Occupational Therapy in Addiction Recovery

Occupational therapy (OT) plays a vital role in addiction recovery by supporting individuals in developing emotional regulation, building daily routines, and reclaiming a balanced lifestyle. For those navigating the path to sobriety, OT provides practical tools, emotional insight, and therapeutic interventions that contribute to lasting recovery and personal growth.

Emotional Regulation and Trauma Processing

One of the core components of occupational therapy in addiction recovery is helping individuals identify, understand, and regulate their emotions. Addiction often masks unresolved trauma, and research shows that during traumatic experiences, Broca’s area—the part of the brain responsible for speech—can shut down. This disruption makes it difficult for individuals to articulate and process their experiences.

Occupational therapists use a variety of techniques, including projective art, guided imagery, psychodrama, and sand tray therapy, to help clients access and express suppressed emotions. These methods gently support the brain’s integration of left and right hemispheres, which is essential for trauma processing and emotional healing.

Building Life Skills for Lasting Recovery

In recovery, regaining structure and balance is key. Occupational therapists work closely with clients to rebuild essential life skills such as:

• Healthy stress management and coping strategies
• Sleep hygiene and routines
• Time management and daily planning
• Balancing responsibilities across work, leisure, and relationships
• Self-care and personal responsibility
• Effective communication and social interaction

These life skills are essential for individuals to regain independence and reduce the risk of relapse.

Sensory Processing and Mental Health

Many people with addiction history also struggle with sensory processing issues—sometimes referred to as “prickles.” These issues can disrupt everyday life, affecting work performance, relationships, and emotional well-being. In some cases, substances are used to self-medicate sensory discomfort.

Occupational therapists are trained to assess and treat sensory processing difficulties, offering alternative, healthy strategies for regulation. This area of therapy remains crucial even after achieving sobriety, as sensory issues persist without substance use.

A Comprehensive, Client-Centered Approach

The strength of occupational therapy in addiction recovery lies in its holistic, client-centered approach. By addressing emotional, physical, sensory, and social dimensions of health, OT supports individuals in creating a meaningful life beyond addiction.

Sources:

Occupational Therapy in Mental Health – HPCSA

Crouch, R. and Alers, V. (2014). Occupational Therapy in Psychiatry and Mental Health, 5th ed. John Wiley & Sons, Ltd, pp. 339–340.