According to the 2018 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, more than 19 million adults in the U.S. suffer from either alcohol or drug abuse issues.
Those who struggle with substance abuse issues may face a range of other challenges that affect their addiction.
Effective treatment programs can help combat the negative effects of substance abuse and help those struggling with addiction to manage their triggers and impulses over the long run.
When considering rehab centers and options for recovery, alternative addiction treatment opportunities are worth exploring. This is especially true for those who have not succeeded in traditional rehab programs or who may respond better to nontraditional therapies.
What Is Outward Bound?
Outward Bound is a company which developed an alternative experience program based on outdoor education. It teaches a range of courses focused on survival skills, outdoor education, and life lessons.
Outward Bound began as a school in Britain and has expanded to offer specialty programs to kids and adults facing significant challenges in life or seeking leadership development.
The wilderness therapy program for substance abuse issues includes wilderness expeditions and survival skills courses to encourage cognitive development, reflection, empowerment, and focus.
What Is A Wilderness Drug Rehab Program Like?
A wilderness drug rehab program is a form of alternative addiction treatment that allows those struggling with addiction to remove themselves from the stress and pressure of daily life and immerse themselves in the outdoors.
It allows for an individualized approach to rehab without the traditional environment of an alcohol or drug rehab center or a hospital.
Those who enjoy spending time outdoors or physical activity may appreciate this approach. It encourages them to maintain their desired level of physical activity and allows them to enjoy an outlet for their passions.
Some people struggling with addiction are reluctant to enroll in a rehab program as they fear isolation from enjoyable activities and social experiences for an extended period of time.
Wilderness therapy program participants can still receive medical care and are under the supervision of a medical professional as needed. However, they spend significant amounts of time outdoors and engaged in physical tasks.
There are plenty of opportunities for socialization and group therapy. Yet outdoor drug rehab programs also allow program participants a lot of individual time for reflection and self-improvement.
Outward Bound Rehab Programs: Curriculum And Principles
The most common program and course offerings from Outward Bound include:
- Adult Wilderness Expeditions
- Intercept Expeditions for Families and Teens
- Veterans Expeditions
- Professionals Expeditions
Each of the programs offered through this wilderness education center target a specific individual or group. Those who seek Outward Bound may be struggling with addiction or looking for ways to empower themselves and develop tools to deal with life’s challenges.
Speaking with a program coordinator is the best way to make sure the potential participant’s needs match the program that they sign up for.
Programs are available for friends and loved ones to help them heal from the pain and damage that addiction causes and find productive ways to move forward.
The main principles that the Outward Bound wilderness drug rehab program and all courses focus on include:
- leadership
- character
- service
Ways To Pay For Outward Bound
Fortunately, there are options for individuals and their family members to pay for addiction treatment through alternative programs like Outward Bound with financial assistance or scholarships.
More than 6,000 program participants receive some sort of scholarship or financial assistance to attend the program.
Grants may be available for certain individuals who are interested in attending Outward Bound wilderness education programs in conjunction with addiction treatment.
In addition, those seeking a rehab program may have coverage through their health insurance plans.
Who Will Benefit From Wilderness Therapy?
Each individual’s substance abuse issues and recovery needs are different. For this reason, some people respond to alternative treatments, such as wilderness therapy, better than more traditional rehab approaches.
Also, some people may respond more effectively to a rehab program when they are removed from their regular surroundings. Remote surroundings allow for direct focus on their recovery.
Spending time outdoors and away from the typical distractions of daily life can help the individual prioritize their recovery.
Seeking Addiction Treatment Through Outdoor Education Programs
Anyone struggling with substance abuse issues involving drugs or alcohol should call us today to speak with one of our addiction treatment specialists about available treatment options.
Trained and knowledgeable treatment specialists can connect individuals with a range of addiction treatment programs.
Whether an individual or their loved one is interested in an alternative therapy program like Outward Bound or a more traditional rehab center, our team can provide a variety of rehab programs to consider.
Addiction Resource aims to provide only the most current, accurate information in regards to addiction and addiction treatment, which means we only reference the most credible sources available.
These include peer-reviewed journals, government entities and academic institutions, and leaders in addiction healthcare and advocacy. Learn more about how we safeguard our content by viewing our editorial policy.
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration — Substance Abuse Survey Results
https://www.samhsa.gov/data/sites/default/files/cbhsq-reports/NSDUHDetailedTabs2018R2/NSDUHDetTabsSect5pe2018.htm - Outward Bound — Information on Programs
https://www.outwardbound.org/blog/wilderness-therapy-or-outward-bound-which-one-is-right-for-your-family/
