Adventure outings at rehab offer transformative potential to enhance your healing, growth and recovery while enjoying the beauty of nature. These purposeful excursions step outside the box of traditional talk therapy, immersing you in activities that help you develop self-trust, and healthy coping mechanisms. On top of those important skills, you learn to cooperate as a team and participate in activities outside of your comfort zone. With guidance from outdoor experts and therapists, you can enjoy hiking to camping, kayaking to ziplining.
Types of Adventure Outings
Most adventure outings are usually outdoors, although sometimes they may be indoors. While these adventure outings may seem fun and recreational, they are therapeutic. When participating in adventurous activities, you will be more relaxed and find it easier to open up and connect with others and your therapist. Some of the most common adventure outings at rehab include:
- Kayaking
- Surfing
- Hiking
- Rock Climbing
- Camping
- Zip-lining
- Nature Walks
- Snowboarding or Skiing
- Swimming
These are just a few of rehab centers’ most common adventure outings.
While participating in these adventure outings, there will be some perceived level of risk, which creates a level of vulnerability, yet also taps into your mental strength, making you feel capable and accomplished.
Safety Considerations for Adventure Outings
Safety is of the utmost importance when participating in adventure outings at rehab. Making sure that you can have a safe and enjoyable experience while benefiting from the impacts of adventure is important. Some safety considerations include:
- Qualified Staff - Ensure that the staff at your rehab center are qualified and experienced in leading adventure outings. They should likely be first aid certified and trained in responding to crisis situations.
- Thorough Participant Assessment - A good rehab center will assess each participant to ensure that their physical and mental health are stable enough to participate in adventure outings.
- Equipment Inspection - All equipment used during the outings should be regularly inspected and secured (e.g. ropes, harnesses, helmets, etc)
- Informed Consent - Before participating in activity, the staff should gain informed consent from you and/or a guardian and explain the risks.
Cost of Adventure Outings
The cost of adventure outings can vary depending on several factors. Overall, rehab programs will vary depending on the activities offered, the rehab's location, the outing duration, and the staff's expertise level.Other things to consider that may impact the cost include:
- Accommodations - If the outing involves an overnight stay, the cost will be impacted by these expenses.
- Customization - Certain rehabs customize adventure outings for their clients or provide one-on-one activities, which leads to higher costs due to planning and personalization.
Best Places to Experience Adventure Outings
The best places for adventure outings at rehab will entirely depend on your preferences and what you like to do. Some of the most popular destinations that offer plenty of outdoor adventure that could complement a rehab program include:
- Colorado, USA - Colorado is known for the stunning Rocky Mountains which allow for hiking, rock climbing, white water rafting, skiing and more. Check out these rehab centers in Colorado that offer adventure outings.
- Utah, USA - Utah is known for its national parks like Zion, Arches and Bryce Canyon. These settings provide opportunities for hiking and rock climbing. Check out these rehab centers in Utah.
- California, USA - California has varied landscapes including deserts, mountains and coastlines. These unique settings provide opportunities for a range of activities including exploring waterfalls, stargazing, desert hiking, mountain biking and more. Check out these rehab centers in California.
Many other rehab centers in other destinations offer adventure outings as well. When choosing a rehab center with adventure outings, it is important to consider the activities that resonate with your interests and goals.
Adventure Outings for Mental Health and Addiction Recovery
Adventure therapy has proven to be an effective form of treating a variety of people with both mental health conditions and addiction. Some of the ways that adventure outings can be therapeutic for individuals with mental health disorders or substance use disorders include:
- Personal Growth and Confidence - You can boost your self-esteem by engaging in challenging activities and prove to yourself that you are capable of handling difficult situations.
- Emotional Regulation - Engaging in adventure outings requires mindfulness and presence in the moment. By slowing down to enjoy the beauty around you, you can better manage stress and reduce your anxiety.
- Coping Skills - Overcoming obstacles in the great outdoors provides experience with problem-solving and coping.
- Distraction From Cravings - Outdoor activities can shift your focus away from addictive behaviors and provide a healthy outlet for stress and tension.
- Rewire Your Brain’s Reward System - Successfully completing difficult challenges brings a sense of reward and accomplishment.
It’s important to remember that while adventure outings are beneficial and enjoyable, they should be integrated into a treatment plan that includes other evidence-based therapies as well. Finding a rehab that thoroughly assesses your physical and mental abilities before participating in adventure outings is also important.