Addiction Recovery

7 Great Places To Relax For Recovering Addicts In Oregon

December 14, 2022

Calmness is crucial in recovery. Here’s a list of places to visit in Oregon to help recovering addicts relax.

No matter the type, addiction is a trying time for anyone, both mentally and physically. And although sobriety is a significant step towards a better life, things aren't easier in recovery. If anything, the road to sobriety is very challenging because you have to battle triggers, cravings, and potential relapses.

Naturally, this time can be stressful, particularly the first few months. And that's on top of other problems you have in life. Unfortunately, negative situations and feelings are big triggers. That's why relaxation and knowing how to calm down are significant parts of the process. When you learn how to process these events calmly, you can successfully avoid relapses.

There is so much more to recovery than treatment centers and therapy. A lot of the work comes when you aren't in the presence of doctors. Most of it relies on you and how you handle recovery. So, in this article, we'll list some of the best places to visit in Oregon, focusing on those that promote relaxation.

Source: Unsplash

Where do you go when you're an addict?

When you're struggling with addiction, the places you go to are less than pretty. You'd be in areas where you can use again. These are usually dark, hidden places like alleyways or the backs of buildings. Some would even just do it in their rooms.

In both a literal and metaphorical sense, you spend your time in the dark. You spend your time tucked away chasing artificial euphoria when you could be out in the bright light, being truly free, happy, and blissful. When you're sober, you have a clear mind that can show you the countless possibilities you can steer your life towards.

But having a place you genuinely feel calm and relaxed in can be tough when in recovery. The places you associate with "happiness" may be those you go to use. Areas that should be calming, like your house or room, might be triggers.

That's why we've compiled this list to show you places in Oregon you can visit to get away from it all.

7 Places To Visit In Oregon

1. Cannon Beach

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Source: Cannon Beach

If you ask anyone, a beach trip is one of the best ways to relax. In fact, there has been plenty of research studying the positive effects on mental health of being on the seas or beaches.

For recovering addicts, spending some time in the water and sand does wonders in recovery. These include:

  • Change of scenery
  • Lowers stress levels
  • Sun exposure boosts Vitamin D
  • Uplifts mood
  • Improves overall well-being

If you're in Oregon, you should definitely check out Cannon Beach. It's a popular tourist spot for good reason. The vast stretch of sand gives you a lot of space to sit and relax or even jog and exercise. It also has fantastic views of jagged coastal rocks, Haystack Rock being the largest.

2. Shibui Spa

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What better way to feel calm than in a spa? Shibu Spa offers a wide array of holistic spa treatments. Aside from the standard services like massages and facials, they also have beatification services like waxing, makeup, and lashes. What ups the experience even more is the astonishing views of the mountains.

Spa trips are more than just about relaxing. It's a form of self-care. And when you start to care about yourself more, the easier recovery will be.

3. Knot Springs

Another spa, Knot Springs is another haven for those in recovery. Their philosophy revolves around the idea of healing the spirit as well as the body. The concept can be pretty helpful in recovery.

They offer an entire menu of massages. So you're sure to find the one that suits you and your needs. In addition, they provide water therapy in the hot springs. Other than soothing sore muscles and helping you relax, hot baths or balneotherapy have a multitude of benefits, like:

  • Reducing stress and increasing endorphin production
  • Stimulates your immune system
  • Relaxes you physically and mentally
  • Promotes sleep

4. Mount Hood National Forest

There's something so calming and blissful about mountain views. Visit the Mt. Hood National Forest and bask in the glory of nature. It's also like a one-stop-shop where there are loads of things to do, like skiing down the snowy mountain and hiking and taking in the scenic view.

As a recovering addict, there are lots of mental health benefits you can reap associated with nature like:

  • Improving your mood
  • Reduces feelings of stress and anger
  • Improves self-esteem and self-confidence
  • Improves physical health
  • Helps you be more social and connect

5. Crater Lake National Park

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Another place to go to be with nature is Crater Lake National Park. It's the only national park in Oregon and home to one of the deepest lakes in the world.

Take your family or some of your best here– particularly in the summer– and enjoy some fun water activities like swimming, boating, fishing, and even camping. Spending some time here is a great way to release some tension and stress, allowing you to recover.

6. Out'n'About Treehouse Treesort

You'll be deep within nature at this "treesort," in a sense. Entirely made out of wood, the rooms are situated between treetops 10-40 feet above the ground. You'll wake up refreshed, relax, and surround by trees.

And when you explore the grounds, you'll see there's a lot to do, like ziplining, hiking, and even horseback riding. There are countless studies on how equine therapy helps mental health.

You can even do some arts and crafts like tie-dyeing and mosaic painting.

7. Powell's Books

Powell Books
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Besides going to spas and exploring nature, reading a few good books is a great way to take care of your mental health, especially if you're in recovery. Here are some benefits:

  • Provides a healthy escape
  • Reduces stress
  • Improves understanding and empathy

Powell's Books is a literal giant when it comes to books. It covers an entire city block and carries everything from non-fiction to comic books, from new releases to first editions.

You don't even have to wait to get home to start reading. They have comfy chairs in the stores. More than that, they have guided tours and writing workshops. So, if you want to pick a new hobby or even make a career out of writing, Powell's Books is a great way to start.

Recovery is a bumpy and winding road, especially if you don't have stability and calmness in your life. Being able to truly relax helps you clear your mind and regulate your emotions to help you stay on top of everything. So, if you're ever feeling stressed, anxious, or ovewhelmed, consider checking out those places.

Start your healing and turn to Another Chance Drug & Alcohol Rehab Center of Portland. You can visit us at 12670 NW Barnes Rd Suite 200, Portland, OR 97229. You may also contact us at 971-269-8124.

Disclaimer: This post serves a strictly educational use. It does not reflect the services, products, or therapeutic approaches of this establishment or its healthcare practitioners. This blog aims not to advertise the products, services, or therapeutic approaches of any other establishment that may be associated with this site. On the subject of safe or legal services, products, and appropriate therapies, recommendations ought to be given by a qualified professional on a case-to-case basis.