga, meditation and Tai Chi. They also use music, film, writing, photography and dance as creative outlets in treatment. All of these can be useful in reducing anxiety and dealing with emotions.
Why Therapeutic Recreation Works
Therapeutic recreation has works because patients are more open to change when they’re engaged in activities. Personal defenses are also lower during this form of therapy. During recreation, people are less likely to try to say or do what they think their therapist wants and more likely to act naturally. Recreational therapy is one part of holistic treatment, a well-rounded approach to whole-person wellness.
Goals of recreational therapy for people in drug addiction treatment include:
- Better social functioning
- Greater problem-solving skills
- Higher self-esteem
- Opportunities for drug-free socialization
- Better ability to cope with anxiety and stress
- Improved relaxation skills
- Effective planning for leisure time
Pinnacle Peak Recovery Includes Recreation Therapy
As you review options for treatment programs, you should consider the value of recreation therapy as part of your rehab experience. More than just helping you heal, recreational therapy can help you form a solid foundation of interests for your new sober life. Through recreation that begins in treatment, you can find new ways to meet people who are healthy to be around. You can also start feeling and looking healthier.
If you or someone you love are ready to end your addiction to drugs or alcohol, Pinnacle Peak Recovery offers a variety of programs suited to your needs. To learn more about Pinnacle Peak's recreational therapies and other aspects of treatment, call 866-377-4761 now.