In general, one of the greatest benefits of the outdoors in Addiction Treatment is that the environment is generally much smaller than a rehab inpatient setting. This means that the addict has space to think and reflect on his or her behavior and the underlying causes for their particular addictions. There are usually fewer people around to judge the addict, which is an important part of recovery from any addiction. Sometimes, this is the only reason why the person decides to get clean.
Outdoor trips are often much more therapeutic than trips to a therapist’s office. Therapists want their patients to focus on solving their own problems. This can be very difficult to accomplish when the patient is holding back information and the therapist cannot fully understand what is going on in the person’s psyche. With outdoor trips, the addict can go alone and be comforted by the beauty of nature, without the distraction of a therapist. The patient is also able to see nature without the help of a professional, allowing them to see things for themselves that the therapist may not be able to do. These trips have proven to be very successful for many addiction treatments.
Another benefit of the outdoors in addiction treatment is that it can help a person feel more empowered. This is done through the increased sense of self-worth that a person will experience after treatment. They can have a purpose and they will feel empowered because of it. The person will be proud to step into the world again, with a new determination to be an addict-free person.
A third benefit of being outside in nature is that it helps addicts connect with the rest of the world. When an addict goes to therapy, they often isolate themselves from friends and family. However, when they are out in the woods or on a camping trip, they can feel connected to everyone else and this gives them a much better chance at beating their addiction. They will be able to interact with people who are going through the same recovery process as they are.
An added benefit of treatment that is done in the outdoors is that the environment does not change during treatment. Some addicts move indoors during the treatment and others even go so far as to move into an RV or trailer to accommodate their treatment. However, an outdoor setting will not change the environment that the addict lives in. This means that they are still faced with the same temptations and stresses that they would face in their everyday lives outside of treatment. A therapist may have prescribed some new behaviors for the person to try and combat their addiction. However, the environment will still be the same.
One of the biggest benefits of the outdoors in addiction treatment is that it allows a person to feel closer to nature. The surroundings will still be the same, but the drug-free setting gives the individual a chance to connect with the natural world and to experience the feelings of wilderness that they might have been missing out on due to their addiction. For a long period of time, the individual is literally living in the wild. If the treatment program involves an outdoor setting, the individual will be able to see their recovery as something that is far from over and will be able to appreciate the good parts of their life and the many ways that they are healing.
Another one of the benefits of the outdoors in addiction recovery is that it gives people a chance to get away from the distractions and stressors that they come home to. Many people become consumed with their own problems and while there are many distractions that many addicts can take from home, it is important to find a way to unwind for a little bit. There are many activities that are offered outside of the house that will help people break down their mental walls and allow them to feel better about their situation. Inpatient rehab services often require a person to do a lot of mental work and focus outside of their rehab facility. Taking a walk or taking a hike through the woods is a perfect example of how getting out of the house and experiencing the fresh air and scenery can help someone overcome their cravings.
The last of the many benefits of the outdoors in addiction treatment is that people are more likely to make positive lifestyle changes when they are given an opportunity to do so. It is important for treatment programs to give addicts a chance to take responsibility for their lives and realize that they do have the power to make positive changes. For some, this can be difficult because they feel that they need to do things on their own to make changes in their lives. However, if someone has a chance to change their life by going into nature, they are more likely to make lifestyle changes that will benefit them in the long run. Whether it is spending time outdoors in a beautiful setting or simply getting out of the house and doing some exercise, the outdoor elements can help addicts recover from addiction and live a healthier lifestyle.