From Struggle to Strength
Occupational Therapy’s Game-Changing Impact on Mental Health and Recovery

By Dr. Sarah Anderson, OTD, OTR/L
Scottsdale Providence Recovery Center
Part 1 of 2 Part Series

When you think of occupational therapy (OT), you might picture someone helping a patient recover from a physical injury, but OT is much more than that. It’s a versatile and holistic approach to health and wellness that can be a game-changer in mental health and substance use recovery. Every individual has different abilities, strengths, and challenges from a functional perspective. For those in recovery, this has a major impact on their capacity to find fulfillment and freedom, as well as impacting the efficacy of therapeutic work. This article is the first part of a two-part series introducing the role and benefits of occupational therapy as it pertains to substance use and mental health recovery.

The Holistic Approach of OT

Occupational therapy is all about helping people engage in meaningful activities—whether that’s working, learning, playing, socializing, or simply taking care of themselves. For someone dealing with mental health challenges or recovering from substance use, these everyday activities can feel overwhelming or even impossible. That’s where OT comes in.

Occupational therapists (OTs) are trained to understand the physical, emotional, and environmental factors that affect a person’s ability to function in daily life. They work with individuals to build the skills, routines, and confidence necessary to live life to the fullest, despite the challenges they may face.

What makes occupational therapy so effective in mental health and substance use recovery is its holistic approach. Rather than focusing solely on the symptoms of a condition, OTs look at the whole person—their environment, relationships, goals, and strengths. This comprehensive perspective allows for a more personalized and effective treatment plan.

OTs also work closely with other healthcare professionals, such as medical doctors, psychologists, therapists, and social workers, to ensure that each individual receives support from all angles. This collaborative approach is essential in addressing the complex and interconnected issues that often accompany mental health challenges and substance use.

“Whether it’s finding a new hobby, developing a routine, or learning how to manage triggers, OT provides the support and guidance needed to navigate the challenges of recovery and build a brighter future.”

OT and Substance Use Recovery

Substance use can take a toll on both the mind and body, making the journey to recovery challenging. Once an individual enters recovery, they may still struggle with routine tasks, cognition, social skills, or emotional regulation. Occupational therapists play a crucial role in this process by helping individuals rebuild their lives and find healthier ways to cope.

For individuals recovering from substance use disorders (SUD), OT focuses on improving executive functioning, sensory processing, and the formation of healthy habits and routines. Executive functioning deficits, such as poor planning and impulse control, are prevalent in individuals with SUD, affecting decision-making and daily life management (Goldstein & Volkow, 2011). Research shows that up to 80% of individuals with SUD also experience deficits in executive functioning, including impaired decision-making, planning, and impulse control. One of the first steps in OT for substance use recovery is to administer specific assessments that help both the individual and the OT understand which areas of functioning may need support.

Additionally, many individuals with SUD also experience co-occurring mental health disorders, which can exacerbate sensory processing issues (Le Berre, 2019). Nearly 50% of individuals with SUD have co-occurring mental health conditions that can heighten sensory processing challenges. These challenges often increase a person’s sensitivity to environmental stimuli, raising the risk of relapse and complicating recovery efforts.

OT can help by assessing sensory needs and offering individualized interventions to manage stressors, supporting recovery and relapse prevention. This distinction between OT and traditional therapy allows for a more comprehensive treatment plan that addresses the full spectrum of a person’s challenges, including sensory processing, which plays a significant role in both mental health and substance recovery (Koenen et al., 2017).

Substance use often fills a void, and part of recovery is finding new, fulfilling ways to occupy time and energy. This might involve exploring new hobbies, rekindling old interests, or finding new ways to connect with others. An OT will work to identify activities and routines that are most meaningful to the individual and build them into their new lives. An OT may also work with someone to develop strategies for avoiding or managing triggers when they arise. This could involve planning alternative activities, practicing mindfulness, or developing a strong support network.

OT and Mental Health

Mental health challenges can affect every aspect of a person’s life. Depression might make it difficult to get out of bed in the morning, while anxiety could turn a simple trip to the grocery store into an overwhelming experience. Many patients with mental health conditions need to be diligent with medication routines to maintain their well-being. But what happens if an individual has specific struggles related to memory or lacks the skills to maintain a daily schedule? Mental health providers see the powerful effects these differences can have on an individual’s long-term prognosis.

OTs work with individuals to identify the specific barriers that are preventing them from living the life they want. For example, if someone is struggling with social anxiety, an OT might help them develop coping strategies to make social situations more manageable. This could involve practicing relaxation techniques, gradually increasing exposure to social settings, or even role-playing different scenarios.

Another key aspect of OT in mental health is helping individuals establish routines. Mental health issues often disrupt routines, leading to a loss of structure and a sense of purpose. An OT might work with someone to create a daily schedule that balances self-care, work, and leisure activities. Many people in recovery need to relearn how to take care of themselves and manage their time effectively—skills that are critical for staying on track. This not only helps bring back a sense of normalcy but also reinforces positive habits that support mental health.

OT differs from traditional therapy by addressing practical, daily activities and habits that promote meaningful participation in life. While traditional therapy may focus primarily on emotional and psychological symptoms, OT incorporates a holistic approach, considering how cognitive, sensory, and emotional regulation challenges impact one’s ability to function in daily life.

Key Takeaways

Occupational therapy is a powerful tool for anyone struggling with mental health issues or substance use. By focusing on meaningful activities, life skills, and holistic care, OT helps individuals reclaim their lives and move forward with confidence. Often, individuals are able to find self-compassion with the awareness of their differences, build up their skills, and achieve their recovery goals in traditional therapy, treatment programs, and community-based support groups. Whether it’s finding a new hobby, developing a routine, or learning how to manage triggers, OT provides the support and guidance needed to navigate the challenges of recovery and build a brighter future.

For more information, please visit http://www.scottsdaleprovidence.com or call (480) 210-1734.

About the Author

Dr. Sarah Anderson is a licensed and practicing occupational therapist with ten years of experience. She recently joined the team at Scottsdale Providence Recovery Center as well as operates her private practice, Elevated Wellbeing OT, in Scottsdale, Arizona, and teaches in the Occupational Therapy department at Midwestern University.