Adventure Recovery Programs can be the next step in addiction recovery for those who have completed traditional therapy. One must be stabilized and clear from substances for at least 30 days before enrolling.
Define Adventure Recovery Programs
Adventure Recovery Programs are learning based psychotherapy that use risk and outdoor activities to teach new life skills. By focusing on risk, or perceived risk, and possible solutions, recovering addicts learn how to participate and communicate needs without relying on substances to feel good about themselves.
These programs encourage relationships focused on community, growth, and change. Counselors help each person complete the program, make sure the safety of all members, and inspire conversation on thoughts and emotions during the journey.
Activities Offered in Adventure Recovery Programs
Each program offers diverse activities. Many wilderness adventure programs are possible ranging from extreme to light adventures.
- Canoeing
- Fishing
- Hikes/Walks
- High and Low Ropes
- Horseback Riding
- Rock Walls
- Wilderness
- Zip Lines
- and MUCH more
Not everyone recovering from substance abuse will want to remain deep in the wilderness, away from cell phones and computers for 45 days or more. There are other programs that offer weekend or day adventure trips. The recovering addict will live in the residential treatment center and attend meetings and therapy during the week. Then the group will go on the weekend trip.
Benefits of Adventure Recovery Programs
Adventure Recovery Programs give the recovering addict time to consider past behaviors and circumstance surrounding substance abuse. The challenge of physical exercise and teamwork helps show doubts and fears that may have led to abusing substances. These programs are used to help treat underlying roots of addiction by giving healthy options to substance abuse. This is called behavioral diversion.
Other benefits include:
- Build self-confidence
- Encourages growth and change
- Improves communication skills
- Builds trust and support systems
- Learn to overcome challenges
- Enjoy life without substance abuse
- Learn to appreciate nature
What to Look for in Adventure Recovery Programs?
Adventure Recovery Programs are complementary to traditional therapies. When deciding to further treatment, choose a program that offers the activities you want to try. Activities that will challenge you while building your self-esteem. Choose activities that support who you are, not ones that will cause more trauma. Work up to harder activities.
It is important staff are certified to handle any situation. Chose a wilderness program with a Wilderness First Responder (WFR), someone trained in medical treatment for outdoor activities. Likewise, staff should include a Clinical First Responder (CFR) certified counselor. This CFR counselor can manage any emotional and psychological problems during treatment.
Northlake Recovery and Adventure Recovery Programs
Adventure Recovery Programs further recovery treatment for those who have completed detox and at least 30 days of traditional treatment. If you are interested in an Adventure Recovery Program but need treatment to qualify, contact Northlake Recovery in Southern Florida. We can help you prepare for your Adventure Recovery Program with therapy, nutritional therapy, group programs, and physical activities. Call Northlake Recovery at (561)-770-6616.
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