November is here, which means it is officially the holiday season. For most people, the holidays represent a time of celebration and joy with friends and family. Sharing time with good company is a positive experience and one of the best parts of the holidays. However, this is not true for everyone. The holiday season can be especially stressful for those recovering from drug and alcohol addiction. The holidays can be a relapse-trigger for those in recovery, since home and family can be the … [Read more...] about Back2Basics Outdoor Adventure Recovery: Relapse Prevention Help for the Holidays
Roy DuPrez
Fentanyl: Understanding the Dangers
More than 200,000 students recently returned to Arizona’s three public universities. As students return to school, the temptation to use substances will rise. This behavior is now more dangerous than ever as the synthetic opioid, fentanyl, is becoming more prevalent in commonly abused drugs. According to the Centers for Disease Control, more than 150 people per day die from fentanyl overdoses. Understanding the dangers and the symptoms of fentanyl overdoses can greatly help in getting the … [Read more...] about Fentanyl: Understanding the Dangers
Understanding the Signs of Alcohol Abuse
Alcohol is the most used addictive substance in the United States. Through promotion of alcohol in media, online and entertainment arenas, alcohol abuse has become a major issue across the country. Alcohol abuse becomes more severe as a person becomes dependent on it. Some side effects of alcohol abuse include slurred speech, memory loss, blackouts, coma, breathing issues and even death. The Centers for Disease Control reports 40% of alcohol related deaths in the United States occur because … [Read more...] about Understanding the Signs of Alcohol Abuse
Why Relapse Doesn’t Mean You Failed in Recovery
For many people working on their sobriety, relapse is part of the process. At the time of a relapse, it will feel like a failure, but it doesn’t have to be. Many people who experience a relapse will come back and maintain continuous sobriety for months and years to come. Like everything else that goes into recovery, it is about having the right tools to overcome setbacks. Change Your Mindset About Relapse Addiction relies on guilt, self-loathing and shame to keep a grip on your life. … [Read more...] about Why Relapse Doesn’t Mean You Failed in Recovery
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 the consequences they may need to overcome their addiction. Giving money intended for food or rent can turn into the person having funds to buy more drugs. Telling their friends or employer the person … [Read more...] about Helping an Addict Without Enabling
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
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 for young men struggling with substance abuse issues and are looking for a positive, meaningful life. The uniqueness of Back2Basics lies in the fact that it is a hybrid of outdoor adventure therapy … [Read more...] about Trudging Along the Road to Happy Destiny with Back2Basics
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
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 for young men struggling with substance abuse issues and are looking for a positive, meaningful life. The uniqueness of Back2Basics lies in the fact that it is a hybrid of outdoor adventure therapy … [Read more...] about Trudging Along the Road to Happy Destiny with Back2Basics
Using Yoga in Recovery Therapy
Back2Basics offers a holistic and integrative approach to the treatment of addiction and co-occurring issues. By nature, the program is designed to bring participants into the outdoors and learn to be more comfortable in their own skin. We also bring in components of nutrition, fitness and mindfulness to complement the therapeutic and recovery work. In addition, the practice of yoga is an important component for teaching young people in recovery to become more “grounded” in their bodies. The … [Read more...] about Using Yoga in Recovery Therapy
