“In this poor body, composed of one hundred bones and nine openings, is something called spirit, a flimsy curtain swept this way and that by the slightest breeze. It is spirit, such as it is, which led me to write. . .” Basho Basho was a traveling poet and student of Zen meditation. He is...Read More

Feeling lonely can happen any time of year, but it’s often more apparent during the holiday season. Loneliness is a valid emotion, and it’s fine to acknowledge it. It’s also a feeling you can change with a certain level of acceptance and helpful actions. Alone Vs. Lonely First, it’s important to understand the difference between...Read More

Once Misunderstood–Now Recommended At one time, meditation was misunderstood, and few people considered it a viable option for improved health. Now, scientific studies confirm that various forms of meditation provide benefits that, while still unique to each individual, are quantifiable enough to be part of a recommended wellness plan. People in recovery from substance abuse,...Read More

The statistics regarding America’s lack of nutrition are rather astounding. Consider the following: Dietary guidelines for 2015-2020 released by the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion indicate that 117 million Americans—approximately half of all adults in the nation—have at least one preventable chronic condition related to inadequate diet and lack of exercise. The average...Read More

When you go through substance abuse rehabilitation, your body and mind receive a bit of a reset. Detoxification may help your system purge harmful chemicals, and an introduction to proper nutrition starts the rebuilding process at the cellular level. Cognitive behavioral therapy and other forms of psychological awareness provide a road map for new understanding...Read More

Highlight: Recreation Therapist Emily Mattimoe discusses how leisure and recreational activities can be used as coping mechanisms Yoga is often a hands-on experience between a teacher and a practitioner. This interaction is a primary advantage to working with an instructor privately or in a class, rather than following a DVD or online session. For someone...Read More

Addiction isn’t the only reason to seek treatment at a professional facility. For people struggling with mental health issues, inpatient treatment centers often provide focused, dedicated care. Individuals who immerse themselves in such environments: Understand more about their conditions Receive concentrated therapeutic attention Learn better management techniques Establish habits of wellness for a healthier life...Read More

There are few ways to predict how someone will react during alcohol or drug withdrawal. The physiology of each individual, types of substances abused, past and current environment, and support from family and friends all affect healing. Concern—or even fear—about the impact of substance withdrawal symptoms shouldn’t prevent you or someone you love from seeking...Read More

Numerous studies tout the positive effects of meditation. Support of the medical community helps validate why this holistic wellness method proves beneficial for people, especially those overcoming substance use disorder (SUD). For people in recovery, meditation helps: Improve mindfulness. One typical aspect of addictive behavior is an inability to stay in the present moment. By...Read More

The Cottonwood Tucson Experiential Wellness Program serves patients by offering tools for self-care, enhancing their ability to move through life successfully. Patients learn to rely on their strengths; get their needs met; and use their natural abilities and preferences to facilitate their transformation. We are committed to patients experiencing self-respect, relaxation, energy, compassion and joy....Read More