In the same way that mothers care for their loved ones is the same way that nature can provide relief to you.
Rehabilitative centers for addiction utilize outdoor settings as one way of helping their patients or as part of a broader treatment plan. It may be as simple as walking in the woods or meditating in a serene garden. Sometimes it’s more demanding, like doing a challenging hike.
Nature-based therapy, also called ecotherapy, provides addicts with a natural, low-pressure avenue to manage their addictions. It’s also beneficial in preventing relapse, as you can continue with therapy after getting released from rehab.
Here are other ways that nature therapy is beneficial in a rehab.
Improves Interpersonal Skills of Addicts
With increasing technological advancements, everyone is glued to a screen. The negative effect is reduced human-to-human interaction. When rehabs incorporate nature therapy, they’re able to improve interpersonal interactions.
It can be beneficial in group therapy, whereby addicts who share a common goal interact with each other.
Helps in Taking a Break From Other Forms of Therapy
Most rehabilitative programs are usually indoor-based. A psychologist or psychiatrist often requires one-on-one sessions to offer a more individualized treatment for a patient. Sometimes the indoor space may be exhausting.
Shifting the session from inside to outside can help the patient to have another angle or perspective, thereby improving the treatment they’re receiving.
Helps in Boosting Self Esteem
Most addicts suffer from negative feelings towards themselves, especially when they struggle with treating their addictions. It can lead to self-hate and self-esteem issues that further complicate the addiction.
The benefit of ecotherapy is that it can induce strong feelings of achievement. For example, planting something and watching it grow or caring for a wounded animal can give an addict a sense of accomplishment.
It significantly boosts their confidence and self-esteem, making it easier for the addict to recover.
Fosters the Feeling of Connection to the Universe
One common symptom of addiction is its effect on one’s social life. There’s a tendency to dissociate especially when the addiction affects those around you. Nature therapy can help you see the bigger picture and see yourself as part of something greater than yourself.
Feeling connected to nature can help addicts realise the effects of their behavior to close family members and friends.
Draws Your Attention Away From Triggers to Your Addiction
Being in the same confined space as your addiction triggers can do more harm than good. The Rehab in Tucson know this, and that’s why they provide nature therapy to get you far from your triggers.
It’s a strategic and systematic way mental health professionals use in their treatment plans for addicts.
Reduces Stress
Engaging in physical activities like jogging, walking, or fishing in nature stimulates your body to release endorphins, which are feel-good hormones. It has the effect of reducing cortisol—the stress hormone.
Ecotherapy improves your mood more naturally, making it easier to treat other prevailing addiction symptoms.
Does Nature Therapy Work, and Who Can Do It?
Nature therapy has one of the highest success rates among other forms of therapy. It’s particularly beneficial when used together with other treatments. It provides a holistic approach to the treatment of mental health issues.
The beauty about it is that it’s an effective strategy for all types of addictions, whether it’s alcohol, sex, gaming, gambling, opioid, and prescription drugs addiction.
