Ecotherapy: Using Nature’s Power to Heal

How Nature Immersion Helps Recovery

Spending time in nature can improve a wide variety of issues, from chronic pain to anxiety. And studies show that it’s especially helpful for people with certain conditions.

Anxiety and Stress

If you experience severe stress or anxiety, you might be surprised how much relief a little time in nature can provide. According to experts, “the higher the stress level, the greater the effect” forest bathing has⁹ on these issues. It can even alleviate physical symptoms. In one study, just watching a nature video lowered viewers’ heart rates.¹⁰ If your body is still healing from the effects of addiction, this could be an important part of your process.

Chronic Pain

If you have chronic pain, nature immersion can help with both its physical and mental effects. One study found that nature immersion not only relieved pain;¹¹ it also boosted patients’ immune responses. They also reported decreased symptoms of depression.

Depression

Further research supports nature immersion as a treatment for depression.¹² Most people report reduced depressive symptoms after spending time outside. This may be helpful for people with co-occurring disorders, like depression and addiction.

The Power of Nature to Treat Addiction

Nature therapy is a tried-and-true treatment for mental health. A growing body of research supports its use in rehab. And, it specifically benefits people in addiction recovery in several ways:

Reduce Cravings

Cravings put you at risk for relapse.¹³ And they can occur at any stage of the recovery process. Multiple studies show that after spending time in nature, people have less intense and fewer cravings.¹⁴ If this coping strategy works for you, you can use it before, during, and after residential treatment. Nature’s soothing effect is there any time you need it.

Improve Impulse Control

Addiction can damage your attention span¹⁵ and interfere with impulse control. This often makes it hard to commit to recovery.

Data shows that engaging with nature reduces impulsivity.¹⁵ As a result, ecotherapy might help you stay the course during treatment.

In one study, nature therapy was especially helpful for people recovering from opioid addiction.¹⁶

Connect With Yourself and Others

Unhealthy as it is, addiction is a coping mechanism. And when you enter recovery, you’ll need to develop new, healthier strategies. Spending time in nature can be an exciting way to connect with people, without using drugs.

This is also why nature can play an important role in aftercare. Returning to social circles associated with your addiction can increase your risk of relapse.¹⁷ By taking up new hobbies—like hiking or biking—you might just build a new, sober community.

Clinical Director Brenna Gonzales explains why The Hope House Scottsdale places so much emphasis on getting outside:

“Most people living with addiction are stuck in their houses and are alone. To be outdoors, to reconnect with nature and themselves, gives people the opportunity to experience life again. There are mountains all around The Hope House. Some of the best hikes in Phoenix city are within five minutes of us. We also have a pool that clients can use daily. We take any opportunity we can to get people outside.”

“Nature Is the Biggest Distraction We Like to Have”

Dr. Thomas Gazda, Medical Director at Soberman’s Estate, talks about how important it is for patients to unplug from distractions and focus on one another:

“Residential rehab takes a person out of their normal environment. These days we have so many distractions at our fingertips: our cell phones, laptop, computers, television. There’s just so many distractions out there and we want to try and get away from that here. Nature is the biggest distraction we like to have out here. It’s a peaceful, quiet distraction. Something that can actually get you more in touch with yourself. It also allows for a certain kind of comradery amongst the patients here because they’re living with each other. They get to know each other, there’s a bond that forms.”

If you prefer solo adventures, you can still relax in nature alone. Swimming in a body of water, hiking to a viewpoint, or even walking in the park can go a long way toward clearing your mind and bringing you back in sync with life. This valuable you-time creates space for your feelings, even when recovery is challenging.

Relaxing and Reflecting on Your Recovery Journey

The natural world holds many lessons. Simply observing it can help you connect with something greater than yourself. And nature-based therapies take that a step further, teaching you how to accept the present moment. In turn you can learn to accept yourself, just as you are, at every point on your healing journey.

To reconnect with nature during recovery, explore a list of rehabs offering experiential treatment and learn about their locations, housing options, complementary therapies, and more.

Reviewed by Rajnandini Rathod

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