Among all the forms of rehab available to you, wilderness rehab is one of the most unusual – and controversial. That said, many still believe that it can be beneficial. In this article, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about this form of treatment.
What Is Wilderness Rehab?
Wilderness therapy – sometimes known as “outdoor behavioral health therapy” – exists in many different forms. It is a form of therapy intended for young people and meant to treat a range of mental and behavioral health problems, including addiction. True to its name, it typically involves taking groups into the wilderness, usually the woods, for a stretch of time. The idea is to fully immerse yourself in living in the wilderness. These programs are guided by trained professionals who are equipped to support you and encourage your growth in problem-solving and emotional regulation.
Per the U.S. Bureau of Land Management, wilderness therapy consists of “programs intended to provide a less restrictive alternative to incarceration or hospitalization for youth who may require intervention to address emotional or behavioral challenges.”
Young people who are sent to wilderness therapy are typically struggling with some kind of substance abuse or other behavioral issue. By separating from the demands of daily life in society, young people are able to build skills, gain confidence, and begin a journey of emotional healing that will serve them well. Or at least that’s the theory.
The effectiveness of wilderness therapy is hotly debated, and many adults look back on their experience of wilderness therapy as a source of lingering pain and trauma. Research on the effectiveness of these programs is sparse, and what research we do have is considered by many to be greatly flawed. Moreover, reports of child abuse and neglect in these programs have been widespread.
What Does Wilderness Rehab Treat?
Wilderness rehab programs are supposed to address a range of problems, particularly in young people. Such problems include:
- Behavioral issues
- Substance use disorders
- Anxiety and depression
- Trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder
- Low self-esteem
- Struggles with interpersonal skills
- Lack of confidence
- Difficulty with decision-making
What Are Different Types of Wilderness Rehab?
Wilderness rehab programs differ in terms of their approach and focus. Some common types include:
- Adolescent Programs: These programs are designed for teenagers struggling with behavioral issues or substance use. They often include a family therapy dimension.
- Substance Use Recovery Programs: These programs are specifically designed for people with substance use disorders. The outdoor activities are often paired with addiction counseling and detoxification support.
- Mental Health Focused Programs: These programs help address issues like anxiety, depression, or trauma, combining traditional therapy with the therapeutic benefits of the natural world.
- Adventure-Based Programs: These programs focus on building resilience and leadership schools through structured outdoor adventures. Rock climbing, rafting, and survival training are common forms of adventure-based programming.
How Does Wilderness Rehab Work?
Wilderness rehab usually begins with some kind of assessment. You undergo an initial evaluation to identify your needs and goals. If you’re a minor, though, your parents will pass this information along to the professionals. Some forms of wilderness rehab are involuntary, involving the “kidnapping” of the young person with the parents’ consent. This approach, though, is highly controversial. Wilderness therapy typically includes outdoor activities such as:
- Rock climbing or zip line courses.
- Problem-solving games.
- Farming or gardening.
- Reflective activities like meditation, yoga, or journaling.
Upon completion of the program, participants will work with a professional to develop a plan for transitioning back into their everyday lives.
Who Can Benefit from Wilderness Rehab?
Wilderness rehab is not for everybody, and it remains a rather controversial form of rehab. That said, there are certain types of people for whom it may be beneficial. If you thrive in experiential learning environments, struggle with traditional therapies, and/or need a break from your daily distractions, wilderness rehab may be beneficial to you. Of course, there are other forms of treatment that can conform to those particular preferences, too.
Certain individuals would do well to avoid wilderness rehab.
This form of therapy may not be suitable for individuals who:
- Require a more structured or traditional therapeutic approach.
- Have severe medical or psychiatric conditions requiring intensive care.
- Are unwilling to engage in outdoor activities or group settings.
- Have a history of violence.
- Lack the physical ability to participate in rigorous outdoor activities.
Is Wilderness Rehab Effective?
The effectiveness of wilderness rehab is not clear. Some claim to have benefited from it, while others claim that the experience was harmful to them. Lacking conclusive studies, we can’t weigh in either way. Your best bet is to consult a medical professional about the right path for you.
What we can say for sure, though, is that wilderness therapy has been the source of controversy, with critics objecting to safety concerns, high costs, and even some ethical issues.
How Much Does Wilderness Rehab Cost?
Wilderness rehab can cost in the tens of thousands of dollars or more for a typical program lasting several weeks to a few months. This high cost reflects the need for trained staff, equipment, and remote locations.
Given the high price of wilderness therapy, you may wonder whether insurance will cover it. Coverage varies, but many providers will likely view it as an alternative treatment and withhold reimbursement. You should consult with your insurance provider before making any decisions about paying for wilderness therapy.
What Are Alternatives to Wilderness Rehab?
If you’re looking to begin your journey of recovery, wilderness rehab is far from the only option. Some alternatives to wilderness rehab include:
- Traditional Therapy: Individual or family therapy sessions with licensed professionals offer a more conventional approach to addressing challenges.
- In-Home Addiction Treatment (IHAT): Aware Recovery offers an In-Home Addiction Treatment (IHAT) program, which allows you to stay home while all treatment comes to you. IHAT employs the best technologies and evidence-based treatments to help you along your path of recovery, while risk and disruptions are minimized. The IHAT approach is all about flexible addiction therapy. This option allows you to start your recovery in your own way on your own terms.
- Inpatient Rehab: Inpatient rehab offers a structured and immersive environment for recovery, with 24/7 medical and therapeutic support. Inpatient rehabs can be hugely helpful if you struggle with severe behavioral or substance use problems, allowing you to put together a lengthy stretch of clean and sober time before attempting to reintegrate into society.
- Outpatient Programs: This is a popular option for addressing addiction and substance use disorders. Part of the appeal of outpatient treatment is that it allows you to continue living at home. The flexibility it offers makes it a useful alternative to an inpatient rehabilitation program. But it also offers accountability. When enrolled in an outpatient program, you’re free to maintain work, school, and family obligations, but you have your outpatient program to help you stay focused on your recovery.
- Community-Based Support Groups: Community-based groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) provide ongoing peer support and accountability.
Next Steps
As you embark on your recovery journey, it’s important to choose the right rehab program for your needs and preferences. Be sure to weigh the pros and cons before signing yourself or your child up for a wilderness rehab program.
If you’d prefer a route other than wilderness therapy, you may want to consider Aware’s In-Home Addiction Treatment program. This flexible and effective program has a 78% recovery success rate and a completion rate 2.5 times higher than that of traditional rehab. To date, more than 10,000 people have taken advantage of this transformative treatment option – one that offers convenience and privacy. With Aware Recovery Care, you don’t have to put life on hold to start your journey. Reach out to us today for a consultation.