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 and hold onto anything that comes near them, like you. It’s not unusual to find them hitching a ride on your shoe, ankle, backpack or bike tire. Once they grab on, you really don’t want to use your … [Read more...] about Letters We Will Never Send
Back2Basics
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 and problem-solving skills, as well as many brain functions important in the acquisition of a balanced life. Invigorated by the beauty of nature and the challenges it presents, many develop a … [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, you will find young men demonstrating behaviors like remaining in their parents’ homes longer, delaying steps into adulthood and failing to thrive overall. Back2Basics believes addiction takes and … [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, but you also struggle with a substance use disorder (SUD). Individuals who suffer from SUDs often dedicate their finances, energy and time to using. Substances can cloud the brain’s ability to make … [Read more...] about Understanding the Importance of Nutrition During Recovery
Forming Healthy Habits for Sustainable Recovery
Most of the men who come into treatment are there because their lives have become unmanageable and 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
Softened, Sobered, Shaped by Red Rocks
As time and erosion have shaped and smoothed sandstone slabs and towering monuments of Sedona, the Red Rocks are also proving to be a human rock tumbler of sorts, wearing away rough, abrasive exteriors and revealing hidden beauty beneath. Such is the case of David, a smart, likeable 20-year-old blond from Louisville, Kentucky. “I started selling cocaine and Xanax when I was 16 and I actually really started selling it before I used it. I always had cocaine in front of me, so I would test it … [Read more...] about Softened, Sobered, Shaped by Red Rocks