Young men across the United States struggle with depression, anxiety, and substance abuse. Social pressures, fear of failure, and low self-esteem lead young men to drug use or process addictions like video games or social media. In addition, childhood trauma may lead many adolescent men to self-medicate with drugs or alcohol. Many men don’t feel comfortable expressing their fears or emotions to friends or loved ones, making addiction and recovery especially hard. Today, many rehab centers incorporate wilderness therapy to help young men gain perspective through the great outdoors.
Don’t enroll in a typical men’s rehab in Texas. Visit North Carolina’s Red Oak Recovery® today. Our wilderness therapy programs help men ages 18-30 recover from addiction and co-occurring disorders. Reach us today at 866.457.7590 to learn more about wilderness therapy in western North Carolina.
What Is Wilderness Therapy?
Wilderness therapy is an increasingly popular type of alternative therapy. Also called ecotherapy, clinicians have used wilderness therapy alongside talk therapy for mental health and addiction treatment since the 1960s. Eco therapists lead groups and individuals through a range of outdoor activities. Wilderness therapy programs can vary in size and length depending on an individual’s needs. Common activities include:
- Backpacking
- White water rafting
- Hiking
- Canoeing
- Ropes courses
- Solo camping trips
Wilderness therapy allows men to reconnect their body and mind while staying active. Today, young men spend less time outside and can be less physically active. A sedentary lifestyle and a disconnection to nature can quickly lead to process addiction and substance abuse. Outdoor activities can increase body awareness and help relieve stress through mindfulness. Camping and other wilderness activities require attention and focus that helps young men prioritize what matters in their lives. Wilderness therapy builds confidence through resilience, exercise, and the calming presence of nature.
Many ecotherapy programs include harvesting, gardening, plant and animal identification, survival skills training, and large animal therapy. Clients also undergo traditional cognitive-behavioral therapy. Eco therapists can help clients use the tools they learn in talk therapy sessions to cope in the great outdoors. Studies show combinations of holistic therapy lead to high rates of recovery and sobriety.
Where Can I Find Wilderness Therapy for Men?
Wilderness therapy is an increasingly popular modality for addiction therapy. Especially popular for young men, there are few wilderness therapy programs in the United States. Because this modality requires access to nature, many states lack wilderness therapy programs. While many young men looking for addiction services may go to states like Texas for reputable, secluded rehab programs, the east coast provides access to nature many young men need. With trails at your feet, North Carolina offers a wealth of wilderness therapy options.
Red Oak Recovery® in Western North Carolina helps young men overcome addiction with traditional and alternative therapies. Our clients enjoy yoga, meditation, and wilderness therapy alongside individual, family, and group counseling. Our treatments include:
- Process addiction
- Disordered eating
- Prescription drug addiction
- Heroin and opioid addiction
- Co-occurring disorders
At Red Oak, we help young men regain confidence and overcome addiction. The wilderness of western North Carolina gives young men the opportunity to disconnect from social, home, and life pressures and return to themselves. We pride ourselves on helping young men and their families reconnect through our family therapy programs. Let the outdoors of North Carolina help your family today.
Enroll in Wilderness Therapy at Red Oak Recovery®
Whether a young man in your life is struggling with substance abuse or process addiction, Red Oak Recovery® can help. Find the holistic support your whole family needs in beautiful North Carolina. Call Red Oak today at 866.457.7590 to learn more about our wilderness therapy and addiction treatment services.
