Benefits of Wilderness Activities in Addiction Treatment
Research shows that exposure to natural environments can improve attention, decrease stress, boost mood, and reduce the risk of psychiatric disorders. These positive effects are attributed to various factors, including the calming presence of green spaces and physical activity opportunities.1
This article will explore how outdoor activities in natural environments can help patients with addiction maintain their recovery.
Benefits of Outdoor Activities During Addiction Recovery
Nature-based or physical activities can offer numerous health benefits during addiction treatment and recovery. These activities may include walking or hiking, sports involvement, strength training, rock climbing, rafting, caving, and others.2
Engaging with nature can create new and sustainable routines that support long-term sobriety:2
- Exposure to nature and engaging in outdoor activities provide an opportunity to replace destructive behaviors with positive, healthy experiences. For example, hiking can help foster a sense of purpose and accomplishment.
- Outdoor-based activities also provide an opportunity to connect with other like-minded people, which is an important first step in strengthening a supportive recovery community.
- Exercise that incorporates coping strategies into a therapeutic framework can help patients effectively manage triggers and stressors.
Time spent in nature can have immediate calming effects as well. The research into the therapeutic value of natural environments indicates it is worth considering spending more time outside and dropping into one’s physical senses as a way of grounding oneself. Research on the Japanese term, Shinrin-yoku, often referred to as “forest bathing,” suggests that immersing oneself in nature can lower cortisol levels, reduce anxiety, and improve overall mood, benefits particularly valuable for people in recovery.3
While many people benefit from spending time in nature, it is not a requirement for healing. The most important aspect of recovery is developing healthy coping strategies tailored to each person. What works for one person may not be effective for another, but staying open to new experiences and discovering different ways to manage stress and navigate life can foster a sense of empowerment and confidence.3
Rehabs Near Me Offering Outdoor Activities
Many American Addiction Centers (AAC) facilities across the U.S. offer calming outdoor spaces designed to support recreational activities that enhance the recovery process.
Oxford Treatment Center in Mississippi directly integrates nature into its treatment approach. The center provides a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking trails, a disc golf course, a ropes course for team-building, and equine therapy, a form of treatment that involves interactions between people and horses to promote trust, emotional healing, and personal growth.4
These outdoor experiences encourage physical activity and help people in treatment and recovery develop new coping strategies, reduce stress, and gain self-confidence. Call to start the admissions process.
Why Choose AAC for Addiction Treatment?
American Addiction Centers (AAC) offers evidence-based treatment programs that are individualized to meet each person’s specific needs. They incorporate proven therapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), medication-assisted treatment (MAT), and a variety of holistic approaches to support long-term recovery. With multiple levels of care—including medical detox, residential treatment, partial hospitalization, and intensive outpatient programs—we offer comprehensive support at every stage of recovery.
Call today for confidential help and to speak with an admissions navigator.
Their compassionate admissions navigators can help answer any questions you may have and direct you in the right direction. They can also verify your insurance benefits so that you understand what is covered by your particular health insurance plan.
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