Outdoor living and activities provide a variety of physical and mental health benefits.
Recently, UCLA public health researchers conducted a study and found that people could live longer if there were more trees, parks, and green spaces in LA County (especially in poorer communities of color).
This is the first study in the US to look at life expectancy in relation to how much greenery there is in specific parts of the city.
Other studies have said that having parks and trees and stuff can help people feel better physically and mentally because it gives them fresh air, shade, and places to relax.
Also, the more in touch with nature a person is, the less likely they are to suffer from mental health issues.
According to the Mental Health Foundation, nature can generate positive feelings of calmness, joy, and creativity while heightening focus. On the other hand, a lack of interactions with nature shows tendencies toward poor mental health and higher rates of depression and anxiety.
And having satisfaction with life is a good indicator of the potential for mental health challenges such as depression.
Often people with mild depression will self-medicate with alcohol and drugs. Unfortunately, while this suppresses those initial feelings, it doesn’t treat the underlying causes and may lead to dependency issues.
When coping mechanisms that include alcohol or drugs turn to dependency and addiction, professional treatment may be required, such as inpatient rehabilitation and detox, and in looking for solutions, consider out-of-town treatment options.
Reducing their exposure to the people, places, and things they associated with their previous lifestyle can be highly beneficial for a person struggling with addiction.
If some people are still using or live close to venues where they might find drugs easily accessible, removing them from that situation by seeking treatment out-of-state could significantly reduce the chances of relapse during their treatment program.
Additionally, having access to well-trained professionals who specialize in treating addiction can provide much-needed support during rehabilitation.
- To remove oneself away from triggers that led to use
- Better focus on recovery and treatment
- Getting the best care possible for specific addictions
- Find a support system for your recovery
One of the best ways to break the cycle of addiction is to remove yourself from the environment that triggers your use. If you’re constantly surrounded by people who use drugs or alcohol, or if you live in a place where it’s easy to get your hands on substances, going out of town for treatment can give you a fresh start.
And in some instances, out-of-the-area inpatient treatment options provide holistic therapies that include more involvement with nature and exercise.
For families of addicts, support of their treatment and rehab is the single most important component you can provide. And if out-of-area treatment and detox are what your loved one needs, finding a place to attend and be cared for is easy to find.
You can reach out to SAMHSA’s National HelpLine, check local listings, or perform a Google search for results.
For example, to find a good treatment center, you can research terms like
- Addiction therapy centers near me
- Alcohol and drug rehab centers
- La Jolla treatment centers
- Detox Tarzana
- South San Francisco treatment facilities
- Coastal detox centers
- Holistic detox and addiction specialists
Addiction is a complex disease that affects individuals and their loved ones. It can be challenging to watch someone you care about struggle with addiction and not know how to help them. Seeking professional help is often the best course of action, but finding the right treatment program can be overwhelming.
Going out of town for addiction help can be a life-changing experience for your loved one. While it may be challenging to encourage them to leave their comfort zone, there are numerous benefits to seeking treatment away from home. In this article, we will explore why seeking addiction help out of town can be an excellent option for your loved one.
Finding a good treatment center will create a positive foundation for a better life and an overall quality of life. And finding more ways to spend time outdoors and being active will help reduce the risk of mental health challenges that could trigger dependency in the first place.
