Being surrounded by sunlight, fresh air, beautiful landscapes and soothing sounds can be a therapeutic experience. In addition to the general health benefits of spending time outdoors, there are specific advantages for those overcoming a substance use disorder (SUD). If you are on the road to a substance-free lifestyle, being in nature can help with your recovery by improving your mental and physical health and laying the foundation for building new habits.
Here are five ways exposure to nature helps addiction recovery.
The journey to recovery often begins with removing the drugs from your system. This step can be difficult to navigate due to withdrawal symptoms, which can feel like your body is putting up a fight in reaction to stopping or lessening your use. The symptoms you experience can vary significantly, depending on which substance you have been using and for how long. Withdrawals can also last for a few days to a couple of months.
In addition to seeking professional detox support to help remove the drug from your body and manage your symptoms safely, spending time outdoors can also be a good antidote. If you are well enough, you can do some exercise outside to help distract you from challenging sensations.
However, even being in nature in stillness may shift your attention. Focusing on the sun's warmth on your skin, the sound of the breeze, the earthy smells and the greenery around you can help you feel better.
Strong emotions often play a major role in the development of addiction and are also common triggers for relapse. Many studies show that spending time in nature can improve your mental health by alleviating anxiety, stress and anger. As a result, being outdoors can help lessen these potential triggers. Sunlight can also increase your brain's serotonin release, helping lift your mood.
Additionally, regular exposure to natural light may help you get a good night's rest by regulating your sleep and wake cycles. Sleep is a vital ally that is often overlooked when maintaining sobriety. Along with helping stabilize your emotions, a consistent sleep pattern can foster a positive mindset and help you build the resilience to navigate the challenges of recovery.
SUDs can take a toll on the body, so prioritizing strategies to repair and revitalize your physical well-being is essential. Another way being in nature helps drug addiction recovery is by boosting your physical health.
Exposure to the sun's rays can cause your body to increase its production of vitamin D — one of the many nutrients you need to stay healthy, linked to immune system function. Studies also show that low levels of vitamin D can lead to a higher risk of developing an addiction, specifically to opioids.
Due to the nature of SUD, those who have experienced this chronic condition tend to be excessive in their habits. As a result, balance can be one of the hardest things to achieve when overcoming an addiction. However, a sense of equilibrium can be key to preventing you from defaulting back to old patterns.
In today's technology-driven world, taking a few quiet moments in nature may help you find this balance in one aspect of your life. Stepping away from your screens and taking a break from the constant stream of notifications can provide a much-needed mental reset.
From the sunrise each morning to the revival of life in the spring each year, nature is full of fresh starts. Even after disasters such as fires and floods, the natural environment is powerful enough to rebuild itself.
It may help to view nature as a metaphor for your recovery. Regularly spending time outdoors can remind you that sobriety is a new beginning and that you are capable of reclaiming your life. Breathtaking landscapes can also be a reminder of how small one is in the grand scheme of the world — some may find comfort in the sense of humility that this realization brings.
Now that you know how nature impacts addiction recovery and can help you in your sobriety journey, here are some ideas for connecting with the outdoors.
You can do many physical activities outside, such as riding a bike, hiking and yoga. You can also opt for more gentle movement, like taking a stroll or doing some stretches.
In addition to the mental health benefits of simply being outside, exercise promotes the release of endorphins and dopamine, which are also feel-good hormones. Being active also has an immensely positive effect on your physical health, from building strength and endurance to reducing your blood pressure, all of which can help repair your body after prolonged substance use.
Additionally, regular physical activity in nature can help you build a healthy routine. With a daily or weekly schedule in place, you'll have less time to dwell on the past and encounter situations that might be potential triggers, helping you maintain a sober lifestyle.
Gardening offers a literal way to connect with nature. Plus, getting your hands dirty, planting seeds and watching them grow into plants can provide a sense of fulfillment throughout your recovery process. Taking care of houseplants or participating in your neighborhood's community garden can also work wonders if you don't have a yard.
Picking up a new hobby, like gardening, is also an excellent way to help sustain sobriety. New and healthy habits can be another welcomed distraction during the withdrawal phase and may also replace old patterns that didn't serve you, helping prevent relapse.
Nature is the perfect environment to simply relax and be present. You can lie down and watch the clouds float past, read a book under the trees or get creative by coloring in an adult coloring book.
Mindfulness techniques can also assist with recovery by encouraging awareness and helping you accept emotions, thoughts and sensations rather than try to suppress them. You can meditate, practice breathing exercises or journal it all out. While these practices are already valuable, doing them outdoors can allow you to reap the benefits of getting some sunlight and fresh air.
At Diamond House Detox, we create a nurturing environment for healing and recovery using evidence-based treatment methods delivered by a team of caring and experienced therapists and health care practitioners. We believe in a holistic approach, which is why we specialize in treating co-occurring mental health conditions like anxiety and depression alongside our addiction recovery programs and medically assisted detox services.
Addiction is a chronic condition that usually needs continuous support. That's why many of our clients choose to continue their treatment with outpatient services once they have completed our residential program. Doing so gives them ongoing care and assistance to maintain their sober lifestyle.
In addition to attending peer groups, ongoing therapy and regular checkups, Diamond House Detox can help you find healthy ways to occupy your time, like gardening or hiking. Connecting with nature, in conjunction with traditional treatments, can be a powerful tool in your path to sobriety.
While overcoming an SUD can be full of both expected and unexpected challenges, you can stay motivated with effective treatments, guidance and healthy habits like spending time in nature. Continue your recovery journey with Diamond House Detox's outpatient services, such as our intensive outpatient program in various locations in Northern California. With individualized care solutions, we've provided the support our clients have needed to stay sober — we're here to do the same for you.
Our outpatient offerings can also be beneficial if you are starting the road to recovery and can't commit to residential programs due to work, familial or other responsibilities. If you have a safe and supportive environment, offerings such as medically assisted outpatient detox and our partial hospitalization program allow you to receive treatment while still living at home and going to work or school.
Contact us today to learn whether our outpatient services are suitable treatment options for you or someone you care about.
