Adventure Treatment For Substance Use
Individuals struggling with substance use disorders have often gotten to a low point in their expectations of themselves. Their addiction has affected their self-esteem and self-worth to the point that they no longer believe that they can accomplish anything. We know that your son can do great things, and that’s why we provide an uplifting, supportive environment where he can learn to overcome his challenges.
In the wilderness, a client’s perception of their abilities gets challenged. The wilderness, while a place of natural wonder, can also be a place of discomfort. When faced with these challenges, clients start to see themselves doing more than they ever thought they could. They start to believe that they are capable of more and raise their expectations of themselves.
Addiction distorts our perception of ourselves. By overcoming obstacles and getting past the perceived discomfort in the wilderness, clients learn to believe in themselves again. Clients learn that sobriety can be accomplished when they have the right tools and mindset to aid their recovery.
Experiencing Growth in the Wilderness
We incorporate the 12 traditions of 12 step programming into our outdoor activities. Some of these traditions include:
- Selflessness & Compassion: Putting the group ahead of our own needs
- Recognize Our Purpose: Understanding that we can provide something good to others
- Be of Service: Practicing altruism to help our peers
Connecting with nature helps us uncover what is unique to us. When we understand our intrinsic value and the contributions we can make to the world around us, we start to believe in something greater than ourselves. Through group activities in the wilderness, we help young people struggling to see their value find their strengths. They learn how they can best contribute to help one another and grow in their self-worth.
Transitions Identify Areas to Work On
Stress and discomfort often trigger the relapse process. Our wilderness treatment model is designed to trigger the feelings that can lead to relapse in order for clients to face these challenges prior to leaving treatment. The transition into the wilderness after residential treatment can help identify the challenges in their sobriety in a controlled, accepting environment prior to returning to their everyday lives. Young men are able to connect to the chronic nature of their disease by learning that they aren’t as far into recovery as they thought they were. This increases their willingness to continue therapy and follow their continuing care plan after treatment.
The support of the group helps young men struggling with the desire to relapse find the strength to overcome it. With the help of our supportive staff, their fellow peers, and the skills-building exercises during their expeditions, clients can identify their relapse triggers without fear of acting on them. Each time this happens, clients learn something new about what works for them in recovery. We take every opportunity to teach clients how to view their desire to relapse as a learning experience and not a failure.
Treatment Can Be Fun
While vital to their recovery, treatment is often heavy and can take an emotional toll on clients. Our wilderness treatment model provides an outlet for teen boys that is both therapeutic and fun. Our clients enjoy exploring the Montana wilderness and learning new things about themselves through each adventure. Our activities include:
- Fly fishing
- Rock climbing
- Hiking
- Peak Climbs
- Rappelling
- Cross-Country Skiing
Trying new things in the wilderness helps young men find hobbies and activities to spend their time on after treatment. Clients learn new skills they can take forward with them as they work toward recovery. We believe that filling our time with healthy, fun experiences will aid long term recovery for our clients.
