more than
therapy.

ORIGINAL EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES

Substance Use Recovery Activities & Games

Explore 20 original recovery resources for teens and adults: eight games, six worksheets, four tools, and two fictional stories. Practice coping responses, support requests, routines, and flexible next steps without disclosing a personal history.

Start with choice

Use mild or fictional examples. Avoid deliberately exposing yourself to substances or high-risk settings to practice. You may pass or stop. These resources are educational and do not diagnose, measure recovery, replace treatment, or provide detox instructions. Review medical and urgent-support decisions with a qualified professional.

Choose a teen or adult pathway below. Age labels are guides; adapt for reading level, culture, preferences, and access needs. These activities support learning and reflection and are not diagnostic assessments or individualized treatment.

Game · TEENS & ADULTS · ABOUT 7 MINUTES

Support Match: More Than One Way to Get Help

Pair fictional everyday needs with possible supports, then consider another option.

Open adult activity ↗ · Teens

Introduction & facilitation

Explore an original practice activity for substance-use recovery. Use a mild or fictional example, answer quietly, or pass. No personal history, diagnosis, or substance details are required.

For teens and adults with appropriate support. Do not deliberately expose yourself to substance cues or high-risk settings to practice. Responses are not assessed or monitored. This is not a detox guide or replacement for individualized care; discuss health and urgent-support decisions with a qualified professional.

Game · TEENS & ADULTS · ABOUT 6 MINUTES

Response Sort: Prepare, Respond, Reconnect

Sort six sample actions by when they might fit in a fictional plan.

Open adult activity ↗ · Teens

Introduction & facilitation

Explore an original practice activity for substance-use recovery. Use a mild or fictional example, answer quietly, or pass. No personal history, diagnosis, or substance details are required.

For teens and adults with appropriate support. Do not deliberately expose yourself to substance cues or high-risk settings to practice. Responses are not assessed or monitored. This is not a detox guide or replacement for individualized care; discuss health and urgent-support decisions with a qualified professional.

Game · TEENS & ADULTS · ABOUT 9 MINUTES

Recovery Crossroads: Explore Your Options

Explore three fictional situations and different responses without a single perfect answer.

Open adult activity ↗ · Teens

Introduction & facilitation

Explore an original practice activity for substance-use recovery. Use a mild or fictional example, answer quietly, or pass. No personal history, diagnosis, or substance details are required.

For teens and adults with appropriate support. Do not deliberately expose yourself to substance cues or high-risk settings to practice. Responses are not assessed or monitored. This is not a detox guide or replacement for individualized care; discuss health and urgent-support decisions with a qualified professional.

Game · TEENS & ADULTS · ABOUT 7 MINUTES

Thought Flex: Care With Accountability

Turn a thought card over to explore language that makes room for both care and action.

Open adult activity ↗ · Teens

Introduction & facilitation

Explore an original practice activity for substance-use recovery. Use a mild or fictional example, answer quietly, or pass. No personal history, diagnosis, or substance details are required.

For teens and adults with appropriate support. Do not deliberately expose yourself to substance cues or high-risk settings to practice. Responses are not assessed or monitored. This is not a detox guide or replacement for individualized care; discuss health and urgent-support decisions with a qualified professional.

Game · TEENS & ADULTS · ABOUT 7 MINUTES

Recovery Fact Check: Learn Without Labels

Explore six recovery statements with explanations and source links.

Open adult activity ↗ · Teens

Introduction & facilitation

Explore an original practice activity for substance-use recovery. Use a mild or fictional example, answer quietly, or pass. No personal history, diagnosis, or substance details are required.

For teens and adults with appropriate support. Do not deliberately expose yourself to substance cues or high-risk settings to practice. Responses are not assessed or monitored. This is not a detox guide or replacement for individualized care; discuss health and urgent-support decisions with a qualified professional.

Game · TEENS & ADULTS · ABOUT 8 MINUTES

Build a Steadier Day

Choose supports for a fictional day with room for rest, responsibilities, and flexibility.

Open adult activity ↗ · Teens

Introduction & facilitation

Explore an original practice activity for substance-use recovery. Use a mild or fictional example, answer quietly, or pass. No personal history, diagnosis, or substance details are required.

For teens and adults with appropriate support. Do not deliberately expose yourself to substance cues or high-risk settings to practice. Responses are not assessed or monitored. This is not a detox guide or replacement for individualized care; discuss health and urgent-support decisions with a qualified professional.

Game · TEENS & ADULTS · ABOUT 6 MINUTES

Recovery Possibilities Bingo

Mark ideas to explore on a nine-square board—without tracking sobriety or competing.

Open adult activity ↗ · Teens

Introduction & facilitation

Explore an original practice activity for substance-use recovery. Use a mild or fictional example, answer quietly, or pass. No personal history, diagnosis, or substance details are required.

For teens and adults with appropriate support. Do not deliberately expose yourself to substance cues or high-risk settings to practice. Responses are not assessed or monitored. This is not a detox guide or replacement for individualized care; discuss health and urgent-support decisions with a qualified professional.

Game · TEENS & ADULTS · ABOUT 7 MINUTES

Connection Cards for Recovery

Browse low-pressure conversation prompts alone or with a trusted supporter.

Open adult activity ↗ · Teens

Introduction & facilitation

Explore an original practice activity for substance-use recovery. Use a mild or fictional example, answer quietly, or pass. No personal history, diagnosis, or substance details are required.

For teens and adults with appropriate support. Do not deliberately expose yourself to substance cues or high-risk settings to practice. Responses are not assessed or monitored. This is not a detox guide or replacement for individualized care; discuss health and urgent-support decisions with a qualified professional.

Worksheet · TEENS & ADULTS · ABOUT 9 MINUTES

Patterns, Needs, and Response Map

Notice one broad pattern and build a realistic response without reliving a use episode.

Open adult activity ↗ · Teens

Introduction & facilitation

Explore an original practice activity for substance-use recovery. Use a mild or fictional example, answer quietly, or pass. No personal history, diagnosis, or substance details are required.

For teens and adults with appropriate support. Do not deliberately expose yourself to substance cues or high-risk settings to practice. Responses are not assessed or monitored. This is not a detox guide or replacement for individualized care; discuss health and urgent-support decisions with a qualified professional.

Worksheet · TEENS & ADULTS · ABOUT 10 MINUTES

A Flexible Seven-Day Recovery Plan

Choose one support, one routine, and a backup for the coming week.

Open adult activity ↗ · Teens

Introduction & facilitation

Explore an original practice activity for substance-use recovery. Use a mild or fictional example, answer quietly, or pass. No personal history, diagnosis, or substance details are required.

For teens and adults with appropriate support. Do not deliberately expose yourself to substance cues or high-risk settings to practice. Responses are not assessed or monitored. This is not a detox guide or replacement for individualized care; discuss health and urgent-support decisions with a qualified professional.

Worksheet · TEENS & ADULTS · ABOUT 9 MINUTES

My Support Network by Need

Match listening, practical help, professional care, and belonging with different supports.

Open adult activity ↗ · Teens

Introduction & facilitation

Explore an original practice activity for substance-use recovery. Use a mild or fictional example, answer quietly, or pass. No personal history, diagnosis, or substance details are required.

For teens and adults with appropriate support. Do not deliberately expose yourself to substance cues or high-risk settings to practice. Responses are not assessed or monitored. This is not a detox guide or replacement for individualized care; discuss health and urgent-support decisions with a qualified professional.

Worksheet · TEENS & ADULTS · ABOUT 10 MINUTES

After a Setback: Care, Support, Learning

Plan a compassionate response without minimizing medical needs or losing sight of next steps.

Open adult activity ↗ · Teens

Introduction & facilitation

Explore an original practice activity for substance-use recovery. Use a mild or fictional example, answer quietly, or pass. No personal history, diagnosis, or substance details are required.

For teens and adults with appropriate support. Do not deliberately expose yourself to substance cues or high-risk settings to practice. Responses are not assessed or monitored. This is not a detox guide or replacement for individualized care; discuss health and urgent-support decisions with a qualified professional.

Worksheet · TEENS & ADULTS · ABOUT 9 MINUTES

Work, Responsibilities, and Recovery Boundaries

Explore requests and practical boundaries around work or school and recovery needs.

Open adult activity ↗ · Teens

Introduction & facilitation

Explore an original practice activity for substance-use recovery. Use a mild or fictional example, answer quietly, or pass. No personal history, diagnosis, or substance details are required.

For teens and adults with appropriate support. Do not deliberately expose yourself to substance cues or high-risk settings to practice. Responses are not assessed or monitored. This is not a detox guide or replacement for individualized care; discuss health and urgent-support decisions with a qualified professional.

Worksheet · TEENS & ADULTS · ABOUT 8 MINUTES

A Leisure and Connection Menu

Choose accessible ways to bring rest, interest, or connection into everyday life.

Open adult activity ↗ · Teens

Introduction & facilitation

Explore an original practice activity for substance-use recovery. Use a mild or fictional example, answer quietly, or pass. No personal history, diagnosis, or substance details are required.

For teens and adults with appropriate support. Do not deliberately expose yourself to substance cues or high-risk settings to practice. Responses are not assessed or monitored. This is not a detox guide or replacement for individualized care; discuss health and urgent-support decisions with a qualified professional.

Tool · TEENS & ADULTS · ABOUT 6 MINUTES

If–Then Recovery Response Builder

Build a short situation–response–support statement in your own words.

Open adult activity ↗ · Teens

Introduction & facilitation

Explore an original practice activity for substance-use recovery. Use a mild or fictional example, answer quietly, or pass. No personal history, diagnosis, or substance details are required.

For teens and adults with appropriate support. Do not deliberately expose yourself to substance cues or high-risk settings to practice. Responses are not assessed or monitored. This is not a detox guide or replacement for individualized care; discuss health and urgent-support decisions with a qualified professional.

Tool · TEENS & ADULTS · ABOUT 6 MINUTES

An Urge Response Menu

Select optional coping directions and think about fit, access, and professional support.

Open adult activity ↗ · Teens

Introduction & facilitation

Explore an original practice activity for substance-use recovery. Use a mild or fictional example, answer quietly, or pass. No personal history, diagnosis, or substance details are required.

For teens and adults with appropriate support. Do not deliberately expose yourself to substance cues or high-risk settings to practice. Responses are not assessed or monitored. This is not a detox guide or replacement for individualized care; discuss health and urgent-support decisions with a qualified professional.

Tool · TEENS & ADULTS · ABOUT 6 MINUTES

Small-Step Recovery Lab

Try changing the size, timing, or support around one manageable next step.

Open adult activity ↗ · Teens

Introduction & facilitation

Explore an original practice activity for substance-use recovery. Use a mild or fictional example, answer quietly, or pass. No personal history, diagnosis, or substance details are required.

For teens and adults with appropriate support. Do not deliberately expose yourself to substance cues or high-risk settings to practice. Responses are not assessed or monitored. This is not a detox guide or replacement for individualized care; discuss health and urgent-support decisions with a qualified professional.

Tool · TEENS & ADULTS · ABOUT 6 MINUTES

A Clear Request for Recovery Support

Rehearse a request that includes a need, a boundary, and an alternative.

Open adult activity ↗ · Teens

Introduction & facilitation

Explore an original practice activity for substance-use recovery. Use a mild or fictional example, answer quietly, or pass. No personal history, diagnosis, or substance details are required.

For teens and adults with appropriate support. Do not deliberately expose yourself to substance cues or high-risk settings to practice. Responses are not assessed or monitored. This is not a detox guide or replacement for individualized care; discuss health and urgent-support decisions with a qualified professional.

Story · TEENS & ADULTS · ABOUT 8 MINUTES

A Setback Without Shame

Explore a fictional person choosing care and accountability after a setback.

Open adult activity ↗ · Teens

Introduction & facilitation

Explore an original practice activity for substance-use recovery. Use a mild or fictional example, answer quietly, or pass. No personal history, diagnosis, or substance details are required.

For teens and adults with appropriate support. Do not deliberately expose yourself to substance cues or high-risk settings to practice. Responses are not assessed or monitored. This is not a detox guide or replacement for individualized care; discuss health and urgent-support decisions with a qualified professional.

Story · TEENS & ADULTS · ABOUT 8 MINUTES

Repair With Boundaries

Explore a fictional conversation about trust without demanding disclosure or forgiveness.

Open adult activity ↗ · Teens

Introduction & facilitation

Explore an original practice activity for substance-use recovery. Use a mild or fictional example, answer quietly, or pass. No personal history, diagnosis, or substance details are required.

For teens and adults with appropriate support. Do not deliberately expose yourself to substance cues or high-risk settings to practice. Responses are not assessed or monitored. This is not a detox guide or replacement for individualized care; discuss health and urgent-support decisions with a qualified professional.

Guide themes and current guidance

Development drew on themes in ASI-MV Worksheets & Handouts (Inflexxion, 2007), including coping, support networks, leisure, and work, and the supplied Problem Gambling Integrated Matrix client handbook, including scheduling, stress, trust, and continuing care. The wording, examples, game boards, and prompts here are original.

These are not ASI-MV assessment items, an administration of that instrument, or a complete Matrix treatment program. No endorsement by the source authors, publishers, or SAMHSA is implied.

For current background, see NIAAA guidance on handling alcohol urges, SAMHSA recovery principles, and NIH information on substance use disorders and treatment. Alcohol-specific advice is not automatically applicable to every substance.

For a broader personal plan, use the Wellness and Relapse Prevention planners.

More ways to explore

Browse the full 634-activity library or try an optional guided audio practice. Explore the resource guide for other topics.