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
Back 2 Basics
Engaging in Community Service Aids in Recovery
In his book, “Boys Adrift,” Dr. Leonard Sax explains 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 into adulthood and failing to thrive overall. Back2Basics believes addiction takes away and recovery gives … [Read more...] about Engaging in Community Service Aids in Recovery
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 traditional therapies such as process groups and one-on-one counseling with a clinician. “We’re a hybrid, beginning with the expeditions for half the week, and the other half of the week focusing on … [Read more...] about Ten Years of Recovery Through Nature
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 … [Read more...] about Mindfulness: What it is; How it Works
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
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
Treating the Brain Disease of Addiction
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 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, making … [Read more...] about Treating the Brain Disease of Addiction
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