There’s something special about the great outdoors, isn’t there? Getting out in the open can be truly transformative.
However, while nature may be one of the great wonders of the world, addiction is one of the worst things a person can go through. It can destroy lives and leave people not only disconnected from themselves, but the environment around them.
For anyone struggling, getting help is a must, with alcohol rehabilitation centres offering detoxification and recovery programmes that will help you rebuild connections, find healthy coping mechanisms and give you the tools to get your life back on track.
Nature can play a big part in this, too, and thousands of people have seen their recovery benefit from it. The environment can play a role in many ways in your recovery, so if you’re on that pathway, here’s how it can work as a “natural healer”…
Reconnecting with the Natural World
Our day-to-day lives do tend to keep us indoors, often stuck to screens. But that disconnection among those battling addiction can be even more profound. Nature can help us reconnect, giving us that grounding presence.
Whether that be walking in the park, sitting by the sea or a lake, or getting out for a long hike, being in nature reawakens the senses and puts you in the present moment. The sights, sounds, and smells can really soothe the body and quieten the mind, which can be so beneficial to those in recovery, especially during the more challenging moments.
Nature and Mental Health
Science has shown that there are direct connections between improving our mental health and spending time in the great outdoors. Exposure to nature lowers stress, anxiety and depression, all of which can be direct fuellers of addiction, while being out in nature promotes the release of endorphins – the body’s mood booster.
It’s a fantastic coping mechanism and much healthier than turning to the bottle to manage distress, giving us the focus and clarity to tackle our problems head-on.
Physical Benefits of Outdoor Activity
Of course, being out in the open will involve exercise, something that’s highly promoted as part of addiction treatment and recovery. Substance abuse, whether it be drugs or alcohol, takes a heavy toll on the body, weakening our immune system and reducing energy levels.
By engaging with nature, whether that be walking, cycling, gardening or even taking up wild swimming, you’re taking on physical exercise which is strengthening muscles, the cardiovascular system and restoring stamina. This can be really rewarding and promotes healthy habits in the long term.
A Sense of Belonging and Perspective
Addiction can narrow a person’s focus until their world is consumed by cravings and consequences. Time in nature expands perspective. Standing at the edge of a mountain, gazing at a wide horizon, or watching a sunset can evoke a sense of awe. This shift encourages reflection, humility, and gratitude, feelings that are closely linked with lasting recovery.
Group activities such as conservation work, outdoor therapy sessions, or community gardening can also foster social bonds. These shared experiences help to combat loneliness, a powerful trigger for relapse.
Structured Nature-Based Therapies
Today, you’ll even find nature-based therapies as part of treatment programmes. Ecotherapy is one example of this and includes a lot of guided activities in outdoor environments, designed to enhance wellbeing.
These types of therapy programmes in the wilderness combine adventure, survival skills and group counselling, building confidence and resilience. The likes of horticultural therapy can also be great for this and a brilliant way to use the natural world as part of your recovery.
Spiritual and Holistic Dimensions
Finally, for many, recovery is not only about abstaining from substances but also about rediscovering a sense of purpose and meaning.
If there’s one thing nature can do, it’s that. Nature often evokes spiritual feelings, whether through its beauty, power, or simplicity. Time outdoors can encourage mindfulness practices such as meditation, deep breathing, or yoga, fostering a holistic sense of healing that addresses mind, body, and spirit. All of which can be incredibly beneficial to getting your life back on track and tackling the cruel beast that is addiction.
