Best Rehabs in the Mountains in South Africa

Rehabs for mental health and substance use disorders in a mountainside setting can provide an opportunity to escape your daily life and the stressors that impact your functioning.  Being immersed in the natural beauty of the mountains can be calming and relaxing for your recovery. The calm, secluded atmosphere can allow you to turn inward without distraction and focus on your healing in a peaceful environment. Additionally, the mountains can provide the perfect environment for pushing yourself outside your comfort zone, building self-confidence and practicing self-care through a variety of physical activities such as hiking, skiing, snowshoeing and more.

Why Go To Rehab In The Mountains?

A mountainside setting can provide a sense of privacy and seclusion, helping you  escape the distractions and triggers of your daily life. Attending rehab in the mountains will likely involve a great deal of time outdoors. Common activities at a mountainside rehab include hiking, exploring scenic trails and adventure therapy. 
While most rehab centers will center their treatment around research-backed therapies to help you uncover the root of your concerns and manage your symptoms/cravings, they will likely also include holistic therapies in your treatment plan as well. The peaceful setting is conducive to using therapies that reinforce the mind/body connection, such as yoga, meditation, breathwork and mindfulness sessions. You may also have time set aside to fish, ski, go for a run or walk the trails. You will also likely attend individual and group therapy sessions to explore the root cause of your pain. As you engage in group therapy, outdoor activities and physical movement, you will foster connections with other individuals on their recovery journey. 

Amenities at a Mountainside Rehab

If you go to a treatment center in the mountains, the facility’s setting can provide the space to enhance your experience of recovery and self-reflection. Some mountain rehabs may have fitness facilities where you can engage in exercise and wellness programs. On-site chefs may provide nutritious and delicious meals as well. It’s important to remember that the availability of amenities is entirely dependent on the specific rehab center you choose. When considering your options, make sure you inquire about the amenities offered. 

Programs And Therapies Used in The Mountains

Rehabs in the mountains operate in a similar fashion to those that are not in the mountains. Both mental health and substance use treatment centers in the mountains will offer the same levels of care as other rehabs. The main difference is the therapeutic environment, which can make all the difference as you move through the various levels of care in your recovery. However, some rehabs may offer specialized programs or therapies that are specifically tailored to being in the mountains, such as:
 

• Adventure Therapy — Mountain settings provide the ideal backdrop for hiking, rock climbing, white water rafting or expeditions. These forms of adventure can assist your healing by building confidence, developing teamwork and using problem-solving skills.
• Wilderness Therapy — Wilderness programs usually combine outdoor activities or camping with therapy to help individuals develop and realize their coping skills, strength and resilience.
• Equine Therapy — Equine therapy uses interactions with horses to promote healing and can easily be used in a mountainous setting. 
• Wellness Programs — These programs often infuse a focus on healthy eating, exercise and overall wellness into the programming. 

The availability of these programs will certainly differ from one rehab to another, so it’s important to research the specific programs and offerings at the mountainside substance abuse rehab that you choose.