By living out the lessons they learn at Back2Basics, these young men are setting themselves up for success and a sober life ahead.
Independent Living Education
During addiction, many people are codependent. By learning to live independently, these individuals will create a sense of self-reliance, accountability and resilience. By building life skills such as time management, household budgeting and even household maintenance, individuals in recovery will gain confidence in their ability to navigate challenges that arise any given day without turning to substances. Embracing independence encourages individuals to be accountable in their choices and empowers them to build a fulfilling life outside of addiction. By embracing their independence, individuals in recovery can create a sense of autonomy and stability that strengthens their commitment to sobriety and will help foster long-term success.
Cooking
Learning to cook and make meals for oneself can be an important transformative tool for people in the recovery process. By taking control of their meals and nutrition, individuals can create a sense of self-care. Cooking provides outlets for creativity and relaxation, helping to redirect energy away from addictive behaviors. Engaging in the preparation of their own meals can also help foster a deeper connection to the food they are putting in their bodies. Doing so helps promote healthier eating habits, and many people in recovery need to replenish many nutrients and minerals lost during the height of addiction. By cooking for oneself, individuals in recovery not only provide nourishment for their bodies but it also nurtures their minds, helping lay a foundation for sustained wellness over time.
Community Service
Getting involved in community service activities can be a powerful tool for individuals during the recovery process as it offers a sense of purpose, fulfillment and connection. Giving back to the community they live in shifts the person’s focus from their own issues to people who are dealing with struggles of their own. By being active in these services, people in recovery can build empathy and compassion for others that may have been absent during the height of their addiction. Community service also provides individuals with social connections and exposes them to new support systems and friendships, which leads to reduced feelings of loneliness. Serving other people in recovery will build important tools they need in life such as accountability and responsibility, reinforcing the critical aspect of making positive life choices while maintaining their sobriety.
Yoga
Practicing yoga provides physical and mental health benefits for those recovering from addiction. Through the holistic approach of yoga, these exercises help with mindfulness, inner strength and self-awareness, which are essential components to overcoming addiction. The practice of yoga provides a safe space for people to release tension and boost their physical well-being. With an emphasis on breathing and meditation, yoga teaches people going through recovery how to manage stress, cravings and anxiety to help empower them and navigate the many challenges of getting sober. Participating in yoga classes can also create a sense of community and support, helping individuals make friendships with like-minded people who want to become healthier. By adding yoga into their everyday routines, people in recovery can use this exercise system to heal, find balance and build a sense of purpose.
By learning everyday life lessons, the men in the Back2Basics program are preparing themselves for life after the program. They are learning how to be independent and accountable in all aspects of their lives. By living out the lessons they learn at Back2Basics, these young men are setting themselves up for success and a sober life ahead. FBN
By Roy DuPrez
Roy DuPrez, M.Ed., is the CEO and founder of Back2Basics Outdoor Adventure Recovery in Flagstaff. DuPrez received his B.S. and M.Ed. from Northern Arizona University. Back2Basics helps young men, ages 18 to 35, recover from addiction to drugs and alcohol. Back2Basics is an adventure recovery program, up to six months, for young adult males ages 18-30 with substance abuse issues looking for a positive and meaningful life. In our program, clients are exposed to a weekly combination of both wilderness adventures and residential programming. For more information, visit back2basicsoutdooradventures.com, call 928-814-2220 or email rduprez@b2badventures.com.