Drug & Alcohol Recreational Therapy Program

Recreational Therapy at Wilmington

Learn More About the Recreational Therapy Program at Wilmington Treatment Center

At Wilmington Treatment Center, recreational therapy is an integral part of treatment. We believe that the experience and team-building that occurs during recreational therapy can build support networks and allow issues to come to the surface that may have taken years of traditional therapy to uncover.

In addition to its therapeutic benefits, the recreational therapy program also introduces our patients to alternative leisure/recreational activities and hobbies. We strive to expose patients to positive, fun, chemical-free social experiences.

What Should I Expect?

What to Expect in Our Recreational Therapy Program in North Carolina

The recreational therapy program begins with a leisure assessment, which allows the team to gather information about each patient’s drug of choice, the amount of daily free time, past leisure activities, leisure that involved substance use, leisure interests, barriers and feelings that affect free time. Many concerns reflected on the leisure assessment are addressed in recreation therapy groups as well as the “life skills” and “leisure education” group facilitated by Recreational Therapists. A patient is able to meet with a recreation therapist individually if requested by patient and/or counseling.

During their stay, patients will also participate in weekly recreation therapy groups. In recreation therapy, patients discuss various topics each week including stress management, healthy communication, anger management, utilizing appropriate resources, self-perception and more. Intervention activities are utilized to reflect real life situations and feelings that play a role in addiction.

Wilmington’s recreational therapy program also includes weekly off-campus recreation outings. The general purpose of these outings is to provide opportunities to participate in physical, social, cultural, recreational, and health maintenance activities. Through outings patients are exposed to multiple recreation and leisure settings around Wilmington while working through potential triggers in a safe, supporting environment.

Participation Criteria

Eligibility for Participation in the Recreational Therapy Program at Wilmington Treatment Center in North Carolina

All patients are encouraged to participate in the available options of the recreational therapy program during their stay. Detox participation is limited due to medical protocol. Once off of detox, patients’ opportunities increase to include recreation therapy groups, recreation time and offsite outings.

In order to be eligible for off-site outings, a patient must have been in treatment for at least 14 days and he or she must have medical and clinical approval. If the patient is in-house due to a medical issue, he or she will need clearance from medical. Patients must have also completed all written assignments and not have any behavior violations within the previous week. Patients must also complete the Leisure Assessment in the patient handbook and participate in a recreation therapy group.

At Wilmington Treatment Center, we believe that when leisure time is understood and used well, it can be a powerful ally in the fight against substance use disorders.

Going to Wilmington was the greatest decision I ever made. The encouragement I received will never be forgotten and I'm proud to say that I am sober today!

– Nathan Z.
Marks of Quality Care
We are affiliated with the following organizations, which provide accreditation, education, and training to ensure quality behavioral health and addiction treatment.
  • American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM)
  • The Joint Commission (JCAHO) Gold Seal of Approval
  • Tricare