Recovery Skills with a Ropes Course
Experiential work is used to challenge those in alcohol or drug rehab. One of the pieces used in this challenge is Cirque Lodge’s indoor rope course. The ropes course is located inside a 17,000 ft. soundstage in Cirque’s studio facility. It is made up to two very large tripods, which are connected by a series of challenges and climbing events. The events and activities can challenge the alcoholic/addict to think in a different way. This, of course is a direction of recovery, which is much different then solving problems and challenges by getting drunk or high.
The ropes course provides a number of different challenges. Some of them take place high above the ground. Some challenges take place right on the floor. The ropes course provides both activities as a group and as an individual. It provides lessons on problem solving and skills for the recovery process. At first, an individual’s fears can prevent them from taking on high ropes challenges. The experiential staff will gradually work with everyone to obtain comfortable goals during their drug rehab stay. This process can result in individuals overcoming their fears and finding strength within them.
Ropes activities can also teach individual lessons about self and problem solving. Some individuals may not know it, but some problem solving skills can make them natural leaders. Group challenges in the ropes course can require individuals to take a lead, to plan and to problem solve. Other individuals in drug rehab can use these activities to build support and strength for their recovery process. When they leave the safety of the addiction treatment facility, these problem solving skills can be applied to life and maintaining successful sobriety.
