Addiction recovery comes with cravings.
Addiction treatment has several approaches. It includes both medication and therapies. Most addiction treatment programs include some tools to handle cravings and accelerate sobriety.
What many of us might not know is that nature has a powerful impact on combating addiction and cravings. This is why rehab in Dallas by Infinite Recovery is situated in the middle of nature, as it exposes the patient to nature which has many benefits.
Japan’s ‘Forest Therapy’ Programs
In Japan, the policies regarding the conservation and protection of forests and green areas have taken off. You see, Japan is famous for its stressful and emotional work conditions, along with a high suicide rate in the concrete jungle.
So to address the mental health stigma of the country, the Forestry Agency of Japan sponsors the practice of ‘shinrin-yoku,’ or simply “forest bathing.”
Since 2004, Japan Forestry has invested around $4 million into forest therapy research. Research has found that simply being in nature can actually relieve stress along with increasing productivity.
By measuring the participants’ blood pressure and the number of the ‘natural killer’ or NK cells in their bodies, we can understand how forest therapy is helping them.
For your reference, we should mention that NK cells are those white blood cells that assist in preventing viral; infections and reject cancer and tumor cells.
After the policy implementation in Japan, South Korea has also spent approximately $140 million on a new National Forest Therapy Center. Some of the western countries, such as Finland, are also funding similar types of studies after the Japan forest therapy programs get some optimistic results.
For replicating these results, several Japan Forestry industry experts have been hired by a number of these programs.
Nature, Cravings, And Mental Health
From kids to adults, health experts always recommend that everyone spend time in nature. Now, individuals recovering from any type of substance abuse especially need to spend time in nature.
A study done by the University of Plymouth shows that there is actually a link between nature, reduced craving strength, and frequency of addiction. The link between mental health and nature is simply undeniable.
Nature can be both maintained or maintained by environmental green areas, for example, nature preserves and parks.
In urban areas, where people have greater access to nature, they usually have less anxiety and depression, less mental distress, healthier cortisol, and greater well-being than those living in urban areas with less green space.
Consistent exposure to green space from childhood can actually prevent some psychiatric disorders, such as preventing anxiety and preventing depression. However, the beneficial effect of exposure to nature is not limited to children.
While exposure to nature can effectively improve their mental health, green space also has a strong benefit for adults as well.
In urban settings, adults often deal with several stressors from family, work, a daily commute to bills, along with balancing home life. Because adults who are in the recovery process from any type of substance abuse also suffer from many stressors.
The stress can often result from focusing on healthy meeting attendance, maintaining sobriety, and step work. Nature is effective in reducing the stress that mostly triggers cravings. There is also a link between exercising and an increase in mental health along with reducing stress.
At the same time, we can not deny the connection between exercising and being outdoors. It is also true that everyone is not a fan of exercising or might be limited to exercise by the seasonal weather.
So to be clear, having access to nature or green space is beneficial, whether it is with exercise or without.
Mental Health And Substance Use Disorders
The connection between substance abuse and mental health has been a long topic of discussion, particularly in recent years. Mental health disorders can trigger substance abuse disorders, and mental health disorders also can be triggered by substance abuse disorders.
Addiction is a threefold disease, which affects the body, mind, and spirit all, and thus the treatment also includes treating all these three.
Just like any other mental disorder, addiction is also treatable. As we have mentioned earlier, mental health and addiction are interconnected. When you are getting a part of nature, your mental health improves, and it helps in dealing with substance abuse cravings.
Nature and green space have calming effects on both our bodies and minds. Even the color green soothes not only our eyes but also the green nature soothes our mind and soul.
Exposure To Nature Alleviates Cravings
The exact reason behind green spaces assisting in alleviating unhealthy cravings has not been declared yet; the effectiveness is proven. While everyone does not go with holistic recovery, there are also some individuals who are more into the 12-step meetings or therapy.
However, nature can work wonderfully in treating mental health issues. Research has shown that individuals who have visibility of green spaces from their homes and also have access to green spaces in their neighborhoods have less frequency and intensity of cravings.
This craving applies not only to drugs and alcohol but also to nicotine and unhealthy foods.
Incorporate Green Space Into Your Daily Life To Recover From Addiction
Some of us are not lucky enough to have access to nature or at least a small green space. We are either living in extremely urbanized areas or having longer work schedules.
That is why we are here to guide you on how to incorporate green space into your daily life and recover from drugs or alcohol.
- Visit your local park.
- In your home, open your curtains and see the outside greenery.
- HavegGreen spaces in your home and office.
- Opt for a 12-step fellowship meeting that is outdoors.
- Make some time and visit the local reserves and parks.
- Start a community garden.
- Go for a walk around your community.
- During the weekdays, if weather permits, eat your lunch outdoors.
- In case you have dogs, take them to the nearest dog park.
- Try a leisure activity outdoors on the weekend, such as step work, reading, or meditation.
All the benefits of being outdoors and seeing nature are extremely helpful. Spend some time in the lap of nature, even though it is just a short amount of time per day. Nature is free and full of benefits. And paired with the decrease in strong, lasting cravings for drugs and alcohol, it can significantly improve your mental health.