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Being in Nature Helps with Addiction

According to multiple studies done in the U.S. and Japan, people recover faster in a natural environment than in an urban setting. Stress hormones, heart rate, muscular tension, blood pressure, and aggressiveness can be reduced in an environment that is green and natural. It stands to reason that many top recovery centers around the world advocate for rehab in nature.

As a nature rehab for drug and alcohol abuse in Chiang Rai Thailand, we provide our patients with 30 private acres of manicured gardens, large trees, and other types of flora. Days are warm and nights are cool. The sense of freedom instilled through the ability to walk around the facility while observing the nature of Thailand can offer an immense amount of psychological benefits.

How Nature Can Benefit the Addiction Recovery Process

Many patients at our Chiang Rai drug and alcohol rehab are curious about how much nature they should be exposed to in order to benefit from it during recovery. Realistically, there is no right answer because it depends on the patient and his or her circumstances. What we suggest, as well as scientific studies, is that a minimum of 30 minutes per day can benefit you. If you have grown up in a city, you might benefit from even more time outside than someone who has spent a large part of their life in a natural setting.

When you choose a drug or alcohol rehab in Chiang Rai, you can feel confident in knowing that you will be undergoing rehab in nature. Chiang Rai is more akin to a town than a city and surrounded by green covered mountains. Many of these are protected and rich in flora and fauna. During the rainy season, waterfalls are at their greatest beauty while in the summertime, the forest comes to life and is teeming with colourful birds and butterflies.

lush green hillside in Thailand depicting rehab in nature
What rehab in nature looks like in Chiang Rai province – photo by Nopparuj Lamaikul

Getting Away from the City

It is believed that under-exposure to nature could be a factor in the cause of addiction. By getting away from the city during your recovery, you can benefit from:

  • Reducing your blood pressure
  • Getting more active
  • Increasing your dopamine and serotonin levels – naturally
  • Learning how to occupy your time
  • Exploring your thoughts and feelings
  • Reducing feelings of depression or anxiety
  • Increasing your oxygen levels

In addition to this, a drug rehab in Chiang Rai, such as Siam Rehab, will utilise nature in a broad number of ways. Outdoor activities, outside meditation, walking, or other excursions are great ways to progress through rehab in nature. Apart from the physical benefits, the mental benefits may include:

  • Reduced frustration, anger and anxiety
  • Increased sense of calm
  • Improved mental clarity
  • Improved focus
  • A greater sense of social wellbeing

How Nature Can Heal Mental Fatigue

Many people with a drug or alcohol addiction will suffer from mental fatigue. When a patient chooses to get sober, they will have to put in a good amount of effort to attain a healthy recovery. To overcome an addiction, mental strength is needed. However, when a patient is mentally exhausted, recovery can become more difficult. Rehab in nature can alleviate mental fatigue so much so that patients are encouraged to go for a walk outside whenever they may be feeling particularly low during treatment.

Final Thoughts On How Rehab in Nature Compliments the Recovery Process

Trees, plants, and an overall green setting can be vital to a healthy recovery. As a well-established rehab in Thailand, we have seen the following benefits in previous patients who sought treatment at our green facility.

  • Immediate relief from post acute withdrawal anxiety
  • Immediate relief from the symptoms of depression
  • A heightened sense of awareness and self-sufficiency
  • A heightened sense of group cohesion
  • An improved sense of self worth
  • An ability to foster healthier habits
  • An opportunity to challenge or test your willpower
  • A better ability to solve problems
  • An opportunity to observe behaviours and triumph over obstacles
  • An ability to connect with others

We are well aware that nature is medicine, which is why Siam Rehab is situated in a valley amongst the forests foothills of a beautiful area in one one of Thailand’s most stunning provinces. And from our experience, we wouldn’t recommend rehab in the city, but rather a rehab in nature.

Considered to be one of the best rehabs in Thailand, Siam Rehab can assist in re-invigorating your lost energy, while at the same time giving you a firm grasp on your treatment and the recovery process. If you are looking for a drug and alcohol rehab in nature, which takes a well-rounded approach to treatment, please contact us online or call us today.

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