Adventure therapy has more of an effect on your mental health than just the euphoric afterglow of an adrenaline dump. This therapeutic modality blends traditional treatment with experiential outdoor activities, providing young adults with an opportunity to engage in healing beyond the confines of a traditional clinical setting.
But how does adventure therapy work in the context of dual-diagnosis rehab? How does it complement other treatment modalities to foster long-term recovery? In this blog, we’ll dive into these questions, exploring the powerful connection between mental health recovery and adventure therapy at Momentum Recovery.
Dual-Diagnosis Treatment at Momentum Recovery
Before we get into the specifics of adventure therapy, it is essential to understand the framework of dual-diagnosis treatment. A dual diagnosis refers to the co-occurrence of a mental health disorder and a substance use disorder. Young people often struggle with mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, or trauma-related disorders alongside issues with drug or alcohol abuse. The combination of these disorders can create a complex and intertwined challenge for both the individual and their treatment provider.
Momentum Recovery’s dual-diagnosis program is designed to address both conditions concurrently, recognizing that each disorder influences the other. Effective treatment requires an integrated approach, addressing mental health issues with therapy, counseling, and medications while also tackling substance use through detoxification, rehabilitation, and relapse prevention strategies. The ultimate goal is to provide a balanced, supportive environment where young adults can focus on both their mental health and their recovery from substance use.
What is Adventure Therapy?
Adventure therapy is a unique therapeutic approach that uses experiential activities, such as hiking, surfing, kayaking, and team-building exercises, to promote mental health recovery. The idea is that engaging in these activities can help individuals build resilience, enhance problem-solving skills, and develop a stronger sense of self-awareness and self-efficacy. Adventure therapy is rooted in the belief that real-world experiences can foster emotional healing and growth in ways that traditional talk therapy alone may not be able to.
For young adults, adventure therapy can provide an exciting and engaging alternative to more conventional treatment methods. Many individuals in this age group are still in the process of developing their identity, independence, and interpersonal skills, and adventure therapy offers a hands-on way to practice these skills in a supportive environment.
The Benefits of Adventure Therapy
So, how does adventure therapy contribute to mental health recovery, particularly for young adults facing the challenges of dual diagnosis?
- Building Emotional Resilience
One of the primary goals of adventure therapy is to help individuals build emotional resilience. Resilience is the ability to bounce back from adversity, and it is a critical skill for young adults in recovery and life in general. The challenges presented in adventure therapy—whether it’s scaling a rock wall or navigating a difficult hike—mirror the emotional challenges of recovery. By overcoming these physical challenges, participants gain confidence in their ability to overcome emotional and psychological challenges as well.
- Enhancing Self-Efficacy
Self-efficacy, or the belief in one’s ability to achieve goals, is another important outcome of adventure therapy. Many young folks with dual-diagnosis issues struggle with low self-esteem and a lack of confidence in their ability to make positive changes in their lives. Outdoor experiential therapy provides a safe environment to set and achieve goals, which can help build a sense of accomplishment and increase self-efficacy. This newfound belief in their abilities can carry over into other areas of life, including their recovery journey.
- Promoting Social Connection & Teamwork
Recovery from both mental health issues and substance use involves learning how to build and maintain healthy relationships. Our adventure therapy involves group activities that require teamwork, communication, and trust. These group dynamics can help participants practice social skills, resolve conflicts, and develop supportive relationships with their peers. For young adults, who may still be developing their interpersonal skills, these experiences can be invaluable.
- Encouraging Mindfulness & Present-Moment Awareness
Many adventure therapy activities, such as surfing or kayaking, require participants to be fully present and focused on the task at hand. This emphasis on mindfulness can be particularly beneficial for individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, or trauma, as it encourages them to stay grounded in the present moment rather than dwelling on the past or worrying about the future. Mindfulness is a skill that is often taught in traditional therapy settings, but adventure therapy provides a natural, experiential way to practice it.
- Reducing Symptoms of Mental Health Disorders
There is growing evidence that adventure therapy can help reduce symptoms of mental health disorders. Physical activity, exposure to nature, and the sense of accomplishment that comes from overcoming challenges can all have a positive impact on mood, anxiety levels, and overall mental health. For young adults with co-occurring disorders, this can make a significant difference in their recovery journey.
How Adventure Therapy Complements Other Treatment Modalities
Adventure therapy is not a standalone treatment; rather, it is designed to complement other therapeutic approaches within a comprehensive treatment program. At Momentum Recovery, adventure therapy is integrated with more traditional forms of therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and group therapy. This holistic approach ensures that individuals receive the benefits of both experiential and evidence-based therapies.
For example, a young adult struggling with anxiety and substance use may work with a therapist to identify negative thought patterns in CBT sessions, while also engaging in adventure therapy to practice real-world coping strategies. The combination of these modalities helps reinforce the skills learned in traditional therapy and provides opportunities for hands-on application.
The Role of Nature in Adventure Therapy
One of the unique aspects of adventure therapy is its connection to the natural world. Studies have shown that spending time in nature can have a profound impact on mental health, reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety while promoting feelings of calm and well-being. For young adults, who are often overwhelmed by the pressures of school, work, and social life, time spent in nature can provide a much-needed break from the stressors of daily life.
At Momentum Recovery, adventure therapy often takes place in the beautiful natural settings surrounding Wilmington, NC. Whether it’s a hike through the nearby forests or a kayaking trip along the coast, participants have the opportunity to immerse themselves in nature, which can enhance the therapeutic benefits of the experience.
A Transformative Experience
For those in need of dual-diagnosis treatment, adventure therapy provides a transformative experience that empowers them to not only survive but to thrive in their recovery journey. If you or a loved one is struggling with a dual diagnosis, Momentum Recovery offers a comprehensive treatment program to support long-term recovery. Reach out today to learn more about how this unique approach can help you on your path to healing.