Addiction is both a common cause and a frequent consequence of psychological trauma. It affects not only the users of illegal drugs, but also many users of alcohol, tobacco, caffeine, pain killers, anti-depressants, sugar and other foods. It extends to problem gamblers, and all those consumers who indulge in ‘retail therapy.’ One of the most important ways we can bring hope to humanity is by working to reduce addiction.
Connection with nature can be a powerful healing experience. UK charity Phoenix Futures makes creative use of this to bring hope to many of the drug addicts that it helps kick their habits. The aim of their Conservation Therapy Programme is to help users of their service rediscover themselves through contact with nature. Away from traditional therapeutic settings, ‘the outdoors’ creates a powerful environment which builds self esteem and confidence. Participation in this programme has led to a 28% increase in retention rates in residential rehabilitation programmes, and 53% make a full recovery. An important additional benefit is that it benefits local communities and the conservation of specific areas of countryside.
In a new initiative reported by the Guardian newspaper, Phoenix Futures encourages those who have beaten addiction with the their help to plant a tree in an area owned by the Woodland Trust as part of a larger rehabilitation project. John Crane, their alcohol treatment practitioner said:
Recovery is a journey from ruin to resurrection – it's about growth and renewal and unlocking potential. People who go through recovery remark about being reborn, and a tree growing is a great symbol of recovery and a great metaphor for growth. It was essential for me that service users plant the trees themselves because my intention is that the forest should be a powerful experience for everybody who goes there – this makes recovering a location as well as a word.
Phoenix Future’s chief executive, Karen Biggs, adds:
I want the forest to become a place where people can come throughout the year and bring their families. It shows the growth and strength of people going through the recovery journey and is a living symbol of individual and collective achievement – a beautiful symbol on the landscape.
The last word comes from Jaime Kinsella who is about to complete her recovery programme after being a drug user for 20 years:
It is truly inspirational. A tree is so symbolic. This is a really special day and it is a place I will return to with my children in the future.
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