Recreational Therapy in Adolescent Substance Use & Mental Health Treatment
Overview
Healing from substance use and mental health challenges involves far more than talk therapy and clinical sessions. For teenagers especially, the body and the mind are deeply interconnected, and treatment that engages both produces stronger, more lasting results. Recreational therapy is built on this understanding.
According to the National Council, recreational therapy uses activity-based interventions to address the distinct needs of individuals dealing with mental health and substance use disorders. Its purpose is to support comprehensive improvement across all areas of functioning, including social, cognitive, physical, and emotional well-being.
At The Plymouth House, recreational therapy is a meaningful component of our adolescent treatment program. We use it to help teenagers develop adaptive coping skills, rebuild their relationship with their own bodies, and rediscover a sense of physical vitality that supports recovery from the inside out.
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How Recreational Therapy Can Help Teens During Recovery
Research has documented recreational therapy’s positive effects on cognitive ability, communication skills, and social functioning. For teenagers navigating recovery, these benefits translate directly into greater resilience and a stronger foundation for life after treatment.
Benefits of recreational therapy include:
- Providing structure — It is important for teens in mental health, or substance use, recovery to have structured days and very little idle time. It is often beneficial for clients to continue participating in a group activity once treatment concludes.
- Building self-esteem and helping clients develop a sense of self-worth — As they begin to recognize their own personal strengths, teens learn they are capable of doing much more than they previously thought.
- Healing the body and the brain — Frequent exercise improves mental health by regulating mood, improving self-esteem, reducing anxiety and depression and improving cognitive functioning.
The Role of Recreational Therapy in Holistic Treatment
The Plymouth House’s treatment philosophy is rooted in the understanding that genuine healing requires attention to the whole person. Recreational therapy plays an important role in that holistic framework by engaging teenagers physically and socially in ways that complement and reinforce the clinical work happening in therapy sessions.
Physical activity, whether through organized sports, outdoor excursions, group games, or structured exercise, is not simply a way to fill time. It actively supports mental health by regulating mood, reducing anxiety, improving sleep, and building the kind of embodied confidence that carries teenagers forward beyond treatment.
Health & Wellness in Recovery
Mental health and substance use disorders can erode a teenager’s physical well-being alongside their emotional health. Recreational activities help reverse that erosion, giving young people tangible evidence of their own strength and capability. The more comprehensive and well-rounded a treatment program is, the better positioned teenagers are for long-term success, and recreational therapy is one of the dimensions that makes The Plymouth House’s approach genuinely holistic.
Types of Recreational Activities We Offer for Adolescent Treatment
Depending on the specific The Plymouth House location, the following recreational therapeutic activities may be utilized during our adolescent recreational therapy program:
- Group sports
- Group hikes
- Group outings
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Additional Experiential Therapies We Provide
Beyond recreational therapy, The Plymouth House offers a range of holistic and experiential therapies designed to support teenagers in expressing themselves, processing difficult experiences, and building wellness from multiple angles.
Music Therapy
Research has found that music can increase blood flow to areas of the brain responsible for emotional regulation. During music therapy, each client learns how to express their emotions through music, and how to utilize music as a healing tool. Benefits include stress reduction, fostering healthy communication skills, improving cognitive function, and enhancing social functioning.
Art Therapy
This therapeutic method revolves around the expression of unresolved trauma or uncomfortable emotions through creative means. Artistic expression can be a powerful healing tool, and art therapy helps our clients externalize what they are feeling in a healthy and productive way. Art therapy sessions are facilitated by a licensed therapist, and include drawing, painting, collage making and numerous other effective artistic exercises.
Equine-Assisted Therapy
During equine-assisted therapy, clients work with horses and horse specialists to help foster physical and emotional well-being. Clients may ride or work with the horses while simultaneously working with a mental health professional to process negative thoughts, feelings, and emotions.
Yoga & Meditation
During yoga and meditation, the instructor walks throughout the class as they instruct, adjusting clients as necessary and offering them insight. In most cases, clients end class with a guided meditation, as they learn to quiet their minds and stay rooted in the present moment. Research has found that yoga can help individuals increase their self-confidence and experience an overall sense of well-being.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Will My Child Be Supervised During Recreational Activities?
Yes, each recreational activity is conducted by a licensed healthcare professional who supervises each client during each session.
Will My Teen Be Transported for Recreational Activities?
It depends on where you and your teen reside. At The Plymouth House, we offer local ground transportation for those enrolled in our services.
Will My Child Associate With Children Outside of the Treatment Program?
Many of the other children that your teen may encounter are other teens enrolled in the treatment program. Clients typically associate with the same teens each week, as long as they are receiving treatment.
Can Parents Participate in Recreational Activities?
Adolescent recreational activities are reserved for those enrolled in treatment. We offer family therapy sessions to allow parents the opportunity to be included in their child’s treatment.
How Often Will Recreational Activities Be Held?
The frequency of recreational activities depends on the exact program that the client is enrolled in. Recreational sessions typically last about an hour.
What Specific Activities or Programs Are Included in Recreational Therapy?
Specific activities depend on the treatment goals being addressed during that recreational therapy session. Some activities that may be included include walking, participating in games and sports, weight training, aerobics, and group hikes.
What Will My Child Learn During Recreational Activities?
Teens learn a variety of skills and techniques when engaging in recreational activities. Clients learn how to develop a sense of self-worth, and physical routines that can help heal the brain and body.
Are My Child’s Particular Interests a Factor in Choosing Recreational Activities?
A child’s particular interests may be a factor when choosing whether or not recreational therapy is right for your adolescent. Children who are more interested in physical or artistic activities may enjoy recreational therapy more.
