Nature - A Powerful Addiction Medicine

We are studying the Essays written by Ralph Waldo Emerson.  This week’s discussion focused on Nature which he authored in 1850.

Emerson says “These enchantments are medicinal, they sober and heal us.  These are plain pleasures, kindly and native to us.”

I would have to agree.  Spend some time in nature and it won’t take long to see how it can serve as powerful addiction medicine.  Addiction problems are dwarfed by the majesty and simplicity of nature.  Today, I took some time out to hike the ridge near our home.  I made a couple of new acquaintances.  See for yourself.

I have always loved being out in nature. From the mountains to the beach, there are endless ways that I can be captivated.  Nature is a therapeutic way to meet one of the challenges that must be dealt with in any addiction recovery program.  You must learn to become comfortable with yourself.  What does that look like??

You might start by simply turning off the television and phone.  How long does it take for you to scramble for the newspaper, or a book or magazine?  Sitting meditation can seem overwhelming – and even scary - for someone that is not acquainted with their inner voice.  That’s where an experience in nature can bridge the gap.

Try a moving meditation and take a walk or hike in nature.  It’s best to avoid inviting friends along.  Remember, this is an experience that is designed to help you with your addiction withdrawal symptoms.  You’re developing a friendship with yourself…or as we like to say “you’re working to RecoverYES (Your Ethereal Self).”

Nature inspired Emerson to write one of his most beloved essays.  He referred to nature’s medicinal qualities and how they sober and heal us.  I imagine that Emerson would recommend an experience in nature for a dose of free addiction medicine.

How might nature inspire you?  Only a personal experience will reveal the treasures that can help you recover from addiction.

What is the definition of addiction?

What is the definition of addiction?

Addiction is a compulsion to use a substance or exhibit an activity regardless of negative or adverse consequences. Addiction is characterized by a psychological and/or physical dependence on the substance or behavior. The following traits define most addictive behavior…

Dependence: A recurrent or ongoing need/compulsion to use substances or exhibit behaviors. Psychological dependence is the need to use or behave in order to think, feel or function normally. Physical dependence exists when tissues of the body require the presence of alcohol or drugs in order to function normally. 

Inability to stop: Behavior is continued even in the face of obvious negative consequences.

Tolerance or Progressiveness: Requirement for increasing doses or increasingly risky behavior to achieve the same effect as was obtained by the original dose or behavior.

Withdrawal: Physical and/or psychological effects that occur when an addict attempts to stop their addictive behavior.

Unmanageability: Life literally becomes unmanageable or out of control as the addict grows in dependence on the substance or behaviors that characterize their addiction(s).

Co-morbidity: Most addicts exhibit more than one addiction or, upon stopping one addiction, jump to another addiction soon thereafter.

Double Life: Many addicts lead a secret or “double life” as they perform their addictive behaviors while appearing to function normally to the outside world.

Depression and/or Anxiety: Many addicts also show symptoms of depression and/or anxiety. In fact, most addicts will say that they act out in order to relieve depression or stress.

Life can become unmanageable or out of control due to any type of addition…whether it be alcohol, drugs, sex, smoking, relationships, money, TV, gambling, religion, food, work, exercise, or even surfing the internet.  And, this list is a work in progress. There is much to learn and comprehend. What would your definition of addiction look like?  You can find an addictions list at www.RecoverYES.com.