Outdoor Therapy: How Sedona, Arizona Can Help in Recovery

07/07/20: Addiction Recovery

A health condition that causes nearly 3.3 million deaths annually is often neglected worldwide. Except for a few countries which are actively doing something to prevent it, there aren't many efforts by the others. What it is that we are talking about? Addiction disorder. It is a disease where an individual can become addicted to drugs, alcohol, or any other harmful substance. The disorder can slowly consume an individual to a point where they no longer have control of their minds.  This is true around the world, and also right in Sedona, Arizona. What's even more troubling is the fact that once these addictive traits enter our brain, it is difficult to get rid of them. For some people, relapses are common even after achieving years of sobriety. However, that doesn't mean there is no cure for this health condition. There are various medicinal and therapy-based treatment programs dedicated to helping people suffering from addiction. But the ball eventually lands in the patient's court. The treatment program can teach them to live without drugs or alcohol, and how to live a healthy life. The therapeutic sessions can further help ease the stress on their minds so that they become calm and contained. However, after the program completes, even the minutest irresponsibility can put them at a high risk of relapsing. So what to do? How can the patients in recovery in Sedona make sure they don't give up midway and start consuming drugs and alcohol again? Various methods can be used to deviate from the path that leads to relapse, however, the best one is outdoor therapy, and where better to do that, than in Sedona?

What is Outdoor Therapy?

It is a type of psychological therapy that leverages nature, community, and risk-induced activities for the treatment. The primary focus of this therapy remains improving an individual's physical, emotional, social, and psychological health with different outdoor activities as planned by the therapist. This approach is found to be effective in addiction treatment. But how? Nature has the power to provide a sense of satisfaction and relief. It is also a great way to escape from the busyness of our lives and let our minds relax even if it is just for a short period. The reason why when we go to someplace with a scenic view, we always want to stay there for a little longer. Outdoor therapy programs follow the same concept and take it a step further. They teach the patients nature-based survival skills and how to regulate emotions. Different activities have a unique learning motive that develops qualities within the patients as they perform the activity. However, despite numerous psychological benefits of outdoor activities, these alone should never be considered enough for addiction treatment. These are often combined with traditional treatment therapies to obtain better results.

What are the different types of outdoor activities?

Outdoor therapy is a subset of a much larger spectrum of services known as adventure therapy. However, there isn't much difference between the two except the intensity and the number of activities performed. In outdoor activities, the participants are usually taken to moderately tough activities such as climbing, hiking, and boating. Although various other outdoor activities can be used as a therapy, these are the most common ones. If you live in Sedona, Arizona, then here are some cool places that you will love to go on your outdoor venture. Doesn't matter if you or anyone you love is in recovery, these places are best to have a fun-filled day.

• Colorado River Rafting

Love rafting with your friends or family? Then this place is a must-go for you. If you plan wisely, then this can be a full day fun-filled trip where you will be driving through the Sonoran Desert, Painted Desert, San Francisco Volcanic Field, and the historic Cameron Navajo Trading Post. As you float down the Glen Canyon of the Colorado River, you are assured to be amazed by the stunning view. The trip starts at Glen Canyon Dam where the waters are calm making it suitable for a perfect family outing.

• Cathedral Rock Trail

How can we talk about trails and forget the most beautiful one in Sedona? The Cathedral Rock Trail is moderately difficult making it perfectly suitable for young people. If you are looking to have a distraction from all the noises in your life, then this place will give you the serenity that is long due. The trail is extremely famous for the scenic views from the top which includes one of the most beautiful sunset views.

• Cave Springs Campground

Fed up by the car horns and traffic noise? Try camping. Not only is it one activity that you can do along with your family, but it will also help people in recovery to experience serenity and peace. This campground is a densely forested area and is located well off the road meaning, no more highway noise. Trees offer dense shade during summers and scattered light during spring which accounts for the perfect camping conditions.

• Fishing at Oak Creek Canyon

Nothing matches the excitement of catching a big fish after hours of wait. Though this outdoor activity can be boring for many people, those who enjoy it know how good it can be. So if you are one among those, make sure to check this place which is stocked with Rock Bass, Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, Largemouth Bass, and many others. One list is never enough for all the outdoor activities you can do in Sedona. It is a beautiful place with so much more to explore. Whether it is the Verde Canyon Railroad ride, the amazing experience at Slide Rock State Park, thrilling kayaking at the Verde River, joyful time at the Out of Africa Wildlife Park, or the ATV adventures in the canyons of Sedona, the number of outdoor adventures is enormous. Not only will these activities help ease the mood, but they can also be beneficial for people in recovery.

Conclusion

Addiction treatment is most likely to bring intense feelings that can last a long time. Even after the treatment is over, withdrawal symptoms and other behavioral changes can make a person anxious, angry, and stressed about their current situation. Outdoor therapies can come in handy during these times when the person is desperately looking for a change. Observing nature up close is a bliss that evokes feelings that can be deeply healing for humans, spiritually. *Sedona Monthly is the best resource for news and activities in Sedona and they assisted in this article!

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If you or someone you know needs help with addiction, contact 602-737-1619 or email [email protected] to get the help you need. Our acclaimed recovery environment merges upscale, luxury accommodations with affordability, clinical expertise and an unwavering commitment to patient care and aftercare.

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