No two recovery journeys are ever the same. Some clients in recovery may benefit from evidence-based treatment, while other clients may benefit from a mix of holistic and evidence-based treatment methods. Adventure therapy uses a combination of evidence-based and holistic therapies to help people in recovery progress on their recovery journeys. In this article, you’ll learn more about adventure therapy and building adventure therapy for the treatment of substance use disorder.
At East Coast Recovery, we are a top-rated drug rehab in Massachusetts that offers a wide range of both holistic and evidence-based treatment options. We understand that no two recovery journeys are ever the same. That’s why we offer a wide variety of addiction treatment options so you can receive the unique care you need to break free of addiction once and for all. Ready to begin your road to recovery? Contact us today!
What is Adventure Therapy?
Before understanding how building adventure therapy for the treatment of substance abuse disorder works, it’s important to know what adventure therapy is. Adventure therapy combines evidence-based and holistic treatment to help clients heal their physical and mental health and well-being while focusing on the whole person. Rather than just focusing on one’s addiction, adventure therapy involves an activity like hiking which involves a challenging yet rewarding experience.
Adventure therapy also involves individuals interacting with other members of the group who share similar experiences and struggles with addiction, which can help members of the group feel less isolated and alone with their addiction.
5 Steps Toward Building Adventure Therapy for Treatment of Substance Use Disorder
Building adventure therapy for the treatment of substance use disorder involves various steps from creating a safe environment to establishing an outdoor activity, incorporating therapeutic techniques, and more.
Create a Safe Space
Because adventure therapy typically includes a physically demanding outdoor activity like hiking or kayaking, it’s important to prioritize the physical safety of individuals participating in the adventure therapy. It’s also important to establish a sense of trust and a safe space among members of the group to share openly and honestly about their struggles with addiction.
Pick Activities That Are Challenging Yet Rewarding
Selecting an outdoor activity that is challenging yet rewarding is another essential step. Common adventure therapy activity options typically include kayaking, hiking, or rock climbing; however, it’s important to select an activity that is not only an engaging activity but an activity that can foster a sense of teamwork.
Incorporate Other Treatment Techniques During the Activity
While the outdoor activity portion of the adventure therapy may seem like the main focus, it is just as important to incorporate other treatment techniques throughout the duration of the experience. For example, consider incorporating mindfulness-based practices like breathing exercises into the activity or journaling before, during, or after the activity.
Promote Open and Honest Communication to Share Experiences
Another major component of adventure therapy is teamwork and getting individuals to interact with one another and share openly about their addiction and/or mental health struggles. This allows members of the group to feel connected and less alone in their recovery journey.
Follow-Up with Clients & Review Program
It’s important to follow-up with clients and review the adventure therapy program upon completion. This way you can make updates or changes to the adventure therapy program based on the feedback you receive from clients who go through this specific treatment program. Therefore, other clients can benefit more and you can create a more impactful and safe experience for future clients who experience the adventure therapy treatment.
Help Is Available at East Coast Recovery
As you can see, building adventure therapy for treatment of substance use disorder blends challenging outdoor activities with evidence-based therapies so clients can effectively progress along their recovery journey. From connecting with other individuals in the group to overcoming and incorporating treatment techniques like journaling into the activity, adventure therapy offers individuals in recovery an effective way to heal and make progress on their road to recovery.
If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, it’s critical you seek professional help to safely overcome addiction and achieve long-lasting sobriety. At East Coast Recovery, we offer a wide variety of addiction treatment options so you can receive the unique care you need to best support your road to recovery. You should never suffer in silence with your addiction. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help support your recovery journey.
