Leisure activities are an essential part of a happy, fulfilling life. For many of those who struggle with substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health issues, recreation 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 recreation therapy program in Jacksonville as part of our personalized treatment program. Patients who are on the road to recovery can improve many life skills including communication, healthy coping mechanisms, and other important tools through recreation 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 recreation therapy can help you or your loved one by reaching out to Lakeview Health today at 866.704.7692.
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 several 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.
While recreation therapy can be an incredibly helpful part of the road to recovery, it is 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 is why, in addition to a recreational therapy program, our substance abuse and mental health treatment center in Jacksonville, FL offers several other services including:
Upon admission, we will produce 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 to participate in our recreational therapy program, work out, journal, or simply relax. Additionally, we understand how important it is to balance work and rest and will ensure you receive the right amount of each to spur your recovery.
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 enjoying a little friendly competition.
Talk therapy can be emotionally challenging, and it is common for those who participate in group or individual therapy sessions to feel a little drained at the end of the day. 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. Recreation therapies used at Lakeview Health include:
Some people express themselves more efficiently on paper or canvas than through verbal communication. Tying in themes related to recovery, patients use art therapy to explore their thoughts, strengths, and methods of preventing relapse.
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 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.
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.
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.
Taking the first step towards recovery can be daunting, but knowing your options for care is paramount to your success. Fill out the form below and one of our team members will reach out to help you get started.