RESEARCH

Veterans in Substance Abuse Treatment Program Self-Initiate Box Gardening as a Stress Reducing Therapeutic Modality

Veterans in a substance abuse treatment program self-initiated a horticultural therapy garden, finding it to be a stress-reducing and therapeutic activity during their free time. The veterans reported feeling “calm,” “serene,” and “refreshed” during and after garden visits, highlighting the potential of patient autonomy and horticulture therapy in recovery.
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Summary

This retrospective study assessed veterans’ experiences with a self-initiated horticultural therapy garden during their 28-day inpatient Substance Abuse Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Program. Group interviews with veterans from the program and individual interviews with VAMC greenhouse staff were conducted in the summer of 2016. Outcome measures included time spent in the garden, frequency of visits, types of activities, and emotional reactions to the garden.

The results showed that 50% of the 56 veterans interviewed visited the garden during their free time, with visits ranging from 3 times weekly to 1-2 times a day, and lasting from 10 minutes to 2 hours. Veterans engaged in both active gardening activities (watering, weeding, harvesting) and passive activities (reading, relaxing). They reported feeling “calm,” “serene,” and “refreshed” during and after garden visits. The study concluded that the veterans’ initiative in continuing the horticulture therapy program highlights the potential of autonomy and patient-driven activities in recovery, and supports the value of horticulture therapy as a meaningful therapeutic modality.

Link

Lehmann, L.P., Detweiler, J.G., & Detweiler, M.B. (2018). Veterans in substance abuse treatment program self-initiate box gardening as a stress reducing therapeutic modality. Complement Ther Med., 36, 50-53.

 

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