Recreational Therapy Addiction Treatment in South Houston

When you are struggling with a substance abuse problem or a mental health disorder, you may oftentimes feel lost, stuck and overwhelmed. Even though substance abuse, addiction, and mental health disorders are chronic, incurable conditions, treatment can help you manage your symptoms and make a full recovery. Some turn to recreational therapy to help them on the road to recovery.

Part of learning how to live with a substance abuse problem or mental health disorder is finding ways to cope. With proper coping skills, you can deal with problematic, troublesome symptoms in a positive, healthy way. Many times, mental health symptoms or traumatic events can make you turn to drugs and alcohol as a means to self-medicate. Unfortunately, drugs and alcohol can worsen both medical and mental health problems, leading to a destructive cycle.

As your drug or alcohol use increases, symptoms of underlying conditions can worsen. In turn, you drink or use even more drugs to suppress those symptoms. An important part of treatment for both addiction issues and mental health problems is evidence-based treatments. What does this mean? Evidence-based treatments can include things like cognitive behavioral therapy and the 12 step recovery program Houston TX depends on. But what is recreational therapy and how does it help with your symptoms?

Recreational Therapy for Substance Abuse

group participates in aquatic aerobics as part of a recreational therapy program in houston tx

When you decide to receive treatment for substance abuse or mental health problem, you may wonder what types of therapies treatment centers utilize. Evidence-based treatments, which are proven to be effective on past clients, are a frontline treatment. Evidence-based treatments can include group and individual counseling and cognitive and dialectic behavioral therapy.

Recreational therapy is a highly effective evidence-based treatment which utilizes fun activities to help you recover. Recreational therapy offers an additional outlet to express your thoughts, feelings, and emotions and better connect with your treatment provider. In addition, recreational therapy along with nutritional planning and advice can help jumpstart physical healing so you can improve spiritually and emotionally.

Some examples of recreation therapy programs include:

  • Creative Arts Therapy
  • Hiking, kayaking, and swimming
  • Animal therapy, such as horse riding
  • Music Therapy
  • Dance Therapy
  • Journaling and creative writing therapies
  • Sports and organized group activities

If you have difficulty verbalizing your emotions or thoughts, a recreational therapy program in South Houston TX can be an exceptional outlet. Activities like art therapy, creative role-playing, and music therapy provide you a means to use art to express your emotions in a healthy and safe way. Movement and dance therapy can not only be fun, but an alternate way to express your feelings.

Recreational therapy also helps you cultivate and develop interests outside drugs and alcohol. Participating in activities like art therapy may help you find not only a creative outlet but a new hobby or passion. A Texas addiction rehab that also includes recreation therapy offers another outlet during the recovery process.

Recreational Therapy During Recovery 

Unfortunately, when you struggle with substance abuse or mental health problems, you may neglect your hobbies and interests. During addiction, you divert the majority of your finances to acquiring drugs or alcohol. Therefore, you may not be able to afford to pursue your hobbies. For example, if you love attending music concerts, addiction can prevent you from being able to afford tickets.

One of the major benefits of recreational therapy is providing you an opportunity to explore interests beyond drugs and alcohol and learn healthy coping mechanisms. Recreation therapy can also decrease your stress, improve your concentration, and lower your risk of experiencing a relapse. For this reason, recreation therapy can be part of relapse prevention therapy and planning.

Benefits of Recreational Therapy for Addiction

Recreational activities are beneficial for anyone, but they are especially valuable for those in drug addiction treatment. Some of the benefits include:

  • Enhances mental and emotional health
  • Improves feelings of well-being by releasing natural chemicals in the brain such as endorphins
  • Provides greater social opportunities by offering activities with others
  • Elevates the mood
  • Enhances self-esteem and confidence

A recreational therapy program in Kemah, TX is an important piece of the healing process. Some people may discount the wealth of good that these programs do because they are “fun.” However, having a good time is precisely why it is so important and valuable.

People who do drugs become addicted to the “high” feeling; they equate that with “having fun.” As a result, they need to relearn what real fun is like. As they begin to understand that life can contain a wealth of fun times without drugs, it will be easier for them to stay sober.

Recreational Therapy at Kemah Palms Recovery®

At Kemah Palms, where we specialize in recreational therapy as well as other holistic approaches. Our compassionate staff eagerly awaits your presence, and they will help you feel right at home. Our evidence-based therapies are instrumental in leading you to a drug-free life. At Kemah Palms, you will gain many benefits such as:

  • Many treatment programs, including extended care
  • A dual diagnosis treatment program, if needed
  • Alumni support and program
  • Group therapy to encourage and support your journey

Other Therapy Programs

At Kemah Palms, we offer several therapy options some of which include:

  • Experiential Therapy, such as Recreation Therapy
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
  • Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
  • Family Program and Healthy Activities Program
  • Massage Therapy
  • Meditation Therapy

Beat Addiction With Specialized Therapy

When you are trapped in addiction or struggling to manage a mental health disorder, you may feel hopeless, confused and frustrated. When you decide it is time to get help, finding treatment that includes a recreational therapy program in South Houston TX can help you learn new ways to cope with stress, cravings, and triggers.

Kemah Palms is home to an incredible recreational therapy program. We are here to help you find hope and recovery. To learn more about our programs, call us today today.