Adventure therapy is a proven form of psychotherapy that was originated in the 1960s and adopted by only a few facilities in the years ahead. It combines exploring, exercising and outdoor recreational activities with building new skills in both individual and community settings. Rooted in evidence-based science, adventure therapy for addiction treatment can be effective in developing an individuals physical, spiritual, social and psychological wellbeing, oftentimes stimulating a sense of newfound wonder and excitement for life outside of addiction.
Benefits of Adventure Therapy
Adventure therapy has many benefits for aiding in addiction recovery. When combined with an effective outpatient program, its benefits can include:
- Reducing anxiety, stress, depression, PTSD, substance use disorders, grief, trauma, and many mental health challenges
- Development of new skills that are useful both as an individual, as well as for community (such as a family, circle of friends, in a relationship, or in a work environment)
- Building positive relationships with others
- Increasing resiliency and fulfillment
- Promoting meaningful engagement with a therapist
- Improving self-awareness, openness, and emotional evolution
- Improving physical fitness and health
- Experiencing a general sense of fun and excitement during addiction recovery
How Does Adventure Therapy Help?
Adventure therapy is rooted in learning new things, playing and having fun. The direct experience of structured adventure-driven outings has a notable and meaningful impact on helping replace triggers of addiction with new, learned skills as well as producing a “natural high” that accompanies accomplishment and fun.
Adventure therapy also aids in overcoming self-defeating patterns and replaces them with feelings of gratitude, self-esteem, and self-efficacy. It is considered an effective modality when combined with substance abuse treatment and mental health therapy programs.
Examples of Adventure Therapy
Examples of adventure therapy can include almost any activity that empowers an individual through personal growth, development, rehabilitation, strengthening of ones physical, social and psychological health and wellbeing, as well as cooperative and team building games, outdoor adventures, exploration, wilderness expeditions, and more.
These activities can include, but are not limited to:
- Kayaking
- Jetsking
- Rock climbing
- Paddle boarding
- Swimming
- Hiking
- Canoeing
- Camping
- Specialized gym sessions
- And more…
Adventure Therapy and Recovering from Trauma
Because of its hands-on nature, adventure therapy is often times an effective way to help treat trauma, anxiety and depression. It has been shown to be effective across the board, for all genders and age groups, especially when combined with a renowned addiction treatment program and all of its other aspects.
It’s an opportunity for individuals to create friendships and bonds with others, including with the therapists they’re working with, which establishes trust and a more laid back, comfortable experience. All of these aspects work together to help heal and rewire the memories created from trauma.
In addition to being an effective way to help open and receive the healing and therapy needed, experiencing adventure while in recovery is also a great way to decompress and feel energized and refreshed, an often welcomed accompaniment to more conventional addiction treatment methods.
How to Find the Best Treatment Available For You (or Your Loved One)
There is no denying that if rehab and recovery is boring, it is much less effective at creating lasting sobriety. On the flip side, if one is able to enjoy the process, create wonderful lifelong memories, build new meaningful and healthy relationships, the chances for a successful recovery and a joyful life is obviously greater.
At Beyond Recovery Treatment Center, we incorporate adventure therapy as part of our overall addiction treatment program. No one week is ever the same as the previous one, we like to mix up the experiences and activities so that our clients can enjoy their time in recovery as much as possible, while going through one of the most effective recovery programs in the country.
If you’re interested in our recovery programs, please contact us today to see if we have room. The sooner, the better – it starts with the decision to simply reach out. Contact us now for a pressure-free conversation.
