Adventure Therapy Treatment for Young Adult Males Struggling with Addictions

Abstract

Adventure therapy is the prescriptive use of adventure experiences conducted in natural settings by mental health professionals that kinesthetically engage clients on cognitive, affective, and behavioral levels. Meta-analyses, specific research on skills developed through the experience, and theoretically reasoned factors inherent in the adventure therapy experience suggest that adventure therapy is a promising treatment option for adolescents and young adults. AT treatment programs are slowly gaining traction, and more families are receiving insurance reimbursement support. The American Hospital Association recognizes adventure therapy as a viable form of treatment, and the National Uniform Billing Committee established an insurance billing code for it in July 2016. Tips for practice include allowing clients to co-construct their treatment experience, matching therapeutic intentions with adventure activities rather than prescribing uniform experiences, and having clients share their therapeutic intentions to receive feedback from their cohort group before and after the experience.

Enhancing Substance Use Disorder Recovery through Integrated Physical Activity and Behavioral Interventions: A Comprehensive Approach to Treatment and Prevention

“…Adventure therapy employs the natural environment and adventure-based sports activities as an experiential, interactive model, aiding in emotional healing. Research indicates that adventure therapy is a viable and promising treatment approach by fostering autonomy, life skills, a sense of accomplishment and a sense of responsibility in real-life situations [ 23 , 41 , 42 ].…”

“…Instead of receiving direct orders, learners are encouraged to discover and participate in group projects, and simulations of real-world situations co-constructing their experiences, enhancing self-awareness about their decisions and outcomes, and integrating routines and monitoring into their practice during daily tasks in wilderness settings. Research indicated that therapeutic outdoor interventions have increased in popularity as alternative approaches for treating at-risk or adjudicated adolescents [ 41 , 59 , 60 ].…”