Exercise and Addiction Recovery—Healing with Active Recovery Coaching

“Addiction” is a deceptively simple term for such a complex and challenging experience. Addiction is a disease that has numerous effects on mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing. Each of these must be addressed during the treatment process in order to foster true healing.

That’s why, at New Choices Treatment Centers, we’ve partnered with Active Recovery Coaching (ARC) to build a more comprehensive approach to addiction treatment. By pairing exercise and addiction recovery, our clients are able to heal their minds, as well as their bodies, to achieve lasting recovery.

What is Active Recovery Coaching?

ARC is based in Austin, Texas, and provides the surrounding areas with wellness programming uniquely tailored to bolster addiction recovery. Their innovative approach emphasizes the importance of regular physical movement in all areas of healing, hence the term “Active Recovery.”

This program includes group exercise activities, including cardio and strength training. Participants are encouraged to practice mindfulness and set intentions for themselves. Each participant receives individual attention and guidance from an ARC coach, all while building community in an inclusive and supportive group environment.

Integrating Exercise and Addiction Recovery for Holistic Healing

ARC can contribute its effectiveness to the strength of the mind-body connection. What we think and feel affects how we behave and, thus, our physical wellness. A low mental state can lead us to make bad decisions, including giving in to cravings we would do better to resist. The opposite is also true: our physical wellness can color our perceptions and emotions. When our bodies feel good, we tend to think and feel more positively—and, of course, vice versa.

The ARC program leverages this mind-body connection to foster both mental and physical healing. Regular exercise promotes bodily wellness while opening you up to the emotional aspect of recovery. And, as you continue to make progress with your mental health, it will be easier to keep up with the physical aspects of recovery as you move forward with your life.

Who Are the Active Recovery Coaches?

New Choices Treatment Centers clinical, medical and support team members are highly skilled caregivers with years of proven experience in helping clients heal from addiction. Every member of our staff is trained in providing expert support and compassionate care—we understand that for some, the clinical and medical setting is challenging during the early stages of the recovery process.

As such, ARC program coaches provide an important expansion to the New Choices Treatment Center staff. Active Recovery coaches specialize in peer-to-peer counseling. In addition to the clinical experience, ARC coaches are professional sober life coaches who understand on a personal level what the recovery process is like, having been through it themselves.

The ARC Model of Wellness in Addiction Treatment

The ARC program revolves around the idea that recovery should be a sustainable lifestyle, not a “quick cure.” As such, the ARC model of wellness provides a framework for integrating exercise into addiction recovery both during and after initial treatment. This ensures that individuals can continue to move forward regardless of what stage of recovery they are at. The basic structure of the ARC program at New Choices Treatment Centers consists of three sessions a week, about one and a half hours in duration, that include:

  • Checking in with peers and AR coaches in a circle sharing session.
  • Intention setting to discuss goals and how to keep progressing toward them.
  • Cardio and strength training exercises.
  • Mindfulness exercises, including stretching, deep breathing, and meditation.
  • Affirmations shared by clients and staff alike to celebrate and inspire both individual and group progress.

Two AR coaches will be present throughout each session, offering more individual support to those who need it while keeping the group as a whole on track for success.

Is Physical Participation in the ARC Program Mandatory?

While participating in the ARC program is an integral part of the treatment process, clients are never forced to push themselves beyond their physical limits. AR coaches understand that everyone’s bodies and physical capabilities are unique, and are committed to meeting you at your personal fitness level to ensure you can participate and progress through the program safely.

Fostering Lasting Recovery with Empathetic Support and Continuing Care

Throughout your or your loved one’s stay here at New Choices Treatment Centers, AR coaches will be working alongside you to celebrate milestones, overcome hurdles, and track progress toward important recovery goals. Once your initial treatment program is complete, optional aftercare services offer continuing support as you move on to the next stage of your recovery journey. For more information on our programs, services, rehab facilities, and more, we encourage you to reach out to us at (726) 888-7003 or contact us online today.