| We can’t do it alone, together we can | | | | safety, relief and hope through identifying with |
| Addicts attending a drug rehab in South Africa will | | | | similar feelings and situations as raised by other |
| often participate in group activities as well as | | | | members. Group therapy is also an excellent |
| individual therapy addiction counselling. Clients | | | | forum for any grievances with one another to be |
| participating in drug rehabilitation are important to | | | | raised in an environment where feelings can be |
| one another, as much can be learnt from the | | | | expressed and dealt with in a healthy way. |
| group interaction within a rehab. Social interaction | | | | Outdoor group activities |
| and difficult interpersonal situations are an aspect | | | | Outdoor team building exercises give addicts the |
| of life that many addicts struggle with. Low | | | | opportunity to experience interpersonal and |
| self-esteem and fear often keeps an addict | | | | challenging dynamics in a different environment |
| locked in a destructive pattern of behaviour, | | | | whilst remaining safe within the protection of the |
| exacerbated by poor skills when dealing with | | | | group. Outdoor activities help to break the isolation |
| other people and life situations. Group activities | | | | which has become a way of life for many addicts. |
| can break this pattern and help an addict to cope | | | | The Outward Bound programme is a valuable tool |
| with life and the people it presents. | | | | for character building, self-awareness and personal |
| Recovering from an addiction cannot be done | | | | growth. This is achieved through participants |
| alone. Addicts need one another in order to stay | | | | working in a team in an outdoor environment with |
| abstinent and re-build their lives. All Twelve Step | | | | many difficult physical and mental tasks. The |
| fellowships operate with the notion that recovery | | | | challenges are aimed at giving participants the |
| cannot be achieved alone. They encourage the | | | | opportunity to practice asking for help and |
| sharing of experience in meetings and on a | | | | achieving a positive outcome. |
| one-to-one basis in a sponsor and sponsee | | | | Deep-sea adventures are another popular group |
| dynamic. The therapeutic benefits of group | | | | activity for recovering addicts in rehab. The |
| interaction between addicts can be harnessed by | | | | experience of focusing on nature and the |
| participation in group activities such as team | | | | expanse of the ocean takes a client’s mind |
| building. | | | | away from treatment and drugs, and encourages |
| Find out more about addiction recovery facilitators | | | | relaxation, serenity and happiness. Many addicts |
| in South Africa and the importance of group | | | | starting a process of recovery feel that they will |
| activities in the treatment of drug dependency. | | | | never have true fun again as nothing will ever |
| The benefits of group activities for recovering | | | | match the euphoria brought on by drugs. |
| addicts | | | | However, when on an excursion such as |
| Group activities offer clients the opportunity to | | | | deep-sea adventure, they begin to have fun and |
| build relationships with others, cope with | | | | they do all of this whilst sober. |
| responsibility, and work through conflict in an | | | | Group activities are widely practiced in treatment |
| appropriate manner. In a rehab, most group | | | | facilities across South Africa. Addiction counselling |
| activities take place during the daily programme. | | | | in a group setting, accompanied by activities in |
| These activities include group therapy, therapeutic | | | | which social interaction occurs, challenges clients to |
| duties and team-building activities involving | | | | make cognitive changes to their behaviour. The |
| problem-solving as a team. Some other group | | | | various experiences also afford them the |
| activities offered in rehabs are a little more | | | | opportunity to prepare for life once they leave |
| involved, and can include more challenging tasks in | | | | rehab, and to cope with life experiences. As well |
| a different environment. | | | | as fostering a nurturing space for an addict to |
| The importance of group therapy | | | | practice life without the use of drugs, a drug |
| Group therapy is a counselling method that uses a | | | | rehab also helps addicts find recovery and share |
| group format, and is facilitated by a professional | | | | their issues with addicts in similar situations. Once |
| therapeutic addictions team. The group is | | | | they begin to trust, risk and share, the process of |
| encouraged to trust others, share their stories | | | | healing can begin. |
| and relate to one another. This type of therapy is | | | | Speak to a professional regarding drug treatment |
| extremely beneficial for addiction recovery as the | | | | facilities available in South Africa. |
| members begin to foster a sense of support, | | | | |