10 Helpful Activities You Can Do During Outpatient Rehab

If you struggle with drug or alcohol addiction, participating in an outpatient treatment program at a treatment facility can be beneficial for your addiction recovery journey.

With outpatient care, you will be required to visit a drug rehab center at designated times during the week to take part in the addiction treatment process.

Unlike inpatient treatment, outpatient care does not require you to remain at the treatment center 24/7. Outpatient treatment does provide a flexible schedule, however, allowing you to fill your time with helpful activities to do during rehab. Here are ten.

1. Attending Support Groups & Therapy Sessions

During outpatient rehab, you’ll likely engage in therapy sessions such as individual therapy, family therapy, or group therapy.

Additionally, when your family members participate in support groups, you can recognize the lengths they go to in order to show support for your struggle with drug or alcohol abuse. There are also support group options in which group members remain anonymous.

By taking part in certain 12-step programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA), you can continue working toward your goal of long-term sobriety.

2. Building A Support System

Speak with trusted friends or family members about your experience with drug use and the recovery process. There may be times when you cannot speak with a loved one during the treatment process such as while you’re experiencing cravings for the substance and undergoing detox.

However, you can ask your support system to provide you with their phone numbers so you can speak with them during free time at rehab. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), having a support system is important to help prevent social stressors.

3. Learning New Hobbies

Consider learning a new hobby while in outpatient rehab. There are various fun activities you may want to try such as drawing, playing an instrument, cooking, or reading.

If there’s a book on your shelf you haven’t read yet or a cooking recipe you’d like to try, use this time to find enjoyment even in the smallest of hobbies.

4. Practicing Self-Care

Most importantly, take care of yourself while you receive treatment for your alcohol or drug abuse. Focus on your mental health and overall well-being during outpatient rehab and aftercare services.

Self-care comes in many forms. Brushing your teeth or taking a shower can be a milestone when the treatment process becomes difficult. If you ever feel that you need extra help or you’re unable to do a basic task, reach out to your support network.

5. Exercising

Exercise is an important, necessary way to maintain your mental and physical well-being. When you do physical activity, you can reduce stress.

There are various forms of exercise which can be helpful such as running, cross-training, or weight lifting. If these exercises seem too strenuous at first, consider taking a walk outside or going for a light jog.

6. Writing In A Journal

While in rehab, an excellent way to monitor your recovery journey is to write in a journal. In your journal, consider creating a gratitude list.

Your gratitude list can include family members, pets, and friends. However, no item or activity is too small to place on your list.

Writing can also prove to be a useful tool in expressing your thoughts and concerns during recovery.

7. Using Helpful Social Media Apps

There is a wide range of social media apps designed for those struggling with addiction and mental health issues. By utilizing these social media apps, you can log your sobriety efforts and monitor your progress in real-world scenarios.

8. Volunteering Your Time

Consider paying it forward by volunteering to assist in organizing therapy and support sessions for others. You may participate in local programs such as volunteering at a homeless shelter or spending free time helping out at a recycling center.

9. Practicing Meditation

Learn to calm your mind and thoughts by practicing meditation. Since you may receive numerous treatments, you’ll want to find a way to center yourself, acknowledging your mental well-being throughout the rehab process.

When practicing meditation, you can also incorporate physical activity by combining yoga during your session.

10. Learning More About Addiction

In your free time, consider learning more about your substance use disorder. In doing so, you can better recognize the warning signs associated with alcohol drug addiction.

Learning more about your substance use disorder allows you to acknowledge the reasons why you turned to drug abuse in the first place.

If you or a loved one are struggling with drug or alcohol use, consider our outpatient drug rehab center. At Northeast Addictions Treatment Center, we offer numerous treatment options.

To learn about our treatment options, please contact us today.