Play Therapy in Substance Abuse Treatment

By Rachel Benson, LMFT
Rachel received her Masters's Degree in Counseling Psychology and specialized in Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) with Distinction. She is originally from Hong Kong, and she speaks several languages, including Cantonese and Mandarin. Rachel is certified in Brainspotting, and trained in Play Therapy, sand tray therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and Gottman Couples Therapy .

When we think about substance abuse treatment, we often imagine talk therapy, counseling sessions, support groups, or 12-step programs. While these traditional approaches are essential, many people are surprised to learn that play therapy can also be an effective and transformative component of substance abuse treatment. Play therapy offers a less intimidating and more accessible pathway for individuals who struggle to express their emotions verbally.

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (2024), an estimated 48.3 million people aged 12 or older experienced a substance use disorder in the United States, not including those who did not report their struggles. Substance use is not a new phenomenon tied only to modern stress or contemporary culture. It has existed throughout human history, appearing across civilizations, traditions, and social norms. While substances may initially offer relief, connection, or escape, addiction often emerges from a complex blend of genetic vulnerability, environmental influences, social pressures, trauma, and emotional pain. As a result, traditional talk therapy can sometimes feel overwhelming or emotionally confrontational, particularly for individuals early in their recovery.

Why Play Therapy?

Play therapy was originally developed in the early 20th century to support children, but over time, it has demonstrated effectiveness with adolescents and adults who struggle with a wide range of emotional and psychological challenges. According to Glover (1999), play is a natural form of “thinking” and emotional expression. Through creative and experiential activities, clients can access emotions and internal conflicts that may be difficult to reach through conversation alone. For individuals recovering from substance use, this form of emotional access can be profoundly meaningful.

Many individuals entering treatment carry trauma histories, attachment disruptions, chronic stress, deep emotional pain, or difficulty identifying and expressing their emotions. When talk therapy feels inaccessible or overly demanding, play therapy provides an inviting alternative. It offers a therapeutic environment that is non-threatening, experiential rather than verbal, and grounded in somatic and sensory-based approaches. These qualities help clients lower their defenses and engage with their inner world in ways that feel natural, gentle, and empowering.

Play therapy also helps therapists build rapport gradually, which is especially valuable for clients who feel guarded or unsure. It often allows clients to access emotions and memories that lie beyond words through hands-on, creative activities such as sand tray work, miniatures, dollhouses, Legos, drawing, clay work, guided imagery, dramatic role-play, and music. These activities can reveal patterns, stories, and emotional experiences while opening the door to deeper emotional processing and therapeutic insight. Symbolic and physical expression make the therapeutic process more engaging, accessible, and meaningful. In addition, play therapy offers trauma-informed, body-based interventions that allow clients to externalize internal struggles, process shame safely, and build a sense of inner control.

Many individuals use substances as a way to cope with intense or dysregulated emotions. Through play, therapists can help clients identify and name their feelings, explore alternative coping strategies, practice grounding and sensory-based techniques, and develop stronger emotional regulation skills. Over time, these creative and structured activities support clients in reducing reliance on substances as a primary coping mechanism.

Final Thoughts

Recovery is not simply about stopping the use of substances; it is about building a healthier, more authentic life. Play therapy offers a gentle, creative, and effective pathway to explore the emotional roots of addiction, strengthen coping skills, process trauma, and rebuild identity. For clients who feel stuck, overwhelmed, or disconnected, this approach can open doors that talking alone may not. When entering therapy, consider allowing play-based techniques to support your healing. Through play, you may find a softer, more compassionate entry into deeper emotional work and a meaningful connection with your inner child.

References

Glover, N. M. (1999). Play therapy and art therapy for substance abuse clients who have a history of incest victimization. Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, 16(4), 281–287. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0740-5472(98)00041-5 

National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2024). Drug use and addiction statistics. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. https://nida.nih.gov 

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