How Natural Rehabilitation Centers Can Help You Heal

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Natural Alternatives to Help You Heal

There have been many scientific studies and experiments that show how spending time outdoors lowers stress, increases energy levels, and gives people better overall health, mentally and physically. More and more, people with addictions who are seeking help turn to nature-based rehabilitation as an alternative to traditional rehabilitation centers, which focus on treating addiction purely with counseling and medication. Nature-based rehabilitation is seen as a form of therapy that allows the patient to reflect and heal from within, naturally.

What Is Nature-Based Rehabilitation?

Nature-based rehabilitation is a type of rehabilitation program that uses an organic and holistic approach, focusing on nature and treating the individual as a whole, and not just the symptoms of the addiction. Nature-based rehabilitation not only treats addiction to substances, but also behavioral issues, such as eating disorders. Like traditional rehabilitation, nature-based rehabilitation still includes counseling and some group therapy, but it also promotes being present and focusing on inner feelings and healing naturally, rather than with medications.

How Does It Work?

Nature-based rehabilitation places individuals with addictions in a serene environment that promotes peace and tranquility. Some may even describe it like spending time at a spa. A lot of the patient’s time is spent outdoors, which decreases stress levels and improves moods.

Some examples of forms of therapy offered in nature-based rehabilitation programs include journaling, acupuncture, aromatherapy, horseback riding, relaxing walks and wilderness therapy, swimming, yoga, herbal remedies, and stress-management classes. Many holistic drug recovery program doctors use natural healing techniques to remove drug and alcohol toxins from the addict’s body without the use of medicine.

Acupuncture, for example, is used to reduce anxiety and agitation by balancing restorative functions of the body. According to this Huffington Post article by Dr. Michael O. Smith, associate professor of psychiatry, Cornell Medical School, “More than 2,000 drug and alcohol treatment programs in the U.S. and 40 other countries have added ear acupuncture to their protocol.”

Another example is journaling, which is a great way for patients to self-reflect and cope while making connections between their thoughts and feelings, as well as their actions. It can also be used to remind addicts just how far they’ve come along in their treatment and encourages clear thinking, while also encouraging accountability.

Horseback riding, or “equine therapy,” is a hands-on approach for addicts to look at themselves and the world in a different way. Patients identify and cope with their feelings, improve their communication skills, learn how to set boundaries, and overcome fears and learn to trust.

The International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Healthrecently published an article, “The Journey of Recovery and Empowerment Embraced by Nature — Clients’ Perspectives on Nature-Based Rehabilitation in Relation to the Role of the Natural Environment,” in which the individuals in a study used a specially-designed garden that was used to “increase the in-depth understanding of supportive outdoor environments, especially the role of nature in the rehabilitation process and the essential qualities by which nature can affect health outcomes.”

According to the article, the participants found that the entrance to the garden “marked the border between their hazardous everyday life and a place of seclusion and security.” They also felt a “re-attachment to nature, [describing] an underlying need for nature,” which allowed them to reflect on their inner feelings.

Who Can It Help?

Nature-based rehabilitation centers can help those with addictions to drugs, including alcohol, cocaine, crystal meth, heroin, prescription drugs, and inhalants, as well as any other sort of addiction—whether a behavioral addiction or to a substance. People with anxiety disorders or other mood disorders would also benefit from the serene and calming environment that nature-based rehabilitation centers provide.

Why It Can Be Successful

Many people who suffer from anxiety and stress tend to struggle with addictions, such as alcohol and drug abuse. The substances make them feel like they can loosen up and feel relaxed. This is a slippery slope because it is an easy way to cope for the moment, but it tends to worsen anxiety in the long run.

Because nature-based rehabilitation places individuals with addictions in serene environments, their anxiety levels lessen, negating the need to use an outside substance to help them feel calm. The self-reflection aspect helps patients redefine their rhythm and change their typical life routines. Nature-rehabilitation helps addicts with figuring out their triggers and learning more about themselves as individuals. They’ll begin their treatment by healing their minds, and ultimately, their bodies will follow.

 

About the Author

Roxanna Jaiden has had a passion for helping people since she was a young girl. After obtaining a degree in social work, Jaiden worked with at risk youth helping to better their lives. Her main interests are counseling people with addiction and body image issues. Jaiden’s passion for human betterment spans across her industry. Currently she is a technical writer for several different businesses, including Casa Palmera.

Roxanna Jaiden
Roxanna Jaiden has had a passion for helping people since she was a young girl. After obtaining a degree in social work, Jaiden worked with at risk youth helping to better their lives. Her main interests are counseling people with addiction and body image issues. Jaiden’s passion for human betterment spans across her industry. Currently she is a technical writer for several different businesses, including Casa Palmera.