“Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature’s peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop away from you like the leaves of Autumn.”
The Naturist John Muir spent every possible moment that he could in the mountains and surrounded by nature. He experienced firsthand the renewal that it provides. For the struggling alcoholic or addict, nature can be the location for a fresh start.

It is an example of life and recovery. A new day is found with the rising of the sun. Every spring brings us a promise of new life. Even after devastating fires and other disasters, nature always finds a way to restore itself and rebuild. Those bankrupted by addiction can have the same experiences in the recovery process. We incorporate nature activities into our alcohol treatment and drug rehab program. Through experiential therapies we see this renewal and recovery in our residents.

Typically, when someone comes to addiction treatment they are in a bad way. Emotionally and spiritually they probably are at an all-time low. Drug and alcohol treatment and therapy are used to help determine solutions and provide answers to questions. A caring surrounding provides a support to help with a personal morale. Here at the Cirque, we use the mountains and nature to help with restoring the spirit. It is a venue where our residents can find their true self and make connections to a power greater than their own.

As a 12-step alcohol and drug rehab program, we strive to provide our residents with a solid foundation of those initial steps of recovery. These involve making connections to a higher power and we can think of no greater venue than out in surrounding of nature. Time is taken in these activities for reflection, self-discovery and meditation. It is time to do some soul searching. Somehow, in its own unique way, nature plays a role in providing healing and vital spiritual experiences.

Nature is also a venue to exercise in. No matter if it is the mountains, the beach, or even the desert, you will always see individuals engaged in hiking, running, swimming or biking. It is part of a healthier lifestyle. In addiction recovery, these activities also help in a number of ways. Such activities promote physical recovery over addictions. At Cirque, these start through our experiential program in the mountains. We incorporate daily activities of hiking, biking, river rafting, and even some mountain climbing as a means to physical renewal. It helps the body recover. It is positive on the mind and provides a natural reward.

Addiction recovery is a long-term process. It starts with a drug and alcohol rehab program and continues through a personal effort. Those in recovery will incorporate positive things in their effort to assist them in staying clean and sober. Typically, this might include continuing with A.A., working with a sponsor, outpatient programs, and additional individual and family therapies. One thing that can be incorporated into these effective tools of sober living is nature. It can benefit you in your recovery to still get outdoors and in a natural environment. Whether you are going to the mountains, your local park, or just out to work in your garden, you will be surprised as how it continues to restore and support your recovery process.