Hiking Adds Benefits to Recovery at Serenity Palms
CATHEDRAL CITY, California (PRWEB) July 27, 2015 -- In an ongoing program of innovation, Serenity Palms Drug Addiction Treatment Center has added hiking to its options. Already an industry leader because of its use of iPad technology in its recovery program, Serenity Palms is constantly on the lookout for the latest successful trends in helping people to overcome addiction and live healthy, productive lives. According to research published by the National Institute of Health, lifestyle changes play an important part in relapse prevention. Physical activity, in particular, can help improve the physical, mental and emotional health of individuals in drug and alcohol addiction treatment. By providing hiking as part of a treatment plan, Serenity Palms is offering a cost-effective, accessible and flexible form of exercise that can continue even after residential treatment has ended.
“We want to do everything we possibly can to help people find new ways of living that will benefit their health and overall well-being,” said Jim Gray, founder of the Serenity Palms. “We know that full recovery means making positive changes and finding activities that do not revolve around drinking and using drugs. We want to guide people toward ways to be social and to fill free time with healthy choices. Serenity Palms is an ideal place for something like this because of its open surroundings and warm, sunny weather.”
Located near Palm Springs, Cathedral City has a variety of hiking trails that explore the landscape. From the cactus-filled desert floor to the surrounding mountains, trails range from easy to difficult. Hikes can last from an hour to a full day. The hikes at Serenity Palms, under the direction of the professional staff, provide an experience with the environment intended to relax the mind and stimulate the body.
“When our staff and clients participate together in outdoor activities such as hiking, the benefits are numerous,” Gray said. “Exercise provides a natural high. Spending time in the beautiful outdoors boosts health all around. It generates a feeling of creativity, and it reduces stress. It increases fitness in terms of strength, endurance, blood flow and oxygen intake. The stillness of the landscape also provides a quiet place for meditation and reflection. All of these benefits are important aspects of healing from addiction. Hiking also can be a metaphor for recovery. In order to hike safely, you have to look at the path of those who have gone before and be willing to take risks. You have to step around obstacles and sometime face challenges such as extreme weather, rough terrain and exhaustion. Just like recovery, hiking is a challenge that is not without its rewards.”
About Serenity Palms:
Serenity Palms is one of three drug and alcohol addiction treatment centers in the United States and Canada that are part of the iRecover franchise, a highly successful program using iPad technology to enhance the recovery experience of participants. Serenity Palms, along with Serenity Ranch in Alberta, Canada, and Serenity on the Rock in Newfoundland, Canada, offer the same treatment philosophy. Four- and eight-week residential treatment at Serenity Palms involves 12-step recovery, family participation and various therapies specifically designed to meet individual needs. The use of iPads allows clients to access educational materials and resources at any time. Serenity Palms, located in Cathedral City, California, offers comfortable accommodations with a resort feel. Additional information can be found at http://serenitypalms.net.
Deon Smit, Serenity Palms, http://serenitypalms.net, +1 866-531-6617, [email protected]
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