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Recreation and Rehabilitation
Whether discussing smoking, drinking alcohol or drug abuse the cause is often the same. It often stems from either wanting to be accepted or trying to escape. Teenagers frequently find themselves first wanting to belong. They feel a strong need to identify with and be needed by a group. Many times it doesn’t matter what group. They may try to be a part of the football team, basketball team or maybe even the band or orchestra. If they don’t feel accepted they will seek that acceptance elsewhere. Unfortunately, those who tend toward substance abuse appear to be accepting of anyone and everyone. It becomes easy for those who feel rejected to find a place with these types of groups.
As those who are seeking rehabilitation find themselves involved in recreation they often find avenues where they can express themselves and find success. They feel acceptance and needed in ways which are not intimidating. Often as they are involved on teams they play important roles vital to the success of the team and they feel needed. What may start as a recreational hobby may develop into useful skills or possibly even a career. Recreation also helps create a new circle of friends to provide support when returning to society in general.
Physical Activity Brings Emotional Strength
Activities in recreation often involve physical exercise which many involved in substance abuse are sorely lacking. As they participate, their body becomes more physically fit and their mind becomes more emotionally fit. They learn to communicate better with others superficially which leads to more effective communication in more stressful situations. Physical activities can also cause the release of endorphins which produce a natural “high.” This can help the patient find appropriate venues for “getting happy” or relieving stress.
Many rehabilitation facilities are recognizing and utilizing different types of recreation in their programming. Physical activity is not the only type of recreation that is helpful. Many types of board games or card games promote expression, cooperation and just plain fun. There is great truth to the old adage “laughter is the best medicine.”
