A primary aspect of a continuum of care plan involves techniques that enable you to not only maintain sobriety, but also uncover your best self. This isn’t simply social media affirmation. Through exposure to positive influences and new ways of thinking, you’re more likely to evolve—not because you were “bad” and need to be “good,”...Read More

Emily Mattimoe, MS, CTRS, is the coordinator of recreation therapy services at Cottonwood Tucson. She explores how leisure and recreational activities can be coping mechanisms for sobriety and how these methods help add joy to the recovery process. Yoga is a vital component of the holistic recreational approach at Cottonwood Tucson. “Treatment isn’t just about...Read More

What Is Experiential Therapy?   Experiential therapy is a unique form of therapy that uses many different approaches to re-enact emotional situations from past and present relationships. These approaches can include role-playing, guided imagery, animal care, music, or arts and crafts. The individual focuses on the activity and by engaging in the experience of the...Read More

The Importance of Integrated Treatment in Substance Abuse   The mind, body, and spirit are found in all human beings. We think and feel with our minds, experience pleasure and pain within our bodies, and feel spiritually connected to a higher power. Substance abuse treatment should also encompass the whole person and incorporate the mind,...Read More

Substance Abuse Treatment and Group Therapy   Substance abuse treatment might include group therapy sessions, which can either occur through inpatient or outpatient services.  Many inpatient programs provide group therapy to complement other types of therapy received.  There are many advantages to attending group therapy sessions, which are outlined below.  Some individuals consider 12-step meetings...Read More

Pets in Recovery   The media shares many stories related to pets and how they provide comfort and care to millions of individuals.  Pets are even used in therapy and are given to inmates to learn compassion and love for others to promote empathy.  Pets in recovery have not received much media attention; however, this...Read More

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Depression: It’s all about Perception Depression can have debilitating effects, but thankfully there are several resources that individuals can use to overcome its harsh symptoms. One popular method used in treatment is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), a form of therapy consisting of strategies to help a person restructure their negative thought...Read More

What Is Medical Detox? Detoxification or detox, can be the beginning stage of substance abuse treatment for many individuals.  Detox is necessary to manage the symptoms of withdrawal safely and with medical supervision.  Detox alone does not reinforce long-term abstinence from substance abuse but it does provide the first step to becoming drug free. Detox...Read More

Alcoholism The simple definition of alcoholism is an addiction to the consumption of alcohol.  Other definitions include compulsive behavior related to a dependency on alcohol or drinking that leads to a psychological and physical dependence on alcohol.  Regardless of the definition, alcoholism is a disorder that affects millions of individuals and knows no boundaries in...Read More

Co-occurring disorders are defined by the presence of a substance-use disorder and a mental health disorder.  Co-occurring disorders are what is referred to as “dual diagnosis.”  The term can also be applied to cognitive disorders and the presence of a mental health disorder.  Despite the use associated with other disorders, co-occurring disorders are typically used...Read More