Adventure therapy dates back into the late 1950s.[1] Formed as a means of educating youth to develop self-reliance and discipline, the first adventure therapy program — Outward Bound — came about in 1962.[2] The program aimed to decrease the likelihood of substance abuse, behavioral problems, and issues of mental health in participants.

Adventure therapy tactics often serve as a means of removing the addict from his daily surroundings, which in turn helps him to avoid distractions and the expectations of others that may pressure him into making poor decisions. Many substance abusers are void of self-reliance and possess a deep-seated fear that they aren’t equal to others, aren’t capable, and just aren’t good enough. Their vocabulary contains many uses of the word “can’t,” and they truly believe it. They can’t do it. For the addict who enters rehab involuntarily at the wishes of family members or via court order, adventure therapy can change his self-perspective.

In a study on the efficacy of adventure therapy in preventing recidivism among adjudicated youths, only 20 percent of the group from the Outward Bound program committed subsequent offences, while 37 percent of the control group did.[4] Soon after the initial Outward Bound program opened its gates, others sprang up across the country from Maine to North Carolina to Oregon.[5] Intrigued by the results the programs produced in young males, the director of Minnesota Outward Bound, Bob Pieh, created the first girls’ program in 1965.[6]

Of course, connecting with nature may not always be possible in every region and climate, but the adventure therapy module leaves room for artificial interpretation in order to gain the same effects of a nature-based experience. Even when you’re trapped indoors in a snowstorm, it can be done. Indoor activities, like rock climbing walls and ropes courses, may be used to get the effects of adventure therapy when camping or canoeing isn’t readily available.[7]

Adventure therapy has shown great promise in trials for the prevention of substance abuse among youths. Thus, it stands to reason that it could be highly effective in deterring addicts from relapse post treatment. In a study of 13 men and women that spanned three days and included the principles of adventure therapy, only 31 percent had relapsed 10 months later versus 58 percent in the comparison group.[8]

adventure_header

Alternative Therapy Options

What About Mental Health?

All of these therapies not only have the potential to treat addiction and substance abuse problems – they can also treatment mental illness. The first formal Outward Bound program for the mentally ill was carried out in 1975 at the Dartmouth-Hitchcock Mental Health Center in Hanover, New Hampshire.[10] The program included activities like cross-country skiing, canoeing, and rock climbing.[11]

Often, the symptoms of mental health dysfunctions can overlap those of substance abuse. Since there is often no physical evidence of mental illness, it can be easily overlooked. Many who suffer from mental health disorders have no idea that they’re ill and don’t find out until they’ve entered treatment for addiction. In fact, around 53 percent of drug addicts and 37 percent of alcoholics are also severely mentally ill.[12]

mental illness

How do you know if you’re one of the people who are suffering from a co-occurring set of disorders? Some telltale signs of possible mental health disorders include:

  • Sleep disturbances
  • Loss of interest in social activities
  • Decreased participation and functioning at work or school
  • Mood swings
  • Paranoia and suspicious feelings about others
  • Depersonalization
  • Problems focusing on a task
  • Issues with memory
  • Heightened sensitivity to lights, noises and tactile sensations
  • Grandiose feelings about oneself
  • Fluctuations in appetite[13]

The most common mental health disorders among substance abusers are depression and anxiety-based disorders. Around 20 percent of all addicts experience anxiety or depression.[14] At the root of mental illness for many sufferers lies a serious lack of self-love and appreciation. For instance, many who struggle with depressive disorders experience extreme bouts of self-loathing. Those who battle complex disorders such as bipolar disorder or premenstrual dysphoric disorder will experience mood swings ranging from despair to explosive rage.

Adventure therapy can finesse the feelings of insecurity and unworthiness that many substance abusers and mentally ill individuals suffer from and give back a renewed sense of empowerment and pride.

Professional Treatment

Citations

[1] Neil, J. (2006 Oct 28). “Historical & Developmental Aspects of Academic Knowledge about Adventure Therapy.” Wilderdom. Accessed April 4, 2015.

[2] Gass, M.A., Gillis, L. & Russell K.C. (2012) “Adventure Therapy: Theory, Research, and Practice.” Google Books. Accessed April 4, 2015.

[3] Gruring, C. (2007). “The Role of Adventure Therapy in the Comprehensive Treatment of Adolescents who Committed Sexual Abuse: A Case Study.

[4] Gass, M.A., Gillis, L. & Russell K.C. (2012) “Adventure Therapy: Theory, Research, and Practice.” Google Books. Accessed April 4, 2015.

[5] Ibid.

[6] Ibid.

[7] Neil, J. (2006 Oct 28). “Historical & Developmental Aspects of Academic Knowledge about Adventure Therapy.” Wilderdom. Accessed April 4, 2015.

[8] Bennett, L.W., Cardone, S. & Jarczyk, J. (1998 September). “Effects of a therapeutic camping program on addiction recovery. The Algonquin Haymarket Relapse Prevention Program.” Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment. Accessed April 4, 2015.

[9] K. E. Watkins, S. B. Hunter, K. A. Hepner, S. M. Paddock, E. de la Cruz, A. J. Zhou & J. Gilmore. (2011 June 6). “An Effectiveness Trial of Group Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Patients with Persistent Depressive Symptoms in Substance Abuse Treatment.” JAMA Psychiatry. Accessed April 4, 2015.

[10] Gass, M.A., Gillis, L. & Russell K.C. (2012) “Adventure Therapy: Theory, Research, and Practice.” Google Books. Accessed April 4, 2015.

[11] Ibid.

[12]Substance Abuse and Co-occurring Disorders.” (n.d.). National Alliance on Mental Illness. Accessed April 4, 2015.

[13]Warning Signs of Mental Illness.” (n.d.). American Psychiatric Association. Accessed April 4, 2015.

[14]Substance Abuse.” (n.d.). Anxiety and Depression Association of America.

[15]Therapeutic recreation.” (n.d.). BYU Marriott School. Accessed April 4, 2015.

[16] Ibid.