Addiction Recovery Group Activities

During your time at a rehab facility, you’ll likely take part in group therapy as a key part of your addiction recovery treatment plan.

Group therapy provides a safe space for individuals with similar struggles to share their experiences, offer support, and work together toward healing. These sessions are an integral part of the journey, offering numerous activities designed to foster self-reflection, trust, and personal growth.

In this blog, we’ll provide more information on what group therapy is and explore 50 both practical and creative addiction recovery group activities that can help individuals regain control of their lives and sustain long-term sobriety.

What is Group Therapy Used For?

Group therapy is a widely used therapeutic tool in various settings, addressing issues such as grief, trauma, relationships and mental health. In the context of a rehab setting, it plays an essential role in helping individuals confront the underlying causes of addiction and provides a platform to learn from others who are on similar paths.

Recovery groups, such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA), also use group therapy as a core ongoing support mechanism for people who are new to recovery or have been out of active addiction for some time, encouraging those who attend to build trust, develop coping strategies, and strengthen their connections with those who understand the challenges that come with recovery, to ultimately avoid relapse.

Who Leads Group Therapy?

In a clinical setting, group therapy sessions are typically led by a trained healthcare professional, such as a therapist or counsellor, who is skilled in facilitating productive discussions. These professionals create a safe environment where participants feel comfortable sharing and interacting.

In peer-led recovery groups outside formal rehab settings, group leaders are often volunteers who are themselves in recovery. Their shared experiences help them provide guidance and inspiration, creating a space of mutual understanding and support.

Does Group Therapy Work?

Group therapy can be highly effective in addiction recovery, and it’s primarily because it leans on how powerful shared experiences and feeling understood can be for those who have struggled with addiction. That sense of belonging is huge for many people who might otherwise feel isolated in their battle against addiction.

One of the most significant benefits of group therapy is that it provides a space where individuals can learn from others’ journeys. What works, and what doesn’t. It also reduces the feeling of being alone in recovery. You’ve got people around you who’ve been through it and who understand the ups and downs, and that can motivate you to stick with it.

It’s not just about emotional support, though. Group therapy sessions (when run by trained facilitators) usually offer structured approaches to coping mechanisms, relapse prevention, and healthier lifestyle choices. Therapists in these settings guide discussions around triggers and underlying emotional issues and teach practical skills to manage life without substances.

Accountability also plays a key role. When you know you’re going to a session and checking in with others, it can push you to stay on track with your recovery goals. The group becomes a support system that helps keep you accountable.

There’s also evidence that group therapy is particularly effective in long-term recovery. A lot of people find that staying engaged in a supportive group environment even after initial treatment reduces the risk of relapse. Recovery is a process, not a one-time fix, and being around others who “get it” can help you maintain sobriety over time.

Of course, group therapy isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. Some people may find individual therapy more helpful or may need both. But for many, the collaborative environment of group therapy works as a critical part of the overall treatment plan.

Group Therapy Activities for Addiction

Here are some great examples of group activities commonly used in addiction recovery programs. Each is designed to help participants explore their emotions, build coping skills, and enhance their sense of community.

Practical Group Addiction Therapy Activities

Group Meditation

The meditation practice involves sitting quietly and focusing on your breathing, clearing the mind of distractions, and cultivating mindfulness.

In a group setting, individuals can share their experiences of meditation, discuss challenges, and provide support for each other’s practice. This collective effort helps to promote a sense of connection and solidarity, which is particularly helpful in addiction recovery, where stress and anxiety are, unfortunately, common triggers for relapse. Meditation teaches individuals to remain present and respond to cravings with calm awareness rather than reactionary behaviour.

In addiction recovery, meditation is valuable because it strengthens emotional regulation, reduces stress, and cultivates inner peace. Learning to manage stress through mindfulness can make it easier to resist urges and triggers. Additionally, practising meditation as a group allows participants to feel less alone in their struggles and build a supportive recovery community.

Identify and Discuss Triggers

This activity involves group members sharing and discussing their triggers – whether that’s situations, emotions, or thoughts that lead to cravings or relapse.

By identifying common triggers, individuals can develop strategies to manage or avoid them. Sharing these triggers in a group setting helps individuals realise that they are not alone in their struggles and that there are practical ways to manage the situations that lead to cravings.

In addiction recovery, recognising and managing triggers is essential to prevent relapse. Group discussions on harder-to-approach topics (such as these ones) can create a sense of mutual understanding, empathy, and the sharing of effective coping mechanisms. This open dialogue helps individuals develop strategies for handling stress, emotional upheaval, and other factors that contribute to their addictive behaviours.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) Group Exercises

CBT-based activities focus on challenging and changing negative thought patterns and behaviours that contribute to addiction. In a group setting, participants engage in exercises that identify cognitive distortions, such as all-or-nothing thinking or catastrophising, and work on replacing these with healthier, more balanced thoughts. These exercises encourage people to share their personal experiences and receive feedback from the group.

CBT is a proven technique for addiction recovery because it helps individuals recognise how their thoughts and beliefs influence their behaviours, particularly when it comes to cravings or self-sabotage.

In a group setting, individuals can benefit from hearing others’ experiences with similar challenges, which is excellent for encouraging empathy and shared learning. The group can act as a sounding board for testing new ways of thinking and reinforcing personal growth and transformation.

Recovery Check-ins

During a recovery check-in, each group member shares updates on their progress, challenges, and successes since the last meeting. This is an opportunity for individuals to celebrate their victories, no matter how small, and seek support for ongoing difficulties. Check-ins allow for reflection on the current state of recovery and provide valuable feedback from others.

In addiction recovery, regular check-ins are very important. They provide accountability and support, and hearing about the progress of others can be encouraging, while sharing personal challenges allows for guidance and empathy. This activity reinforces the idea that recovery is a shared process, with each person playing a role in the support network.

Habit Replacement Sessions

In this group activity, individuals identify their unhealthy habits, especially those related to their addiction, and brainstorm healthier alternatives. Group members share ideas, successes, and challenges in replacing destructive behaviours with constructive ones, such as exercise, mindfulness, or creative activities. Discussing these alternatives helps individuals develop a toolbox of strategies for coping with cravings and difficult emotions.

This activity is vital in recovery because addiction often replaces healthy coping mechanisms.

By learning to replace harmful habits with healthier ones, individuals can maintain sobriety and improve their overall well-being. Group discussions encourage the exchange of ideas and allow those involved to learn from each other’s experiences, which can inspire them to make positive changes.

Goal Setting Sessions

Goal setting involves identifying specific, achievable goals related to their recovery. The group discusses individual goals, offers feedback, and provides encouragement. This activity helps individuals break down their recovery journey into manageable steps and provides direction and motivation.

Goal setting is an essential tool in addiction recovery as it helps individuals focus on their progress and maintain momentum. In a group setting, the process becomes collaborative, with each person gaining inspiration and support from others. It reinforces accountability and helps individuals celebrate milestones along the way.

Nutrition Awareness

With nutrition awareness, the group explores how diet affects energy levels, mood, and physical health and how poor nutrition can hinder the recovery process. They also share tips for maintaining a balanced, healthy diet while in recovery.

Nutrition is so important, yet often, it’s a very overlooked aspect of addiction recovery. Poor dietary habits can exacerbate mood swings, cravings, and physical discomfort, all of which can increase the risk of relapse. By focusing on nutrition, individuals in recovery can learn how to nourish their bodies and minds, promoting physical healing and emotional balance.

As a group activity, it allows for the exchange of practical advice and mutual encouragement to make healthier lifestyle choices.

12-Step Programmes

This activity provides an overview of 12-step programs like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA). Participants discuss the principles behind the steps, the structure of meetings, and the role of sponsors in the recovery process. The group explores how these programs provide a framework for long-term recovery.

Understanding the 12-step model is essential because it is one of the most widely used approaches in addiction recovery. These group sessions offer a structured path to sobriety that has been proven effective for many.

Group discussions open up a safe space to hear firsthand experiences with 12-step meetings, which can clarify the process and help individuals decide whether they want to engage with this type of support.

Understanding Addiction Science

In recovery, it’s pretty common for people to feel a lot of shame and guilt around their time in active addiction. They might think they are weak because they weren’t able to quit purely through willpower. In this activity, people learn about the biological and neurological aspects of addiction and develop a deeper understanding as to why it wasn’t easy to just “quit”.

They discuss how substances affect the brain, leading to dependency, and explore the science behind cravings and withdrawal. Understanding the biological basis of addiction can help remove some of the shame associated with it, as individuals recognise addiction as a medical condition rather than a moral failing.

This activity is helpful in addiction recovery because it empowers individuals with knowledge about how their bodies and brains respond to substances. By understanding the science behind their addiction, participants can better grasp why cravings occur and why certain behaviours are challenging to change. It also provides a foundation for developing strategies to manage cravings and rewire unhealthy patterns.

Effects of Addiction Discussion

Individuals engage in a group conversation about the wide-reaching effects of addiction, including its impact on mental and physical health, relationships, and overall quality of life.

This open discussion allows individuals to acknowledge the harm caused by addiction, both to themselves and to their loved ones, and it encourages reflection on the reasons for seeking recovery.

Talking about the effects of addiction in a group setting helps with developing a greater sense of accountability and responsibility. It also helps with developing empathy, as it allows for the opportunity to truly recognise the shared impact of addiction on everyone involved. By openly discussing the consequences, people are able to gain motivation to stay committed to their recovery journey.

Sensory Grounding Techniques

Sensory grounding involves using the five senses to stay present and centred during moments of stress or cravings. In this activity, the group practices techniques such as focusing on the sensation of touch (like holding a cold object), identifying specific sounds, or concentrating on visual details in their environment. These exercises help individuals stay grounded in the present moment and reduce feelings of anxiety or overwhelm.

Sensory grounding is beneficial in addiction recovery because it provides a simple, effective way to manage cravings or emotional distress. Learning these techniques as a group allows people to experiment with different approaches and share what works best for them. It also encourages mindfulness and helps individuals develop healthier ways to cope with intense emotions or stressors that could otherwise lead to relapse.

Relapse Prevention Planning

This activity focuses on developing a comprehensive relapse prevention plan. Participants discuss potential high-risk situations, early warning signs of relapse, and effective coping mechanisms. Together, the group creates action steps to take if they feel they are at risk of relapse, such as reaching out to a sponsor, attending meetings, or practising mindfulness techniques.

Relapse prevention planning is absolutely critical in recovery because it provides individuals with a proactive strategy for staying sober. In a group setting, there’s an opportunity to learn from each other’s experiences and share practical ideas for avoiding relapse.

This planning also helps reduce anxiety around the possibility of relapse by offering clear, actionable steps to follow, empowering individuals to feel more in control of their recovery.

Creative Group Addiction Therapy Activities

Stream-of-Consciousness Writing

Stream-of-consciousness writing encourages people in the group to write freely without worrying about grammar, structure, or logical flow for a set amount of time.

This exercise allows for unfiltered thoughts to emerge, providing insight into underlying emotions and subconscious patterns that might be tied to addiction. Sharing these writings in a group can foster vulnerability, build trust, and allow individuals to understand the shared emotional struggles of others in the group.

As a group activity in recovery, this exercise can be highly beneficial because it provides a safe space to express hidden feelings, process emotional pain, and understand recurring thoughts that may lead to addictive behaviours. By reflecting on their writings and hearing others, participants can gain deeper self-awareness and develop emotional insight, which is essential for healing and personal growth.

Gratitude Journalling

Gratitude journaling involves writing down things that participants are thankful for, helping them focus on positive aspects of life rather than on their struggles.

During group sessions of gratitude journalling, individuals share what they have written and discuss how gratitude has affected their recovery journey. This practice shifts attention from negative thinking and can be particularly powerful in cultivating optimism and reducing feelings of despair or hopelessness.

This exercise is helpful in addiction recovery because it encourages individuals to focus on the positive elements of life, building resilience against cravings and emotional lows. Sharing feelings of gratitude within a group creates a positive, uplifting atmosphere, helping everyone realise the importance of small victories and the beauty of life in recovery.

Fear in a Hat

In this group activity, individuals write down their fears anonymously on slips of paper, which are then collected and discussed by the group. This exercise helps to normalise fear and anxiety by highlighting the fact that many people share similar concerns, even if they don’t express them openly.

Discussing fears is particularly helpful in addiction recovery because it allows individuals to confront their anxieties without feeling alone. Sharing fears in a supportive group helps to reduce the power those fears have over individuals, and hearing how others manage similar concerns provides valuable coping strategies.

Inspirational Passages Sessions

This activity involves reading and sharing inspirational passages from books, poems, or quotes that have had a positive impact on those in the group. After reading, the group discusses the meaning of the passage and how it relates to their recovery journeys. This shared reflection promotes positivity and resilience.

Reading and discussing inspirational material helps reinforce hope and optimism during the recovery process. Inspirational texts can serve as a reminder that recovery is possible and that personal growth is an ongoing journey. Group discussions allow individuals to draw strength from the wisdom of others and apply it to their own lives, encouraging those involved to feel a sense of shared purpose and determination.

Last Day on Earth Reflection

The group are asked to imagine what they would do if today were their last day on earth.

This reflective exercise helps individuals clarify their values, priorities, and what truly matters to them. The group then discusses how these reflections align with their recovery goals and whether their current actions reflect their desired life outcomes.

Eye Contact Games

This activity involves participants maintaining eye contact with one another for a set time, usually a minute or two, without speaking. It may sound simple, but it can be an emotionally intense exercise that promotes vulnerability, trust, and deeper connections between group members. Eye contact games help individuals confront their discomfort with emotional intimacy and non-verbal communication.

In addiction recovery, building trust and connections with others is essential for emotional healing. The practice can create a sense of safety within the group, opening up a non-verbal way to express empathy and support. Over time, this helps participants feel more connected to the group and more comfortable sharing their thoughts and feelings.

Role-Playing Exercises

In this activity, participants engage in role-playing scenarios to explore different perspectives and practice healthy communication. For example, one person might play the role of a loved one affected by addiction, whereas another plays themselves in a difficult conversation.

Role-playing allows individuals to see how their behaviours have impacted others and practice new ways of interacting.

It can be a helpful group activity in addiction recovery because it provides a safe space to practice handling real-life situations that could lead to conflict, stress, or relapse. By seeing things from the perspective of others, participants gain empathy and learn how to repair relationships strained by addiction. It also helps develop communication skills that are essential for maintaining healthy relationships and boundaries in recovery.

Write a Letter to Your Younger Self

Individuals are asked to reflect on their past and write a letter to their younger selves, offering advice, compassion, or forgiveness.

They then share these letters with the group, opening up about the struggles and regrets they may have experienced in their lives whilst also identifying growth and lessons learned.

Writing a letter to your younger self can be a powerful tool in recovery, as it encourages self-reflection and healing. It helps individuals process past mistakes, forgive themselves, and recognise the progress they’ve made.

In a group setting, this activity encourages empathy as participants realise they are not alone in their regrets or struggles, allowing for deeper connections to form with themselves and others.

How Does Ocean Recovery Use Group Therapy?

Ocean Recovery uses group therapy in combination with individual therapy and other holistic therapies. With these therapies, alongside engaging in social activities, drug detox and alcohol detox, we provide a comprehensive approach to addiction treatment that is effective and offers the best chance of long-term recovery.

Beyond rehab, we provide a free 12-month aftercare package that makes heavy use of group therapy and 12-step programs. We encourage you to attend support meetings so that you stay on the right path and achieve your sobriety goals.

Need Addiction Support? Get in Touch Today

Group therapy is an essential part of recovery, and the activities above are all tools that can help you get better and live a more fulfilling life. Ocean Recovery provides industry-leading care through our detoxification and therapy programmes. For more information, call us at 0800 880 7596.

Our Rehab Facilities

At Ocean Recovery, we are extremely proud of our state-of-the-art facility. We provide residents with the most relaxing stay possible and they can enjoy our modern establishment.

Ocean Recovery Facilities include:

CQC Registered

FREE Transportation Included

Medically Assisted Detoxification

2 Executive, Sea View Double Ensuite Rooms

 8 Double or Single Ensuite Rooms

3 Single Rooms with Dedicated Separate Bathroom

Comfortable Communal Lounge with Piano & Sky TV

Beautiful Modern Dining Lounge

External Courtyard and Outside Seating Area

12 Months FREE Aftercare

Regular Contact with Loved Ones Encouraged

Large Multi-Purpose Group Activity Room with Superb Sea Views

Contact Us View The Addictions We Treat

Images of Our Facilities

12+ Images

Facilities at Ocean Recovery

See More of Our Facilities

Give Us A Call

Speak to an advisor today to find out more about the rehabilitation programmes we offer at our drug and alcohol rehab centre

Call: 01253 847 553 Send us a message

• 
• 
• 

John Gillen - Author - Last updated: September 23, 2024

John is one UK’s leading professionals in the addiction recovery industry. Pioneering new treatment techniques such as NAD+ and ongoing research into new therapy techniques such as systematic laser therapy, John is committed to providing the very best treatment for people throughout the UK and Europe. During his extremely busy schedule, John likes to regularly update our blog section with the latest news and trends in the industry to keep visitors to our site as well informed as possible on everything related to addiction treatment.