Wilderness as Healing Environment: Treating Adolescent Substance Misuse in Wilderness Therapy

Abstract

ABSTRACT This paper reviews three psychoanalytic conceptualizations of substance misuse, discussing the implications for substance treatment deriving from these conceptualizations. The paper also presents wilderness therapy as an evidence-based approach, reviewing the outcomes and primary components of such programs. Finally, the paper concludes with two case studies of adolescents with substance use disorders treated in wilderness therapy.