A new life outside of addiction

By Jessica Boyer

Recreational therapy helps people develop and expand their emotional connections to assist in developing a new, healthy and successful lifestyle free from old patterns and habits.

Research has shown that damaging behaviors are addictive at some level, and that environment plays a powerful role in perpetuating those behaviors. The intent is to change a once negative environment into a positive one, to open the doors to creating new and healthier experiences that change the course of their lives.

In practice, recreational therapy help people find their passion, hobbies and interests outside of the addictive lifestyle they have become accustomed to. People are encouraged to make a change, get out of their addictive rut and seize the opportunity to experience what the life around them has to offer.

Recreational therapy offers a change in environment needed to start a path to recovery. Not only does it provide a positive and encouraging atmosphere, but it also dedicates time to helping people explore who they are and what they are interested in outside of addiction.

Treatment for addiction is about so much more than just staying indoors and attending counseling sessions. People are given the opportunity to experience art, culture, recreation, and the stunning and rugged beauty that is Montana.

Recreational therapy is very important in any treatment program as it helps engage people in new experiences they may have been missing.

Jessica Boyer works as marketing director for Rocky Mountain Treatment Center, located at 920 4th Ave. N., Great Falls. For more information, call 406-727-8832 or 1-800-521-6572 or visit http://rocky.rehab.