When clients enter an addiction treatment program, they attend because they want to overcome their substance abuse problems. However, many don’t realize that treating substance abuse isn’t the only part of rehab. Finding long-term hobbies and developing coping mechanisms is necessary for recovery, and many people find those skills in wilderness therapy programs at wilderness rehab centers.
What Is Wilderness Therapy?
Wilderness therapy is a program that encourages clients to get outside and explore nature. This therapy is most common in wilderness rehab centers due to their rural locations and proximity to many natural parks and landmarks.
The types of activities available in the best wilderness therapy programs depend on the location. A center close to the mountains may have many hiking options, while a facility close to lakes and rivers may offer kayaking and swimming. Regardless, these activities help clients develop healthy minds and bodies.
Some of the most common activities in a wilderness therapy program include:
- Hiking
- Biking
- Kayaking
- Rock climbing
Lifelong Coping Skills
An essential part of therapy is the development of coping skills. Individuals who struggle with addiction often don’t have healthy outlets for stress. They might also struggle to ignore cravings during recovery. Wilderness therapy gives clients a chance to test out their responses to stress in a safe and supportive environment.
Building Social Skills
The best wilderness therapy for rehab also gives clients the chance to interact with others in recovery and build connections. These connections teach them how to trust, collaborate, and empathize with others. After treatment is over, these connections may also withstand and become a person’s support system in their everyday life.
These wilderness rehab center programs also encourage clients to develop better self-esteem. The wilderness is unpredictable, so individuals often have to make big decisions and trust themselves while traversing through the environment. As clients become more comfortable in wilderness therapy, they also begin to trust themselves. This allows them to develop a self-confidence they lost during drug addiction.
What Happens After Therapy?
Once a client undergoes wilderness therapy along with other comprehensive addiction treatment programs, they can take the skills they learned into the real world to help them prevent relapse.
In this therapy, clients may find they enjoy cooking, hiking, or swimming to relieve stress. These are all activities clients can do at home when they feel at-risk for relapsing. These skills also promote a healthy lifestyle, which can prevent relapse and repair damage that substance abuse caused to the body and mind.
Finding the Best Wilderness Therapy Programs
If you’re someone who enjoys the serene environment of wilderness rehab centers and you want a chance to enjoy the outdoors, then consider enrolling in a wilderness therapy program. This type of recreational therapy for rehab helps clients develop coping skills and determine which type of recreational activities they enjoy the most. If you’re ready to overcome your addiction with the best wilderness therapy programs, then reach out and find a facility near you today.
