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For many of those who struggle with substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health issues, recreational therapy offers the opportunity to participate in activities that can promote mental and physical health. This type of therapy program can complement behavioral therapy. At Lakeview Health, we offer a recreational therapy program in Jacksonville as part of our personalized treatment programs. Patients who are on the road to recovery can improve their communication skills, coping skills, and other important life skills through recreational therapy.
From creative projects to surf therapy, our patients can participate in activities they enjoy while learning how to navigate life without drugs and alcohol. Discover how recreational therapy can help you or your loved one by reaching out to Lakeview Health today.
This type of therapy involves using recreational activities to help improve one’s physical and mental health. Sometimes referred to as therapeutic recreation, it can take on a number of forms ranging from outdoor exercise to art therapy sessions.
The idea behind a recreational therapy program is to stimulate recovery for those suffering from a drug or alcohol addiction. Therapeutic recreation does this by:
Through recreation activities, our patients find something positive to keep their minds and bodies active so that they are less inclined to focus on any cravings they might experience or potential triggers for relapse.
For many patients, the activities they engage in during recreation therapy become healthy outlets in the long-term. At Lakeview Health, relapse prevention is an essential part of what we do. As we help our patients build relapse prevention plans, we incorporate therapeutic activities that they can continue to participate in even after treatment.
The activities our patients participate in as part of a recreational therapy program can vary, but often involve spending time outdoors, movement, and creative pursuits. Physical activity can reduce stress, while creative activities can be a way for individuals to work through challenging emotions.
Art therapy
Music therapy
Music therapy can provide avenues for improved communication, particularly in patients who find it difficult to express their feelings verbally. This therapeutic process allows patients to become more comfortable with their feelings through lyrics, tempo, and rhythm. Our therapists guide patients through listening to music and understanding how it impacts them.
Yoga therapy
Yoga is a form of physical activity that can easily be modified to fit every individual’s physical fitness. During yoga therapy sessions, you will learn to focus on your breath and to move deeper into each posture.
Equine-assisted therapy
Horses are known to respond to the emotions of those around them. This allows patients the opportunity to reflect on their emotions without having to verbalize their feelings or risk others misinterpreting them. Our equine-assisted therapy sessions are facilitated by EAGALA (Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association) certified professionals for a safe and transformative experience.
Surf therapy
When learning to balance on a board, how do you position yourself in harmony with the elements to stay upright? This is one of the many metaphors used to embrace important challenges faced in everyday life. Our surf therapy is a disciplined activity that encourages patients to clear their minds and learn to experience the “flow” while striving for patience, perseverance, strength, and insight. This innovative approach promotes the need to create a life in balance with recovery, helping to identify personal triggers and to celebrate the achievement of living one day at a time. Certified surf instructors and trained clinicians teach patients how to manage frustration, increase tolerance, adopt perseverance, and build self-confidence.
Life skills training is an essential part of addiction treatment. During active addiction, many individuals find it difficult to fulfill responsibilities at work or at home. However, recreational therapy can help patients relearn necessary skills and boost their quality of life.
Recreational therapy programs help people socialize more. Socialization is an important part of recovery. For many individuals, recreational activities and group therapy sessions are helpful ways to form new friendships that they can rely on in the future to help them stay sober. Bonding with others also makes it more likely that individuals will continue with their treatment.
Many individuals who struggle with addiction also hesitate to stop using because they are afraid they will not have any fun if they do so. Through recreational therapy, our patients learn that living a sober life can indeed be fun and exciting. Some will even learn new skills or develop fresh interests along the way as well.
At Lakeview Health, we provide numerous opportunities to unwind and take advantage of recreation. For example, our centers have recreation rooms stocked with equipment such as Foosball and ping pong tables. There, you can get to know other residents while at the same time enjoying a little friendly competition.
Talk therapy can be emotionally challenging, and it’s common for those who participate in group or individual therapy sessions to feel a little drained at the end of the day. Recreational activities can be a way to unwind at the end of a challenging day without turning to drugs or alcohol.
Physical activity increases endorphins in the brain, providing you with good feelings that can in some ways mimic the rush of dopamine you might have received from taking drugs or alcohol in the past. That’s why we offer a fitness center as well as a sparkling outdoor swimming pool on our Jacksonville campus. Whether you want to swim laps, lift weights, go for a run on the treadmill, or stretch and strengthen your muscles with yoga, you’ll be able to participate in the form of physical activity you most enjoy.
Our calm, relaxing environment creates the perfect setting for enjoying recreational activities. In addition, our location along the eastern coast of Florida means you’ll have plenty of chances to get outdoors year-round.
While recreational therapy can be an incredibly helpful part of the road to recovery, it’s just one piece of a comprehensive treatment plan. No one approach is right for every individual who struggles with addiction. Medical interventions, behavioral therapy, and even medication all work together to address the physical and psychological factors that can contribute to addiction. That’s why, in addition to a recreational therapy program, our substance abuse and mental health treatment center in Jacksonville, FL offers a number of other services that include:
Upon admission, we will come up with a customized treatment plan that includes one or more of the above options. During the day, you will mostly follow a set schedule that we develop for you based upon your treatment plan. However, you will have plenty of down time in which to participate in our recreational therapy program, work out, journal, or simply relax. Additionally, we understand how important it is to balance work and play and will ensure you receive the right amount of each in order to spur your recovery.
If you or a loved one suffers from an addiction to drugs and alcohol, find out if our recreational therapy program Jacksonville, FL is right for you. During a thorough assessment, we’ll learn more about your needs and create a plan that will address any co-occurring mental health issues alongside the physical effects of addiction. In our recovery center, you’ll find compassionate care, comprehensive support, and a peaceful, welcoming environment in which to heal.
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