Society can sometimes take a binary view on the way that we look at addiction. A person begins doing drugs and alcohol recreationally, which leads to overindulging in drugs or alcohol, which leads to addiction that requires treatment. However, as we continue to better understand mental health issues and the role these issues play in addiction, we being to understand that some people’s relationship with mental health and addiction is much more complicated. The last two years, from the start of … [Read more...] about Outdoor Adventure Therapy: Treating Mental Health Issues that Lead to Addiction
Back2Basics Outdoor Adventure Recovery
Understanding the Benefits of Outdoor Activities on the Road to Recovery
The outdoors is a great place to find healing and a better understanding of yourself. A scenic hike on a mountain trail, resting near a peaceful river or gazing across a vast landscape can bring a feeling of tranquility to a stressful and anxious person. Spring is inching closer in Flagstaff, which brings new opportunities for outdoor adventure therapy to serve a role in someone’s path to sobriety. Outdoor adventure therapy can be hugely beneficial for those struggling with addiction. Outdoor … [Read more...] about Understanding the Benefits of Outdoor Activities on the Road to Recovery
Cleansing Through Forest Bathing and Chocolate
Actress Mariel Hemingway walked barefoot through the red rocks of Sedona on a brisk March morning before joining directors, producers and writers in a news conference without her shoes. The event was designed to promote and explain the film, “Down to Earth: The Remarkable Science of Grounding.” Grounding or “Earthing” means connecting one’s body to the earth to restore electromagnetic balance. Scientists, doctors and researchers in the film say this act restores and maintains optimal health. … [Read more...] about Cleansing Through Forest Bathing and Chocolate
Combatting Compassion Fatigue
What happens when the provider, the caregiver, starts to burn out? Science reveals that we experience a change biochemically when we have taken on too much. Compassion fatigue creates a whole host of symptoms, including irritability, impatience, exhaustion, intolerance, dread, lack of clarity, poor motivation, a decline in personal well-being regarding sleep, health and mood, a transfer of stress to personal life, the internal eye roll, boredom, feeling of heaviness, forgetfulness, … [Read more...] about Combatting Compassion Fatigue
Forming Healthy Habits for Sustainable Recovery
Most men who come to treatment are here because their lives have become unmanageable and they are in dire need of structure. The carefully designed schedule of Back2Basics mirrors that of a balanced lifestyle, focusing on the discipline required to accomplish the tasks needed to maintain a healthy existence. Creating and adhering to a personal daily routine that includes getting enough sleep, eating nutritious foods, interacting positively with others and moving the body is the path to … [Read more...] about Forming Healthy Habits for Sustainable Recovery
Combatting Compassion Fatigue
What happens when the provider, the caregiver, starts to burn out? Science reveals that we experience a change biochemically when we have taken on too much. Compassion fatigue creates a whole host of symptoms, including irritability, impatience, exhaustion, intolerance, dread, lack of clarity, poor motivation, a decline in personal well-being regarding sleep, health and mood, a transfer of stress to personal life, the internal eye roll, boredom, feeling of heaviness, forgetfulness, … [Read more...] about Combatting Compassion Fatigue
Taking a Comprehensive Approach to Living
People who demonstrate a sense of well-being possess nine essential characteristics: balance, resilience, contentment, goal setting, flexibility, self-confidence, support, gratitude and connection. Back2Basics views addiction as a whole-person crisis, building those characteristics into every aspect of the experience to strengthen the well-being and enhance the overall sense of self of every resident. This whole-person approach of addressing the mind and body as one is purposefully embedded … [Read more...] about Taking a Comprehensive Approach to Living
Understanding the Stages of Change
The new year is well upon us, and many have been making changes as a component of a New Year’s resolution. Identified changes may be orchestrated to become healthier by increasing physical activities, or an effort to eat a well-balanced diet. You may have attempted these changes in the past, with limited success. In order to create change in your life, you must first understand the process of making sustainable changes. The Transtheoretical Model, also known as the Stages of Change Model, … [Read more...] about Understanding the Stages of Change