PDFHaving Fun in Recovery: The Adventure Curriculum at Four Circles
By its nature, wilderness therapy is full of adventure – but at Four Circles we take adventure to a whole new level.
Adventure activities like rock climbing, fly fishing, and canoeing are a regular part of the curriculum at Four Circles. As part of our clinical programming, adventure trips to nearby mountains and rivers remind our clients that being clean and sober can be rewarding and fun. Through adrenaline-pumping activities, clients discover new pastimes and interests that make them feel excited and energized without using drugs or alcohol.
As with all components of the substance abuse treatment program at Four Circles, our staff takes the highest safety precautions during adventure trips. In addition to hiring professional guides, there is always a minimum of four staff members and a therapist with the groups during adventure week. In line with our philosophy of “challenge by choice,” clients are never forced to participate in any of the activities, but are encouraged to observe and learn along with the group.
Much more than a fun recreational outlet, the adventure trips also serve an important therapeutic purpose. Every new activity challenges clients to push their limits, and also brings out emotions and behavior patterns quickly so therapists can assist in processing those emotions and channeling them in more constructive ways. This type of “peak experience” has proven to aid greatly in recovery from drug or alcohol abuse.
Adventure activities also help young adults in recovery stay mindful of the present moment while building their skills and confidence. The rock climbing, canoeing, and fly fishing outings are rich with metaphor, giving staff and therapists at Four Circles new opportunities to explore the issues underlying each client’s limiting beliefs about themselves and how they view the world.
Taking advantage of the beautiful landscapes surrounding our campus, as well as the multiple climbing areas and dozens of streams and ponds nearby, adventure activities are a natural complement to the wilderness expeditions, individual and group therapy, and 12-step curriculum offered at Four Circles. The adventure curriculum, while invigorating and fun, also presents one more opportunity for clients to connect with the natural world and focus on the work of recovery.
Just as it may at first seem impossible to scale the mountainside, young people begin to realize that a life without drugs or alcohol is not only possible, but deeply fulfilling. When you push your limits and step outside your comfort zone, a whole world of possibilities opens up.
