When someone first enters into recovery, it can be tough to get motivated. When most of your life revolves around alcohol and not taking care of your body, it can be extremely difficult to break that cycle. Addiction gets us comfortable in an unhealthy cycle of sitting around abusing substances and … [Read more...] about Get Moving: Exercise is Essential in Recovery
Back 2 Basics
Helping an Addict Without Enabling
Addiction is tough, especially when it is a loved one going through it. You want to help them, because that’s what family members do, but that love and support may be harmful when someone is going through addiction. Bailing a family member out of jail over and over can prevent them from facing … [Read more...] about Helping an Addict Without Enabling
Mindfulness: What it is; How it Works
Simply put, mindfulness is the practice of being fully present. In our day of technical addiction and multitasking, this is actually more challenging than ever before, which is probably why mindfulness is becoming so mainstream. There is a desperate need to feel more connected and content. For … [Read more...] about Mindfulness: What it is; How it Works
Trudging Along the Road to Happy Destiny with Back2Basics
"I didn’t realize how much I had lost until I felt how much I’ve gained,” said Brad J, a Back2Basics alumnus. Our journey began in May of 2010. Back2Basics has now completed, and is proudly celebrating, seven years of Sober Living here in Flagstaff. B2B is a six-month adventure recovery program … [Read more...] about Trudging Along the Road to Happy Destiny with Back2Basics
Ten Years of Recovery Through Nature
For 10 years, Back2Basics Outdoor Adventure Recovery has been using the natural environment to help young men recover from addiction. The Flagstaff-based program engages men, ages 18 to 35, in a variety of wilderness experiences that are emotionally and physically safe, combined with more … [Read more...] about Ten Years of Recovery Through Nature
Understanding the Importance of Relationships in Recovery
Life is complex, and as human beings, we rely on others to learn and build our confidence and capacity to cope with changing situations. As a result, it stands to reason that the challenges of life are best faced when we surround ourselves with others who demonstrate healthy behaviors. For the … [Read more...] about Understanding the Importance of Relationships in Recovery
Letters We Will Never Send
The teddy bear cholla sure sounds cuddly, but don’t let it fool you. The spines on these prolific desert plants are often barbed, like a little fishhook. The cactus itself grows in a collection of smaller pieces. The pieces easily disconnect from the main stem and their needles are designed to catch … [Read more...] about Letters We Will Never Send
Understanding a New-Found Freedom
The prescriptive use of adventure experiences by health professionals has shown to result in significant improvements in the regulation of emotions and behavior. Numerous studies point to the many benefits of outdoor experiences, including self-disclosure and awareness and enhanced attention span … [Read more...] about Understanding a New-Found Freedom
Having Responsibilities Furthers the Addiction Recovery Process
In his book, “Boys Adrift,” Dr. Leonard Sax explains that men need to be responsible because if men are not needed, they do not flourish. Furthermore, according to organizational psychologist Benjamin P. Hardy, men actually step down if they are not needed. For example, when expectations are low, … [Read more...] about Having Responsibilities Furthers the Addiction Recovery Process
Understanding the Importance of Nutrition During Recovery
A balanced diet is essential for the body and the brain to function normally. Unfortunately, most Americans do not receive proper nutrition education, and have difficulty consistently eating a well-rounded diet of nutritious, whole foods. Now, imagine that you not only do not know the information, … [Read more...] about Understanding the Importance of Nutrition During Recovery
