Recreational Therapy is the purposeful use of evidence-based recreation programs to improve clients’ physical and psychological health. It incorporates various leisure interventions including, but not limited to:
- Art
- Outdoor Activities (Rock Climbing, Hiking, Ropes Course, etc.)
- Drama
- Sports
- Games
- Cooking
- Pet Therapy
- Dance
- Gardening
- Music
- Community Outings
Using various substances and alcohol over a long period of time gradually depletes Dopamine, a chemical responsible for sending feelings of pleasure to the brain. Using recreational therapy, Bluff teaches and provides clients with various recreational outlets that can provide those same feelings of pleasure instead of using toxic chemicals/beverages and relapsing.
When patients discharge, they can use specific leisure activities of their choosing to help them combat negative behaviors and addiction. These activities help them to integrate into society and back into their home life after treatment. Behaviors targeted in Recreational Therapy might include:
- Improving Physical Health
- Reducing Anxiety
- Managing Stress
- Building Self Esteem
- Facing Fears
- Developing Trust
- Learning To set Personal Boundaries
- Developing Positive Social Skills
To learn more about recreational therapy and all the programs that Bluff has to offer to aid in addiction and substance use disorder treatment visit our Programs Page.