RESEARCH

Growing Past Addiction With Horticulture Therapy

This article explores horticultural therapy (HT) in addiction recovery, highlighting how gardening fosters stress relief, mindfulness, emotional healing, and personal growth.
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Summary

Horticultural therapy (HT) helps individuals in rehab settings by promoting mindfulness, self-discipline, and a sense of purpose. Patients engage in activities such as gardening, weeding, and cooking with harvested produce, guided by trained therapists. The nonjudgmental nature of plants allows individuals to connect with something living, reinforcing accountability and personal growth. Programs like Enlightened Recovery and Mountainside Treatment Center use gardening as a metaphor for recovery, emphasizing cycles of growth, renewal, and transformation.

Beyond emotional healing, HT also addresses co-occurring mental health disorders, stress management, and nutrition. Studies show that gardening reduces anxiety and depression, while programs like Summit Malibu incorporate harvesting and cooking lessons to promote healthy eating habits. By cultivating plants, individuals rebuild their connection to nature, develop life skills, and strengthen their recovery journey, proving that gardening is more than a hobby—it’s a path to healing.

Link

Ogren, G. (2023, February 25). Growing past addiction with horticulture therapy (R. Rathod, Ed.). Recovery.com.

 

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