Recreation therapy for addiction treatment

Recreation therapy is an integral component of all of Marworth's inpatient addiction treatment programs. Under the guidance of Marworth's three certified recreation therapists, rec therapy activities stimulate a wide array of addiction recovery themes, such as fostering group problem-solving capabilities, learning to trust others, asking for help and confronting compulsive behavior.
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Our recreation therapy program features several experiential learning mediums, including:

• High-element rock climbing wall
• Low-elements ropes course
• Fitness center with cardiovascular machines, universal circuit machines, free weights and space to follow aerobic and yoga videos
• Team-building activities
• Team sports
• Trust activities
• Giant's ladder
• Nine-hole disc golf course
• Music therapy
• Nature activities on Marworth's 27-acre campus and at a nearby park
• Relaxation
• Arts and crafts
• Leisure education and lectures
• Social activities
• Zip line
• Meditation and yoga

High-element climbing wall
Tackling a 30-foot climbing wall with the support of a team of peers on the ground helps participants learn about healthy risk-taking, stepping out of their comfort zone and relying on others for support.

Zip line
The zip line has been installed and is ready for use as the third high element on our challenge course. Funded from proceeds of the Second Annual Clean & Sober Run, the zip line will give patients who may not have the physical strength to climb the wall an opportunity for personal risk taking and adventure.

Low-elements ropes course
One of the highlights of recreation therapy is the low-elements ropes course. Through a series of goal-oriented tasks designed to be accomplished by the group, patients learn to ask for help, take healthy risks and work together.

Physical activity aids in addiction recovery
Physical activity and exercise play an important role in recovery from alcohol or drug abuse, relapse prevention and overall health and wellness. Exercise for people in recovery from chemical dependency can help reduce cravings and alleviate symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress. Having an exercise routine also helps avoid boredom, which is a major relapse trigger in many people recovering from addiction.

Recreation therapy & healthcare professionals program
Recreation therapy is particularly effective with healthcare professionals seeking treatment for chemical dependency. By accomplishing group tasks in a recreational context, patients in Marworth's Healthcare Professionals Program are able to confront defenses commonly associated with their professions, such as intellectualization and rationalization

Learn more about Marworth's Music Therapy Program.

Call Marworth at 800-442-7722 to speak with an admissions counselor. You can enroll in a substance use recovery program yourself or refer someone else for treatment. Many people are referred to Marworth by a family member, family doctor, therapist, employer, employee assistance program, insurance provider, clergy, community organization or another drug and alcohol center.