Real talk, when you hear the words, “mental health treatment” what comes to mind? If you’re envisioning electro-shock treatment or a group of somber people sitting in a circle, sharing their deepest, most inner thoughts, we get it. While we do value some good, old-fashioned vulnerability at Momentum Recovery, that’s just a fraction of the story. Healing, especially for young adults, is about much more than sitting in therapy sessions. It’s about community, connection, and yes, even some fun along the way.
So, what actually happens during dual-diagnosis treatment at our Wilmington, NC program? Spoiler alert: It’s not as scary or depressing as you might think. In fact, it may just be the most supportive experience you (or your loved one) could ask for. Let’s dive into five community activities that play a huge role in helping young adults heal, grow, and rediscover themselves while addressing dual-diagnosis issues at Momentum Recovery.
1. Adventure Therapy: Getting Out of the Comfort Zone (and Into Nature!)
Adventure therapy is one of the cornerstones of healing at Momentum. But it's not just about getting an adrenaline rush—although that’s a nice bonus. It’s about learning resilience, pushing personal boundaries, and tapping into the idea that overcoming physical challenges helps build mental strength.
Why is adventure therapy so effective for young adults? Because young people (and honestly, everyone) thrive when they’re active and engaged. Traditional therapy can feel intimidating at first, especially for someone battling both mental health and addiction. So, getting out in nature, where walls come down and openness flows naturally, can be a game-changer. Plus, the experience of working through these challenges as a group fosters connection, support, and trust—essential ingredients for recovery.
2. Group Therapy: Yes, There’s Talking, But It’s Not What You Think
Let’s clear the air on group therapy. It’s not all emotional outpouring and awkward silences. Group therapy is more than what you see in the movies. At Momentum our groups are about creating a space where you can feel heard and understood, not judged. The magic of these sessions lies in the connections that form—realizing that you’re not alone, that others are navigating similar struggles. It’s like a support group but with trained therapists who know how to guide the conversation in a way that leads to breakthroughs.
In these rooms, young adults work through issues related to substance abuse, depression, anxiety, trauma, and more. The cool part? People often end up discovering things about themselves that they never would have realized otherwise. When you hear someone else’s story and think, “Whoa, that sounds like me,” it can open up new paths to healing. Plus, the shared experience of growth with peers creates a tight-knit community that lasts well beyond treatment.
3. Experiential Therapy: Expressing Without Words
Not everyone is a talker (myself included). Experiential therapy offers young adults a different way to process their emotions. Instead of sitting in a room and chatting, which may feel daunting and unnatural, you might be painting, playing music, or using role-play exercises to express feelings that are hard to put into words.
Sometimes, words just don’t cut it. Especially for young adults dealing with complex issues like trauma or anxiety, it can feel impossible to articulate what’s going on inside. Experiential therapy breaks down those barriers, allowing young people to engage with their emotions in a safe, creative way. And the best part? It’s not about creating a masterpiece—it’s about using art, movement, or action as a tool for self-expression and healing.
4. Life Skills Training: Adulting 101
For young adults at Momentum Recovery, part of the healing journey is learning how to handle the day-to-day aspects of life that may have felt overwhelming before. We’re talking budgeting, cooking, job searching, and even communication skills. Essentially, it’s all about giving young adults the tools they need to live life on life’s terms.
Life skills training at Momentum isn’t just about ticking off a checklist of practical abilities; it’s about building confidence. Dual diagnoses—like depression coupled with substance abuse—erode away at one’s independence. As your world gets smaller, your ability to simply complete day-to-day tasks becomes swallowed up. By learning (or relearning) how to manage basic tasks (like grocery shopping without feeling like the world is caving in), young adults regain a sense of control over their lives, which is crucial for long-term recovery.
5. Sober Fun: Rediscovering Joy in Recovery
Being sober doesn’t mean being boring. One of the big hurdles for young people in recovery is figuring out how to have fun without substances. The truth for many of you is that your social life before treatment probably revolved around partying, drinking, or using drugs to feel good. At our program, a key part of the process is showing that life can be even better without all that.
Whether it’s game nights, movie marathons, beach outings, or just hanging out and laughing with new friends, the staff at Momentum Recovery make it a point to bring joy into everyday life. Recovery isn’t just about “fixing” yourself—it’s about rediscovering what makes you happy. And it turns out that being part of a community, where you can be yourself, can be more fulfilling than any high ever could be.
Healing is About More Than Just Therapy
No one heals in isolation. Our focus on community means that by the time you leave treatment, you’ve built lasting bonds, found strength in shared experiences, and regained the confidence to take on the world.
So, if you or someone you love is facing the challenge of a dual diagnosis, Momentum Recovery is here to guide you every step of the way. Give us a call today.