Sometimes, life’s struggles can seem insurmountable. This is especially true when an individual is drowning in problems created by the ravages of addiction or mental illness. Help might seem just out of reach as families struggle to afford effective treatment for loved ones who are suffering. However, a private non-profit, Onlife Foundation, was founded in Flagstaff about a year ago to help soften this dilemma by raising funds and creating a network of partnerships that can provide innovative … [Read more...] about A Lifeline to Recovery
Roy DuPrez M.Ed.
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
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 recovering addict, this means inviting people into his or her life who will encourage, motivate and inspire the individual to be the very best version of himself or herself. All types of relationships – … [Read more...] about Understanding the Importance of Relationships in Recovery
Back2Basics Outdoor Adventures Benefiting Men During Times of Change Part 2
In 2014, TIME magazine named nature No. 1 in a Top 10 list of things to do daily to improve life, citing its many benefits including fitness, spending time with others, physical and mental challenge, as well as feelings of awe and gratitude. Furthermore, moving closer to nature through outdoor adventure enhances mental, emotional and physical well-being in several ways, including: Easing brain fatigue and daily stress; Boosting cognition and creativity; Improving mental health; … [Read more...] about Back2Basics Outdoor Adventures Benefiting Men During Times of Change Part 2
Understanding Addiction as a Brain Disease
The mere fact that relapse is more common than uncommon sheds light on how difficult it truly is to break addiction. No one enters rehabilitation with the intention to fail; rather, they enter a treatment program hoping in their heart they can stop using for good. The problem with this approach is that addiction doesn’t happen in the heart. It happens in the brain. The American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) defines addiction as a chronic, underlying, largely genetic brain disease, … [Read more...] about Understanding Addiction as a Brain Disease
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 some, this practice comes naturally. Those who are really present in the kitchen, preparing loving meals and eating with consciousness already do this practice instinctively. Those who immerse themselves … [Read more...] about Mindfulness: What it is, How it Works
