This therapy activity has been designed by Danielle Byatt the Treatment Director and Co-founder of Step by Step Recovery, an addiction clinic and residential rehab centre in London and Essex.
Are you tired of the vicious cycle of addiction? Have you been to rehab and wondering what’s next? The road to recovery can be long and challenging, but it’s worth it. When you leave rehab, it’s easy to slip back into old habits. While addiction isn’t your fault, it’s important to embrace all the help and support given and stay committed to your recovery journey. Activities that help to create mindfulness and encourage you to be present and allow feelings to exist without judgement or analysis can help you to cope with stress. This activity is especially helpful if you have recently completed addiction treatment or are struggling with your mental health and wellness.
Supplies: Paper, various objects and art supplies, such as crayons, markers, chalk etc.
- Rate how well you feel from 1 to 10. (1 being least and 10 being most)
- Use an A6 or larger-sized piece of paper.
- Place various objects on a table, such as fruit, cotton wool, a bag of flour and candles. Choose things with different textures and consistencies.
- Choose an object and set a timer for two minutes.
- Sit and hold the object until the timer goes off.
- Place the object under your chair.
- Use crayons, pencils, markers or chalks to draw with.
- Set a timer for five minutes and draw the object or an image to represent how you felt when you were holding it.
- Rate how well you feel from 1 to 10. (1 being least and 10 being most)
How can individuals identify and avoid triggers that can lead to relapse?
- Keep a journal: Writing down thoughts and feelings can help identify triggers that may lead to relapse. This can include specific people, places, or situations that cause stress or anxiety.
- Identify patterns: Look for patterns in behavior that may lead to relapse, such as staying up late, skipping meals, or isolating oneself from others. These patterns can be addressed with healthier habits.
- Seek support: Build a network of supportive people who can provide encouragement during challenging times. This can include friends, family, or support groups.
Seeking help for addiction is never easy, Step by Step offers free advice about addiction treatment options. You can either complete an online assessment form or call their free phone number on 0800 170 1222 to speak with someone on the team, without any pressure.
