Recovery from addiction is a serious matter. The harm caused to oneself and others while consumed by drugs and alcohol can be incredibly devastating. The stories told within the rooms and foundational texts of Alcoholics Anonymous and other Twelve Step groups reflect countless experiences of ‘jails, institutions and deaths.’ Many enter treatment with the wreckage of their past strewn around them – broken relationships, chronic illnesses, impaired judgement, career setbacks, cycles of shame, and a sense of spiritual void. Although necessary, breaking free from alcohol and drugs can be a difficult process that highlights the complexity and struggles inherent in the journey to recovery. Given the weight of these issues and the challenging tasks ahead, it begs the question: who has time to play?
Most people consider play a domain of children. Generally, children naturally enter a playful state, whether they are alone or with others. Their delight, captivated attention, inquisitiveness, and imaginative spirit can ignite a spark of inspiration in even the most insipid character. Studies have demonstrated that play is crucial for a child’s development, as it facilitates the formation of neural pathways essential for acquiring key skills. Play, however, is not just for children. It is a biological drive of every human, and its benefits can also be experienced by adults. Though the inclination to play might not be as strong and the expressions of play might not be so obvious, adults can achieve playful states. For some, it involves the rediscovery of the inner child and buried dreams; for others, it is the discovery of new passions and sense of self.
Play may seem counterintuitive to recovery from addiction. The seriousness of the recovery process may lead some to see play as trivial, undeserved, and potentially triggering. Others may argue that it was their quest for play that ultimately plunged them into a descent of chaos. In recovery, play shows up in new ways, serving a pivotal purpose in the healing process. While not the focus of this article, Play Therapy has been successfully utilized as a therapeutic approach in addiction treatment for those who struggle to express their emotions verbally. According to the National Institute of Play, play is an activity that is freely chosen and enjoyed for its own sake. During play, a person is deeply engaged while remaining completely at ease, effortlessly losing track of time and feeling a sense of joy and freedom as they immerse themselves in the activity.
For many individuals in early recovery, the void left by alcohol and other drugs can be difficult to fill, leading to feelings of anhedonia in some cases. Play is a vital aspect of the recovery journey and serves as a medium through which essential recovery skills are learned. Engaging in enjoyable and healthy activities can significantly boost endorphins, dopamine, and other positive chemicals in the brain. These positive brain chemicals play a crucial role in enhancing mood, reducing stress, and promoting overall well-being. Play enhances social skills and fosters connections, which helps to reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation. Playing also boosts physical and cognitive strength by engaging the body and mind. It enhances coordination, balance, and endurance while fostering problem-solving, creativity, and critical thinking.
Everyone has a distinct style of play that is worth discovering during the recovery process. Dr. Stuart Brown, founder of the National Institute for Play, identified eight play personalities:
The Collector: Gathers meaningful objects.
The Competitor: Thrives on winning.
The Creator/Artist: Enjoys making art and music.
The Director: Organizes play activities.
The Explorer: Seeks new adventures.
The Joker: Uses humor to connect.
The Kinesthete: Loves physical movement.
The Storyteller: Shares and creates narratives.
Understanding these personalities can enhance recovery and well-being by aligning play with personal interests. My play style is the storyteller; what’s yours?
Reference:
National Institute for Play. (n.d.). Play personalities. Retrieved March 07, 2025, from https://nifplay.org/what-is-play/play-personalities/
Devra V. Thomas