In a world that moves fast and encourages numbing over feeling, wilderness therapy offers something radically different—stillness, challenge, presence, and truth. For adult men battling drug addiction, it can be a powerful way to press pause, reset, and reimagine life in recovery.
Sacred Journey Recovery uses adventure therapy to empower men to break free from addiction and rediscover a purposeful, fulfilling life. But this experiential approach is just one part of a much deeper healing experience.
Here, every hike, climb, and challenge is integrated with evidence-based clinical modalities that have been rigorously studied and proven effective in treated substance use disorders (SUDs) and a wide range of co-occurring disorders. This strong foundation allows us to address addiction, trauma, depression, anxiety, and other mental health concerns that keep men from recovering.
To guide men through the transformative process of overcoming substance abuse and co-occurring disorders Sacred Journey Recovery’s men-only addiction treatment center combines evidence-based therapies, spiritual exploration, and the restorative power of nature.
One of the core therapeutic models that we integrate into every aspect of our programming is Dialectical Behavioral Therapy or DBT. In addition to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Narrative Therapy, we use these modalities to provide compassionate and holistic care.
But how exactly does DBT work?
What is Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)?
At Sacred Journey Recovery, we’ve infused these evidence-based modalities into the heart of our experiential work, whether it’s on the climbing wall, around the fire, in a process group, or during a rite of passage weekend. We provide a safe and structured environment for men to heal emotionally, mentally, spiritually, and physically.
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy in particular helps men gain control over their impulsive behaviors, regulate intense emotions, and improve their ability to navigate complex interpersonal relationships.
DBT is a type of cognitive-behavioral therapy developed by psychologist Dr. Marsha Linehan. It was originally designed to treat individuals with borderline personality disorder, but over the past few decades, it’s become a proven and trusted approach for treating a range of mental health challenges—and that includes substance use disorders.
What sets DBT apart is its unique blend of two core ideas: acceptance and change.
DBT helps you accept the reality of your current situation as well as your emotional experiences. At the same time, this program guides you to change unhelpful behaviors and thought patterns. For men in recovery, this paves the way for a sober life that is both meaningful and fulfilling.
Through Sacred Journey Recovery’s Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, men can learn to manage their emotions and cope with stress without turning to the substances that are destroying their lives. In the process, this can even help them build healthier relationships as they learn how to communicate effectively and remain grounded in the present moment.
This science-backed approach, combined with the raw, grounding power of nature through our wilderness therapy program, is a powerful way for men to face their substance abuse. For those who are looking for a different kind of recovery—one that’s honest, challenging, and deeply healing—you’re in the right place.
How DBT Works in Addiction Treatment
At Sacred Journey Recovery, we know that healing from drug addiction isn’t just about quitting substances—it’s about rebuilding your life. What men should know coming into this program is that DBT is not a quick fix nor is it just another therapy session. This is a comprehensive, structured program built around four key skill areas: mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness.
With Sacred Journey Recovery, men won’t just be learning these skills—they will be embodying them through challenge, reflection, and relational growth. In the wilderness, they get to pick up these lessons and apply them in real-time. That’s what sets us apart from more traditional rehab programs.
We don’t just treat symptoms. We facilitate change that lasts.
Mindfulness
Mindfulness is the foundation of DBT.
This program teaches men how to stay grounded in the present moment instead of getting swept up in cravings, shame, and spiraling thoughts. By learning to observe their thoughts and feelings without judgment, they gain greater awareness of triggers. Sacred Journey Recovery also teaches them to respond to these thoughts and feelings rather than just reacting. This is especially important for those recovering from drug or alcohol addiction, where impulsivity is often part of the struggle.
Distress Tolerance
Addiction thrives in moments of emotional crisis. DBT’s distress tolerance skills help men navigate these high-stress situations without falling back into unhealthy habits and self-destructive behavior. We equip men with practical tools so they could learn how to ride out emotional storms. This skillset empowers them to make it through cravings, withdrawals, and real-life challenges without relapsing.
Emotion Regulation
Speaking of emotional crises, many men in recovery often go through extremes, whether it’s anger, guilt, or fear. DBT helps them recognize and manage these feelings before they become overwhelming. This not only supports sobriety but helps restore a man’s inner balance. With DBT, men learn to channel their emotions in healthy ways rather than be driven by them.
Interpersonal Effectiveness
Addiction doesn’t just impact the individual. It affects the people around the addicted person, leading to damaged relationships and broken trust. DBT’s interpersonal effectiveness module helps men rebuild healthy connections while setting clear boundaries. They learn how to ask for what they need, say no without guilt, and navigate conflict without aggression or withdrawal.
Why DBT is So Effective for Men in Recovery
Addiction thrives in emotional chaos and disconnection. Sacred Journey Recovery’s DBT offers practical tools that allow men to navigate their cravings and emotional triggers without spiraling back into addictive behaviors.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy has been shown to reduce relapse rates, increase treatment retention, and improve overall functioning in individuals with co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders (Linehan et al., 1999; Axelrod et al., 2011).
Men in particular may benefit from this treatment due to gender-specific challenges that they face in recovery.
Men Often Struggle with Emotional Suppression
From a young age, many men are taught to “man up” or “suck it up” instead of addressing their emotions and stressors. This expectation to handle everything by yourself leads to isolation, which pushes a lot of men to try and cope using drugs or alcohol. But addiction is not something you can deal with on your own. This is why Sacred Journey Recovery puts a lot of emphasis on brotherhood building.
When you are out in the wilderness with peers who understand exactly what you’re going through, it becomes easier to apply the lessons you are learning from trained counselors and addiction experts.
Difficult conversations surrounding addiction and societal expectations become easier to tackle without distractions or fear of judgment. You don’t just sit around in a clinical setting talking about your feelings. Here, you solve problems, conquer challenges together, share victories, and discover the value of community.
Sacred Journey Recovery forges a strong bond between participants built on mutual accountability and support. DBT teaches men that strength doesn’t come from silence—it comes from honesty, vulnerability, and self-mastery.
Structured Thinking for Men Who Thrive on Logic
Some men resist traditional therapy because it feels too vague or abstract. DBT stands out because it’s structured, goal-oriented, and skill-based. This makes it highly effective for men who prefer practical tools over deep introspection.
Each DBT module includes clear techniques, step-by-step strategies, and real-world applications. It’s not about talking in circles—it’s about taking action.
Reduces Shame Around Relapse or Struggle
DBT acknowledges that setbacks aren’t necessarily failures but opportunities for growth. Its nonjudgmental stance is especially helpful for men who carry shame, guilt, or self-blame around their addiction.
Instead of punishing yourself for your past, DBT helps you learn from your mistakes and stay committed even after relapse. Combined with Sacred Journey Recovery’s adventure-based approach, men get to build a more resilient, self-compassionate mindset.
Is DBT Right for You?
If you’re a man who struggles with intense emotions or emotional numbness; turns to substances when life feels out of control; finds it hard to ask for help; or struggle to maintain healthy relationships, DBT might be exactly what you need. DBT is not just talk—it gives you tools that actually work.
Keep in mind that DBT helps heal more than just addiction. Many men who suffer from depression, anxiety, PTSD, anger management issues, and emotional numbness can also benefit from Dialectical Behavior Therapy.
Much like Sacred Journey Recovery’s holistic approach, DBT is designed to treat the whole person. Whether you’re dealing with intense emotions or total emotional shutdown, our program gives you the skills to regulate, engage, and reconnect.
Why Sacred Journey Recovery?
At Sacred Journey Recovery, we take DBT out of the traditional clinical environment and place it in the natural world—where distractions are removed, and healing can begin in earnest. We believe that healing begins outside of your comfort zone.
Each week at Sacred Journey Recovery is centered around an experience designed to push you out of your comfort zone while providing the support you need to grow and realize your own strength. Our therapists and counselors can help you unwind the knots of past addictions through the lens of that week’s experience, turbocharging what can be achieved in the short time spent in treatment.
The outdoor setting itself can be incredibly healing, as nature helps relieve stress, allowing men to focus on their recovery. Mindfulness in nature is intuitive. It’s easier to be present when you’re sitting by a river, walking a trail, or looking up at the stars.
Whether you are camping, hiking, rock climbing, stepping into the wind tunnel for indoor skydiving, rappelling, engaging in wolf therapy, or going through physical resilience training, you will learn healthy coping skills through firsthand experience.
We provide men with an experience that will equip them with the tools they need to stay on the right track even after they leave our facility. Here, DBT isn’t just a worksheet—it’s a lived experience.
The wilderness doesn’t just support DBT—it amplifies it.
As a specialized men’s addiction treatment center, Sacred Journey Recovery provides an environment where men can openly address gender-specific challenges. It’s a supportive, brotherhood-like atmosphere that encourages honesty, accountability, and long-term growth.
Take the First Step Today
Recovery doesn’t have to mean sitting in a sterile room talking about your feelings. It can mean standing in a forest, learning to breathe again. It can mean climbing a hill with brothers who’ve walked your path. It can mean learning to live without fear of your own emotions.
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy at Sacred Journey Recovery offers men the tools to break free from addiction, reclaim emotional strength, and build a future that feels truly alive.
For more information on our services and admissions process, visit:
sacredjourneyrecovery.com/our-services.
We empower men to break free from addiction and build a life of strength, purpose, and lasting sobriety through adventure-based treatment and holistic healing.
Start a new chapter of your life, today.
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