At the Addiction Recovery Institute of America, our approach is rooted in evidence-based principles, which involve implementing treatment methods substantiated by clinical research. However, it is essential to recognize that research has demonstrated the variability in effectiveness among our various treatment options, as different patients may respond differently. This understanding forms a significant aspect of our comprehensive and patient-centric addiction treatment program at ARIA. We believe in tailoring our approach to meet the unique needs of each individual, recognizing that it’s not solely about determining what works best in general but what works best for each patient specifically.
Discussing behaviors, emotions, and feelings in a traditional office or group therapy setting can be challenging and uncomfortable for some individuals. Recognizing this, ARIA treatment programs are designed to occur in facilities beyond industry standards. Our programs provide a unique opportunity to access the serene Florida environment and natural surroundings, offering holistic therapies not typically found in traditional therapy approaches.
The natural environments utilized by ARIA treatment programs have proven to be beneficial. By immersing patients in holistic-based programs, these settings have shown enhanced effectiveness in post-treatment outcomes, particularly for individuals who struggle with substance use and mental health disorders. The combination of evidence-based therapies and the therapeutic benefits of nature creates a comprehensive approach to healing. The natural surroundings can provide a sense of calm, serenity, and connection to the present moment, which can be particularly valuable for individuals seeking recovery and emotional well-being. Integrating nature into treatment settings allows for a more holistic and comprehensive approach to address the complex needs of patients.
We wholeheartedly believe being in natural environments can help reduce feelings of stigma that may be associated with seeking therapy or treatment. It creates an atmosphere where individuals can feel more at ease, fostering openness and promoting a greater willingness to engage in the therapeutic process.
Here at ARIA, we believe in embracing nature and the serene environments of Florida to help our patients recover from addiction properly. Access to nature’s offerings encourages recovery members to engage in healthy routines such as exercise, mindfulness, yoga, and other holistic therapies. Engaging in adventure experiences can promote the cultivation of constructive coping mechanisms for stress and foster a profound sense of compassion and encouragement throughout the therapeutic process.
Evidence from the National Library of Medicine suggests that green spaces provide a therapeutic environment that allows our minds to relax and recover from the demands of daily life. The presence of natural elements, such as trees, plants, and wildlife, can capture our attention gently and effortlessly, promoting a sense of tranquility and rejuvenation. Exercising outdoors, especially in green spaces, can soothingly impact our nervous system. It has the potential to decrease stress levels by reducing cortisol, a hormone linked to stress. Being immersed in the beauty and peacefulness of nature can foster a sense of relaxation, uplift mood, and offer a brief, healthy escape from the stresses and concerns of everyday existence.
By utilizing outdoor therapy and adventure-based activities, Aria encourages physical fitness to help recovery members develop resilience, teamwork, and problem-solving skills while immersing themselves in the beauty of Florida’s natural landscapes. Natural settings like walking trails, parks, and golf courses often serve as community gathering places, providing opportunities for social interaction and connection. Engaging in outdoor activities with others, such as walking or participating in group exercises, can further enhance mental health benefits by fostering a sense of belonging and support. Rebuilding these skills in environments that promote healthy activities reinforces the importance of using healthy coping mechanisms in stressful situations post-treatment.
Research indicates that spending time outdoors is linked to numerous mental well-being advantages. “In green spaces, such as lower risk of depression and faster psychological stress recovery. Studies have shown that being in nature can restore and strengthen our mental capacities, increasing focus and attention.” (Department of Agriculture, 2021)
It is easy for many to engage in various outdoor activities in the Palm Beach area because Palm Beach County proudly holds the title of Florida’s Golf Capital, with over 150 remarkable golf courses to choose from while having access to the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal. Patients who immerse themselves in the breathtaking landscape of nature value nature’s benefits to mental wellness. Engaging in outdoor activities fosters an active and health-conscious lifestyle, proven to have benefits such as increased life expectancy and improved sleep quality.
The Aria treatment center is located in West Palm Beach, Florida, only ten minutes from the Palm Beach public beaches. Our facility is also close to the Palm Beach Lake Trail, with only a 6-minute drive to get there! The trail covers approximately 5.5 miles, from South Lake Drive near Peruvian Avenue North to its final destination just north of the renowned Sailfish Club. Impeccably maintained, the trail offers a seamless, safe, and delightful experience for walkers, ensuring its exceptional condition from start to finish. Rebuilding healthy coping mechanisms like combining exercise with the therapeutic effects of the serene Florida environment amplifies the positive outcomes that exercise can have with brain chemistry.
Regular physical activity can enhance cognitive function, reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, and contribute to overall well-being. It’s important to note that individual experiences may vary, and exercising in natural green spaces should not be considered the sole substitute for professional help in managing mental health conditions. However, incorporating regular walks in nature as part of a balanced and healthy lifestyle can contribute to overall well-being and provide a healthy outlet for stress management from the demands of daily life.
Our addiction specialists at the Addiction Recovery Institute of America provide expert care for individuals with substance use disorders. Our goal is simple: to provide each patient with the tools they need for long-term recovery. When you enroll in any one of the programs at ARIA, you are committing to sobriety. To get in contact, Call us at (844) 973 2611 or head over to our Contact Us page, fill out our information form, and our representatives will get back to you as soon as possible.
Citations:
Pasanen, Tytti, et al. “Can Nature Walks With Psychological Tasks Improve Mood, Self-Reported Restoration, and Sustained Attention? Results From Two Experimental Field Studies.” Frontiers in Psychology, vol. 9, 2018, https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2018.02057.( Accessed 25 Aug. 2023.)Department of AgricultureU.S. U.S. (2021) The Wellness Benefits of the Great Outdoors, US Forest Service. Available at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/features/wellness-benefits-great-outdoors#:~:text=There%20are%20many%20mental%20wellness,capacities%2C%20increasing%20focus%20and%20attention. (Accessed: 24 August 2023).