Helping teens to overcome substance abuse is a very satisfying feeling. The last thing that people want to see is teens relapse and return to abusing drugs after rehab. Studies show that involving teens in hobbies and activities can help prevent relapse. However, what are some good outdoor activities for teens? Can pairing these activities with teen therapy services help your loved one?
What to Look for in Outdoor Activities
Teens can get involved in many activities. When they choose an activity, though, they need to consider a few key elements. The first is that the activity occurs outdoors. The time spent outside and in the sunshine improves their overall mood and gets them more physically active.
Next, look for outdoor activities for teens that involve others. While alone time is excellent, time with others helps teens not feel isolated. It’s also a great way for them to make new friends with like-minded people.
Lastly, look for outdoor activities that fit the teens’ interests and skill levels. If they aren’t physically capable of playing a certain sport, for example, steer clear of that. Trying to play a sport that they don’t like or aren’t good at is likely to cause frustration. This frustration could lead to relapse and more drug abuse.
These Activities Help With More Than Just Drug Abuse
Outdoor activities for teens help with more than just getting over drug abuse. Studies show that they’re a common service that a process addiction treatment center might offer. However, what is process addiction?
It refers to teens who develop an addiction to rewarding behaviors. In this generation, most process addictions for teens involve playing video games, surfing the internet, or using smartphones. A smartphone addiction treatment center is likely to offer process addiction treatment.
The goal is to break teens away from their devices or activities that they abuse. For teens who struggle with process addiction, outdoor activities can help. It takes them away from the screens that hold their attention for hours every day.
Activities Outdoors Don’t Always Have to Involve Sports
Many family members get caught up in the idea that outdoor fun involves sports. While it’s true that sports are a great way to enjoy the outdoors, not all teens are into sports. For that reason, it’s important for family members to open their minds.
Outdoor activities for teens can involve hiking, biking, or just walking. Sometimes going for a walk and having a chat with a friend or family member is a great way to reduce stress. Teens should try a few different outdoor activities and find one or two that works best for them.
We Help Teens Just Like Yours
At Foothills at Red Oak Recovery, we help teens overcome numerous types of addiction, including drug and process addictions. We believe that outdoor activities for teens can help. Some of the programs that we offer as an adolescent treatment center NC include:
- Group therapy
- Family counseling
- Individual therapy
- Eating disorder treatment
- Continued education
Don’t let your teen’s battle against drug abuse end with rehab. Find out more about how outdoor activities can aid his or her fight to stay drug-free. Call us at 866.300.5275 to let us teach your teen the skills that he or she needs.
