What is Recreational Therapy?

The one thing that affects addiction sufferers almost universally is a problem with isolation. Even as they attempt to right their wrongs through treatment, they still find themselves having difficulty dealing with others. In the addiction treatment community, there is a way to deal with the isolation issues a client might be encountering. Treatment professionals call it recreational therapy. Arguably, the terms addiction and recreation seem to belong in different spaces. However, we will describe how this kind of therapy is able to make a difference.

What is Recreational Therapy?

Of course, it would be reasonable to assume that recreational therapy involves some form of recreation. Indeed, that’s exactly what it involves. However, the really interesting thing is how therapists use recreational activities to help heal their recovering patients.

The focus of said therapy is helping clients figure out how to reintegrate with normal society. What do people do for recreation in normal society? They do things like participate in sports, exercise, listen to music, get themselves involved in the arts, and also go to the beach. All of these things go into what eventually becomes a viable recreational therapy program.

What is recreational therapy? It’s a means to an end where the end is giving people the tools they need to start enjoying life again.

The Specific Goals of Recreational Therapy

Our recreational therapy in Tacoma, WA, promotes this kind of therapy as a healing mechanism. Our counselors are acutely aware that should a client remain in isolation on the outside, then they’ll likely relapse. Why? Humans don’t do well in life without social interaction. Therefore, for the addiction sufferer who has forgotten how to be around people, this kind of program can be a real difference maker.

Of course, anything we do in treatment, we do with purpose and for the direct benefit of the client. Keeping that in mind, here’s a list of specific goals this kind of treatment program targets:

  • Giving the client the basis for building more self-confidence
  • Improving the client’s communication skills
  • Teaching the client how to relax and enjoy life again
  • Helping the client get in touch with their feelings and emotions
  • Teaching clients team-building skills
  • Teaching the client the importance of personal relationships
  • Exposing the clients to new activities and hobbies

Looking at this list, it should be clear that holistic programs promote improving a client’s overall well-being. Of course, a well-balanced client is more likely to stay in recovery.

Making a Difference at Bayview Recovery

Regardless of our methods, our goals are always the same. We want to help our patients get back on track with living the lives they need/want to live. That also means living life without addiction. To that end, here’s a partial list of our addiction treatment services:

Addiction treatment goes beyond healing your body. It includes helping you reintegrate with others for a better sense of well-being. We can help you do that with recreational therapy. For more information about our menu of addiction treatment options, please give Bayview Recovery a call at 855.478.3650.

What is Recreational Therapy?

The one thing that affects addiction sufferers almost universally is a problem with isolation. Even as they attempt to right their wrongs through treatment, they still find themselves having difficulty dealing with others. In the addiction treatment community, there is a way to deal with the isolation issues a client might be encountering. Treatment professionals call it recreational therapy. Arguably, the terms addiction and recreation seem to belong in different spaces. However, we will describe how this kind of therapy is able to make a difference.

What is Recreational Therapy?

Of course, it would be reasonable to assume that recreational therapy involves some form of recreation. Indeed, that's exactly what it involves. However, the really interesting thing is how therapists use recreational activities to help heal their recovering patients.

The focus of said therapy is helping clients figure out how to reintegrate with normal society. What do people do for recreation in normal society? They do things like participate in sports, exercise, listen to music, get themselves involved in the arts, and also go to the beach. All of these things go into what eventually becomes a viable recreational therapy program.

What is recreational therapy? It's a means to an end where the end is giving people the tools they need to start enjoying life again.

The Specific Goals of Recreational Therapy

Our recreational therapy in Tacoma, WA, promotes this kind of therapy as a healing mechanism. Our counselors are acutely aware that should a client remain in isolation on the outside, then they'll likely relapse. Why? Humans don't do well in life without social interaction. Therefore, for the addiction sufferer who has forgotten how to be around people, this kind of program can be a real difference maker.

Of course, anything we do in treatment, we do with purpose and for the direct benefit of the client. Keeping that in mind, here's a list of specific goals this kind of treatment program targets:

  • Giving the client the basis for building more self-confidence
  • Improving the client’s communication skills
  • Teaching the client how to relax and enjoy life again
  • Helping the client get in touch with their feelings and emotions
  • Teaching clients team-building skills
  • Teaching the client the importance of personal relationships
  • Exposing the clients to new activities and hobbies

Looking at this list, it should be clear that holistic programs promote improving a client's overall well-being. Of course, a well-balanced client is more likely to stay in recovery.

Making a Difference at Bayview Recovery

Regardless of our methods, our goals are always the same. We want to help our patients get back on track with living the lives they need/want to live. That also means living life without addiction. To that end, here's a partial list of our addiction treatment services:

Addiction treatment goes beyond healing your body. It includes helping you reintegrate with others for a better sense of well-being. We can help you do that with recreational therapy. For more information about our menu of addiction treatment options, please give Bayview Recovery a call at 855.478.3650.

Dave Cundiff, MD, MPHDr. Dave Cundiff, MD, MPH (Medical Reviewer)

Dave Cundiff, MD, MPH is an experienced leader in the field of Substance Use Disorder treatment. He works with patients suffering from Substance Use Disorder to evaluate their medication needs and prescribe treatments accordingly. In addition, he regularly participates in all-staff debriefing sessions involving peers, nurses, and other prescribers. He also reviews and advises on policies, procedures, and techniques for treating substance use disorder.

Bayview Recovery
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