Fall is the perfect season to start shedding the old and making way for the new. If you’re in an outpatient program for addiction treatment, you have more of a reason than ever to take advantage of sober, fun, fall activities during this season. Embrace new opportunities for self-exploration and enjoyment as you work to prioritize your sobriety.
The Fall Season in Outpatient Treatment
If you are in an outpatient addiction treatment program during the fall, you will have a good opportunity to get outside and enjoy the season. Outpatient treatment programs allow you to live at home and continue work and family responsibilities while you’re in treatment. However, if you don’t have a stable living environment, you can consider participating in a sober living home.
Partial Hospitalization Programs
Partial hospitalization programs (PHP) are a highly intensive outpatient treatment option. These programs will help you stay on track after a detox of substances, holding you accountable with a highly structured schedule.
PHPs are also ideal for people with moderate-level addictions who may not need to go through an inpatient program first. A quality PHP treatment plan will be designed with the individual in mind, allowing you to continue most work and responsibilities outside of treatment.
PHPs require a good amount of time in treatment in order to get you on a strong path of recovery, but they also come along with downtime throughout the week for leisure and fun fall activities.
Intensive Outpatient Programs
Intensive outpatient programs (IOP) are another treatment track where you will find extra time in your week to enjoy fun fall activities. The IOP is usually a step down from PHP, with a smaller programming schedule that gets you ready for a full immersion back into daily life.
In an IOP you will find the same therapy modalities as a PHP, but the main difference is that an IOP is less intensive, which encourages more independence for those undergoing treatment. When you’re in an IOP, you will have a lot more free time to enjoy activities, especially in the fall when there are so many exciting things going on.
Sober Living
If you do not have a stable home environment, a sober living program might be a great option for you. You can live at a sober house for the duration of your outpatient program, or longer if needed.
Many sober living programs will organize group activities, with a variety of options in the fall to enjoy the season. When choosing a program, it’s a good idea to ask what kind of activities are available to participate in. If there aren’t any fall activities planned for the season, you can probably suggest an outing and see who would like to come along for the fun!
Fun Fall Activities for People in Outpatient Treatment
When you’re enrolled in outpatient addiction treatment during the fall season, you can learn how to enjoy yourself again while participating in sober activities. There are a variety of different ways that you can get out there and enjoy the upcoming fall season. Here are some options that you might want to try out:
Spend Time in Nature
Spending time in nature is extremely healing for the mind, body, and soul. In the fall, the leaves start to change and the air is crisp, painting a beautiful landscape for outdoor activities.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service, there are many physical and mental wellness benefits associated with being outside in green spaces. These benefits can be helpful for both depression and stress, support an active and healthy lifestyle, and even “increase life expectancy, improve sleep quality and reduce cancer risk.”
The Forest Service also says that being in nature can “restore and strengthen our mental capacities, increasing focus and attention.” These benefits are wonderful for people with substance use disorders (SUDs), allowing them to focus their minds on the present moment rather than falling back into old habits.
Attend Harvest Festivals
Harvest Festivals are a fun staple of the fall season. They seem to pop up everywhere around this time, with tons of things to do. Harvest festivals usually have a combination of entertainment, animals, food, and crafts. With a simple internet search, you can probably find one close to you.
According to News in Health, loneliness and social isolation are linked to poorer health, depression, and an increased risk of early death. Social interaction has wonderful benefits that can even reduce stress and support a long and healthy life. At festivals, you will be able to interact with plenty of other people who are also there to enjoy the weather and fun of the season.
Pick Pumpkins and Apples
Pumpkin and apple picking have been entertaining children and adults alike for decades. When you’re out there picking pumpkins or apples, you’ll be outdoors, reaping the benefits of the crisp, fall air.
Grab a bag, head out in the fields, and see if you can find the biggest pumpkin or the most delicious apples. When you’re in the moment and having fun, you can get your mind off of substances. This will allow you to experience the wonderful gifts of the world while sober, strengthening your confidence in long-lasting success.
The fall season is the perfect time to enjoy yourself and participate in sober activities. When you focus your mind and live in the present moment, you will find more confidence in your sobriety and long-lasting success. At Lighthouse Recovery Texas, our partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient programs allow you to have the extra time and flexibility you need to enjoy the fall season and beyond. Our programs are highly-structured, with advanced therapy modalities to help you learn how to enjoy yourself again without the need for substances. Lighthouse’s sober living program is an excellent option for those who do not have a stable home environment. You can live in the sober living facility while enrolled in outpatient treatment, and have the time to continue daily life responsibilities as well as enjoy the fall season. Many residents in our programs achieve long-lasting success in sobriety. Call us today at (214) 396-0259.
