By the time an individual enters an addiction treatment facility, their addictions have likely taken a toll on their overall health. A large percentage of addicts are malnourished, and haven’t been getting proper nutrition in their bodies for some time. Many alcoholics get a large portion of their daily caloric intake from alcohol, which contains empty calories. This lack of nutrition can lead to dehydration, a weakened immune system and an unhealthy weight. Exercise is also far down on the to do list for many in active addiction. The lack of a proper diet and exercise, coupled with substance wreaking havoc on the body, can deteriorate one’s overall health rapidly.
The absence of addictive substances is a small piece in the puzzle of getting well. Being sober must be coupled proper nutrition and exercise to properly recover. Addiction treatment offers a safe haven for individuals to re-identify themselves. As a young man or woman progresses through our Young Adult Rehab Program, they will begin to feel better physically, spiritually, and emotionally. After feeling better for some time, they begin to re-identify themselves as active and healthy and they seek to perpetuate the feeling of wellness this brings.
Red Oak’s program provides a healthy diet, with a great amount of the food grown here at the facility. We offer many therapeutic adventure-based therapies (such as rock climbing, rafting and hiking) that provide our residents with the physical activity that their bodies need. These are just a few of the aspects of our program that assist in the physical improvements of our residents.
A proper diet and exercise not only help heal a person physically, but mentally, emotionally, and spiritually as well. Feeling better physically helps one realize that feeling good is possible in recovery, without the use of addictive substances. It also helps the individual become comfortable enough to reach a place where change becomes a more acceptable notion.
Nutrition and exercise are basic qualities of a healthy lifestyle. At Red Oak Recovery, we help young people get back to the basics to rebuild themselves. This is a small, but important, aspect of addiction recovery at Red Oak. Our program implements many therapies and activities that teach young men and women the qualities needed to not only stay sober, but grow into healthy, outstanding human beings.
