The Role of Recreation and Recreational Therapists in Developing a Recovery-Oriented Identity for People with Substance Use Disorders

ABSTRACT

This conceptual article highlights pathways of identity transition through substance use disorders (SUD) and considers the role that recreation can play in the development of a recovery identity in people with SUD. Using the leisure ability model as a template, the article considers how recreation can affirm recovery identities. Further, the article explores the role recreation-based mutual self-help groups can play in enhancing a recovery identity. Finally, the article considers how recreational therapists working with SUD patients can aid the development of recreation supports, by utilizing incentives intended to reduce recidivism and leveraging community connections.

KEYWORDS:

• Recreation
• recreational therapy
• recovery
• mutual self help groups
• substance use disorders
• identity