Benefits of Hiking in Addiction Treatment: 3 Great Hikes in California
Why Hiking is Great for Addiction Recovery
When you’re in the midst of grappling with drug addiction or alcohol addiction, you may feel as though every aspect of your life is spiraling out of control. When you finally come to a point in your life where you’re ready to face these challenges, it’s imperative that you partner with an addiction treatment facility that can provide you with the comprehensive level of care that you need to work through some of the factors that may have played into your addiction. When you’re in addiction treatment, you will likely come to find that there are several things about yourself that you may not have realized before. One of them may be that you genuinely enjoy spending time outdoors either exercising or going on a hike.
Before you can enjoy these benefits, however, you have to address the immediate and direct impact that drug and alcohol addiction is having on your life. The first step in any addiction treatment program for almost every person is detox. When your addiction is severe enough, it could be incredibly dangerous for you to simply stop consuming your drug or drink of choice. Instead, the better and healthier alternative would be to commit to a detox program that will help you to remove the physical and psychological influence of this substance from your body. During these initial hours and days, you may feel a myriad of withdrawal symptoms which can make it nearly impossible for you to care for yourself. On average, drug detox or alcohol detox lasts approximately seven days with the first three days being the most difficult as a result of withdrawal symptoms. Since you will not be able to care for yourself in a way that is healthy, it’s strongly recommended that you always partner with a treatment facility that offers a detox program so that you avoid any potentially fatal consequences.
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Once you complete your drug detox or alcohol detox program, you will be in a much better place both psychologically and physically to focus on the steps that you need to take to overcome your addiction. If you need to complete a detox program, then it’s possible that you may feel more comfortable committing to an inpatient treatment program. During an inpatient program, also known as a residential treatment plan, you will have the around-the-clock care of your addiction treatment team. Also, you will have the peace of mind of knowing that you’re in a safe and sober environment which comes with an added level of comfort. If you decide to partner with Resurgence Behavioral Health, you will be able to enjoy a home away from home type of environment while also taking advantage of all the luxuries that our facility has to offer.
If you’re unable to commit to an inpatient or residential treatment program due to work or school responsibilities, you may be more well suited for an outpatient treatment program. Outpatient treatment programs such as intensive outpatient programs and general outpatient programs are much more flexible than a residential treatment plan. If you have specific work or school schedule that you need to stick to, simply let your recovery team know so that they can help you put together a program that doesn’t make you feel as though you have to choose one option or the other.
It’s important to remember that your recovery journey is something that you will be on for the rest of your life. Therefore, you should always make the commitment to attending Narcotics Anonymous meetings or Alcoholics Anonymous meetings on a regular basis. These meetings will help to put you in contact with other people that are working through their own recovery journey. If you truly connect with other meeting attendees, you can invite them to join in your hiking or general exercise adventures.
Benefits of Exercise in Addiction Treatment
There are numerous benefits associated with going out on a hike or just exercising in general when you’re working through an addiction treatment program. Here are just a few reasons why taking this step is something that you should incorporate into your daily routine:
It’s challenging
Trying something physically challenging can provide you with a determination to complete something that you may not have known that you had before. Going on a hike will undoubtedly challenge you in many ways, however, going to the gym and focusing on strength training may do the same thing. Regardless of which form of exercise you choose, you will undoubtedly feel accomplished once you complete your exercise of choice.
Improved self-esteem
One of the best benefits of working out is the improved self-esteem that you will likely feel after you get yourself on a consistent workout schedule. Whether you would like to lose weight after gaining some during the time that you were inactive addiction or you simply want to get into better shape, getting into a consistent workout routine will help you to feel better about yourself and the steps that you’re taking to tackle your addiction.
How Spending Time in Nature Benefits Recovery
Similar to exercise, there are several reasons why people that are in drug and alcohol treatment take the time to enjoy the great outdoors. A few examples include:
A mental break
There is nothing better than taking some time out of your day and enjoying a deep breath of fresh air. Being in nature can provide you with the mental break that you need to deal with certain things that may be challenging for you. This is especially important while you’re working your way through an addiction treatment program.
A boost of vitamin D
One of the best things about spending extra time outside is that the sun is a natural source of vitamin D. During the time that you were in active addiction, it’s likely that you may have missed out on receiving some essential nutrients. Along with getting yourself back on track nutritionally, spending time outside can provide you with an added boost of vitamin D that you may need.
Check Out These Great Hikes in California
Are you ready to begin your hiking adventure in different parts of California? Here are some great recommendations of places that you can try:
Switzer Falls Trail
Switzer Falls Trail is one of the popular hiking trails in Los Angeles county. It’s popular due in large part to the fact that it offers a unique challenge for hiking enthusiasts and, along the trail, there is a waterfall that features a deep gorge which makes this location fun to visit during the warmer months. This hiking trail can be difficult at times so you want to make sure that you have some hiking experience before you try to tackle this one.
701 Angeles Crest Highway, Tujunga, CA 91042
Mission Peak Regional Preserve
If you’re looking to take a break from hiking and go for a bike or perhaps go horseback riding, Mission Peak Regional Preserve is the best place to go. The preserve is located in Alameda County and features not only a beautiful hiking trail but the opportunity to go R/C flying as well as hang-gliding. You could easily spend the entire day enjoying the different activities that this location has to offer. One of the best things about the Mission Peak Regional Preserve is that it’s open to the public seven days a week between 6 AM and 10 PM.
43600 Mission Blvd, Fremont, CA 94539
Griffith Park Trails
If you’re looking to explore a hiking trail with friends or family members, then Griffith Park Trails is the best option for you. These trails are beginner-friendly which makes them a wonderful option if you’re new to the hiking experience. Also, if you would like to enjoy a day in the fresh California air, there are plenty of picnic tables that offer majestic views in and around this area. Make sure to pack up some delicious snacks and sunscreen for your adventure.
2715 N Vermont Canyon Rd, Los Angeles, CA 90027
When you’re ready to focus on living a healthier and drug and alcohol-free life, Resurgence Behavioral Health is here to help you through that process. Our team has experience working with clients throughout California that have been struggling with drug or alcohol addiction. Our intake team is available around the clock to help get you started on your recovery journey. Regardless of whether you have attempted to complete another treatment program through a different facility or this is your first time trying to navigate the process, you can take comfort in the fact that you will be surrounded by the people that you need to help you conquer your addiction once and for all. For more information about our addiction treatment programs in California, we encourage you to reach out to us today at (855) 458-0050.
Here are 3 great hiking trails to check out in California! #addictiontreatment #hikingtrails #resurgence https://t.co/sDyWuBMsts
— Resurgence Behavioral Health (@RBHRecovery) March 11, 2022
