Using a Ropes Course in Drug Rehab

Dave Beck, the experiential director at Cirque Lodge, discusses using a ropes course in addiction treatment. Cirque Lodge houses the world's largest indoor ropes and climbing facility. The ropes course is a part of our experiential program, and a unique part of our drug rehab facility. Dave discusses a few of the key points about the effectiveness of the ropes course in the recovery process.

The ropes course is broken into both low and high elements. These elements can teach imperative lessons on overcoming fear, as well as developing leadership skills. They are effective activities at getting the alcoholic/addict to use some of their cognitions that are affected by addiction. There are parts of the central nervous system that are damaged by addiction and abuse of drugs and alcohol. The brain can heal from this; it takes time and sober efforts to achieve. The ropes course activities can help the individual in recovering some of these cognitions.