Human beings have evolved to be in motion. A sedentary lifestyle is contrary to human nature and bad for our brains. Exercising through and out of stressful situations is what we, as human beings, have been conditioned to do by hundreds of thousands of years of evolution. Today, the average person expends only 38 percent of the energy that our prehistoric ancestors once did.
When people seek treatment for co-occurring disorders such as addiction, depression, anxiety, or trauma, they have often lost so many things, including the ability to have fun, laugh, be spontaneous or playful. Many individuals have experienced health consequences because of their struggles and require a focused effort to restore health and wellness as part of their recovery plan. Depression or anxiety may also be a barrier to truly enjoying life.
At Cottonwood Tucson’s Arizona behavioral health and addiction rehab, we appreciate the fact that physical activity is key in attaining physical and emotional balance and is also necessary for optimizing the brain’s ability to think well and produce a calm and happy mood. In our treatment programs, we have found that exercise has been proven to increase the activity of dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin, the brain’s primary mood-regulating chemical messengers. A skillful exercise regimen allows those who suffer from addictions and mental health issues to positively affect the biological component of mood and emotional difficulties.
While talk therapy is an integral component of treatment at Cottonwood, we also recognize that people learn and gain insight from less traditional forms of therapy. Patients benefit from opportunities to engage in recreational activities that build confidence, develop more effective coping strategies, and integrate skills learned at Cottonwood into a recovery lifestyle. Patients enjoy groups and activities that facilitate movement, exercise, and interpersonal challenges. These groups also provide a format to facilitate discussion and awareness about interpersonal relationships, attitudes, or beliefs that may not otherwise be explored. Recreation therapy groups are facilitated by a Master-level licensed Recreation Therapist.
Our recreational therapists help Cottonwood’s patients – even those with physical and medical limitations – develop an exercise regimen that can trigger the release of chemicals that stimulate the growth of new brain tissue. And, just like exercise facilitates the growth of muscle tissue, aerobic activity – especially activity that involves complex and skillful physical coordination – can trigger neurogenesis, the growth of new brain tissue. Even playing games and solving puzzles can help to optimize this process – which is why we strive to incorporate mental and physical exercise in our Arizona holistic treatment program.
Cottonwood Tucson provides many therapeutic recreation activities to enhance the treatment process for patients. Some of these groups include a low ropes course, cardio-kickboxing, indoor rock climbing experiences, scavenger hunts, community game tournaments, swimming, weekly community outings, hikes, and recreation education. These groups are offered throughout the week, providing a balanced focus to support the recovery of the whole person. Patients are encouraged to explore ways to integrate recreation into their recovery plan when they return home, and recreation recommendations and resources are provided as part of an individual’s discharge plan.
