Wellness Program at A WISE Retreat

Our Goal is to restore balance in every area of a man’s life –
Mind, Body and Spirit.

As our clients are making the life-affirming transition from ‘addicted’ to ‘recovered’ – we assist them in assembling an emotional and behavioral “toolbox”. We give our clients tools to use in experiencing ongoing life challenges and stresses in a much healthier way.

At A WISE Retreat, we give our clients a toolkit to take home and use in regaining and maintaining physical and mental health.

Excessive use of alcohol and drugs can damage health and lead to mental and physical health issues. Some of these issues can include anxiety, depression, diabetes, liver disease, and heart disease.

Addiction Recovery Return to Wellness

Our health and wellness program incorporates the Power Recovery Program.

We focus on health, nutrition, exercise and life balance.

Power Wellness – Nutrition, Exercise, Mindfulness

Nutrition     Exercise     Mindfulness

Good Nutrition is a Prerequisite for Brain Function

We recognize that the brain and the body are two halves of one whole: we treat the whole person.

Studies show that those suffering from chronic substance use typically suffer from nutrient deficiencies and malnutrition which affect the brain which in turn affects the body.

At A WISE Retreat, nutrition plays a big role in our recovery program.

We evaluate our clients with a thorough nutrition and health assessment when they first arrive. And we educate clients on the importance of nutrition for health and well being.

Nutrition Education at A WISE Retreat includes:

• Well balanced and diversified diet daily.
• Clients are included in food preparation and menu planning.
• Whole foods, low in sugar and unprocessed.
• Foods rich in vitamins, minerals and nutrients.
• Whole foods containing amino acids, L-Glutamine, and Antioxidants.
• This boosts brain health, alleviates withdrawal symptoms and speeds up the recovery process.
• These foods help re-balance the chemicals in the brain.

Proper nutrition during recovery decreases cravings, aids sleep and combats depression and anxiety. Good nutrition improves overall health and gives confidence in recovery.

Power Exercise for Recovery

Recovery and Health Benefits of Daily Exercise

 Power Walks at A WISE Retreat: 

• Not the same as Olympic ‘Power Walking’
• Increases energy levels
• Improves quality of sleep
• Improves mood
• Reduces stress levels
• Builds strong muscle and bones
• Improves memory
• Improves Self-efficacy

Our Power Walks – Not an Olympic Event

Physical exercise and good nutrition are important parts of our Power Recovery program.

What we mean by Power Walking: Re-claiming your own personal power and inner balance.

Power Walks at A WISE Retreat are not an Olympic speed-walking event.

Individuals dealing with addiction are profoundly unbalanced in body, mind and spirit. There are enormous benefits from walking with mindfulness -and observing and experiencing the healing power of nature. Most individuals who struggle with substance abuse do not participate in regular exercise. We assist clients in gradually building up stamina through walking exercise that can easily be replicated once they leave our facility.

Meditation and Mindfulness
The Art of ‘Being’ – Without Stress

At A WISE Retreat, we practice and teach the arts of Meditation and Mindfulness.

Meditation and mindfulness help improve mental concentration and clarity, reduce anxiety and depression and promote a deep sense of inner peace. Through meditation, those suffering from addiction can connect with their spirituality and rediscover new passions.

Mindfulness meditation is the practice of focusing attention on one’s breathing and internal bodily sensations. Researchers have found that the “present moment focus” enabled by mindfulness meditation can improve well-being.

Learning to Disengage From Habitual Reactions and Behaviors

By practicing mindfulness meditation – clients learn to create a ‘gap’ between thoughts and actions. By learning to observe (without judgement) thoughts that arise – clients can gradually and naturally begin to disengage from automatic and habitual behaviors.

Everyone in recovery has ‘triggers’ that can lead to relapse and substance abuse. Mindfulness meditation helps individuals understand and disengage from relapse triggers. It can also help to reduce automatic anger reactions.

Meditation offers a healthy way to relieve the anger and stress often experienced by people in recovery. Clients struggling with insomnia may find that meditation relaxes the body and clears the mind of anxious thoughts.

Mindfulness and Chronic Pain

For clients with chronic pain, meditation can help with pain management. Practicing mindfulness meditation allows individuals to divert attention; and to gain some control over their body’s responses. For example, those dealing with chronic pain often observe during meditation practice that their bodies are tensing up when experiencing pain sensations. Muscle tensing makes pain worse or may even create a secondary source of pain.

Studies have shown numerous positive health outcomes from learning and practicing mindfulness meditation. We strongly encourage clients to include mindfulness as a part of their daily routine when they complete treatment at our facility.