Recreational therapy
Recreation therapy is a key component of Marworth's treatment program, offering proven benefits throughout recovery. Led by 3 certified therapeutic recreation specialists, our program helps you recover physically and emotionally while learning essential skills for lasting sobriety.
What is recreation therapy?
Recreation therapy uses healthy leisure activities, team problem-solving, and trust exercises to support recovery. Many people with addiction don't know how to engage in social activities sober. Our program helps you rediscover joy in substance-free activities while building self-esteem and recovery skills.
You'll learn to:
- Foster group problem-solving
- Build trust and ask for help
- Confront compulsive behaviors
- Take healthy personal risks
- Work as a team
- Develop new leisure interests
Expert-led programs
Our certified therapeutic recreation specialists are trained by the National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification. They'll understand your personal goals, create a tailored activity plan and help you find joy in sober living.
Our activities
Challenge activities:
- 30-foot high-element climbing wall
- Low-elements ropes course
- Zip line and giant's ladder
- Trust activities
Physical fitness:
- Fitness center with cardio equipment
- Free weights and circuit machines
- Yoga and aerobic programs
- Team sports
Creative and leisure:
- 9-hole disc golf course
- Music therapy and arts and crafts
- Nature activities across 27 acres
Wellness:
- Meditation and yoga
- Stress management
- Leisure education
- Social activities
Why it works
Recreation therapy is proven to reduce stress and symptoms of depression and anxiety —major factors in relapse prevention. This approach addresses the whole person, developing physical, cognitive, emotional, social and leisure aspects of life to help you feel more confident and in control.
Key benefits:
Reduces relapse risk – Exercise reduces cravings and alleviates depression, anxiety and stress. Healthy routines combat boredom, a major relapse trigger.
Builds essential skills – Develops self-esteem, independence, social skills, cooperation and trust.
Creates connections – Form bonds with others in recovery and rebuild your leisure life around healthy interests.
Supports wellness – Physical activity aids recovery, relapse prevention and health.
Signature experiences
High-element climbing wall
Tackle a 30-foot wall with peer support. Learn about healthy risk-taking, stepping outside your comfort zone and relying on others.
Zip line
Our zip line gives patients who may not have the physical strength to climb the wall an opportunity for personal risk-taking and adventure. This high-element experience challenges you to face fears with peer support.
Low-elements ropes course
Complete goal-oriented group tasks that teach you to ask for help, take healthy risks and work together.
Healthcare professionals program
Recreation therapy is particularly effective for healthcare professionals. Accomplishing group tasks in a recreational context helps confront professional defenses like intellectualization and rationalization, encouraging emotional engagement with recovery.
Ready to start your recovery journey?
Call Marworth at 800-442-7722 to speak with an admissions counselor. We're here to help whether you're seeking treatment for yourself or a loved one.
Treatment referrals welcome from family members, physicians, therapists, employers, EAPs, insurance providers, clergy and community organizations.