This program is based on the most current evidenced based practives, including Dr. Stephanie Covington’s Trauma Informed Treatment for Women and her new Helping Men Recover approach to treatment.

This is a type of therapy that allows individuals to deal with their issues by role playing, guided imagery, projecting, and the use of props. By physically, emotionally and mentally expressing one ’s self individuals are assisted in unlocking hidden issues and working through them. Ranch Creek Recovery utilizes experiential therapy in the drug treatment program process. Group process, the Challenge Course, Climbing Wall, and Equine Therapy are all types of experiential therapy..

Part of the healing process at Ranch Creek Recovery involves family.  Our program helps the family to better understand the nature of the disease of alcoholism and drug abuse.  Group classes and group therapy include both the family members and the resident to help in learning coping skills for a successful recovery.  Sessions prepare the family for life after the rehab program is completed.  Our goal is to provide a better understanding of addiction and to teach the importance of a supportive role for recovery.

If needed prior to admission, detox for alcohol addiction, substance abuse and prescription drug abuse issues is offered with a separate licensed detox facility.  Upon arrival at Ranch Creek Recovery we will complete an assessment.  Based on the information received, an individualized program is developed. This includes dietary considerations.

Humans possess an attraction to nature, a kinship. Being outside can create feelings of appreciation, peace and tranquility. Gardening can heighten those feelings. After many studies, science is starting to understand that gardening can actually improve health and well-being.  The benefits of Garden Therapy, also known as Horticultural Therapy, include physical activity, relaxation and enjoyment, skill development, creative expression, social development, psychological well-being, sensory stimulation and intellectual and personal growth. The American Horticultural Therapy Association defines Horticultural Therapy as “a discipline that uses plants, gardening activities and the Natural World as vehicles for professionally conducted programs in therapy and rehabilitation”.  Anyone can benefit from Garden Therapy, but there are many specific groups that can benefit tremendously from therapeutic horticultural programs, including those recovering from substance abuse.

Equine-Assisted Therapy provides a metaphoric experience with horses to promote emotional growth and helps build confidence. This experiential therapy teaches people about themselves, allows recognition of dysfunctional patterns of behavior, and helps define healthy relationships. Horses are typically non-judgmental and have no expectations or motives. Therefore, a guest can practice congruency without the perceived fear of rejection. The horse assists in making guests aware of their emotional state as the horse responds in reaction to their behavior. Through working with the horse, guests can gain insight into their feelings, behaviors, patterns, congruency, boundaries, and stumbling blocks to recovery. The process can be a very effective adjunct to drug treatment program.

Meditation is a relaxation technique that encourages personal inward reflection.  When the mind is calm and focused on the present it is neither reactive to memories from the past nor being preoccupied with plans for the future, two major sources of chronic stress known to impact a state of well-being.  Meditation can give you a sense of calm, peace and balance that benefits both your emotional well-being and your overall health. And these benefits don’t end when your meditation session ends. Meditation can help carry you more calmly through your day and improve certain medical conditions.  When you meditate, you clear away the information overload that builds up every day and contributes to your stress.  You can gain a new perspective on stressful situations and build skills to manage your stress.  Meditation can increase self-awareness, focusing on the present and help reduce negative emotions.

Music Therapy has been shown to have a significant effect on an individual’s relaxation, respiration rate, self-reported pain reduction, and behaviorally observed and self-reported anxiety levels. A coordinated program of music and music therapy interventions provide opportunities for:
•    Anxiety and stress reduction
•    Positive changes in mood and emotional states
•    Enhanced feelings of control, confidence, and empowerment
•    Positive physiological changes, such as lower blood pressure, reduced heart rate, and relaxed muscle tension
•    Increase in self-esteem

Amino acids are the breakdown products of proteins, some of which are not readily available in diet and need to be supplemented in a concentrated form.  They are the building blocks of proteins.
Amino acids, derived from protein intake, are precursors to brain chemicals such as serotonin, a natural anti-depressant-like chemical produced in the brain. Serotonin requires the amino acid tryptophan, found in foods such as turkey, for its production. Without the proper amino acids in our diet, our brains can become depleted of these crucial chemicals, otherwise known as neurotransmitters.  Neurotransmitter depletion can not only lead to depression, it is also connected with insomnia, Attention Deficit Disorder, anxiety, memory loss, weight gain and addictive disorders. Proper neurotransmitter balance cannot always be achieved through diet alone.  In order for these amino acids to be taken up into the brain, they have to be carried across the blood-brain barrier using a specific transport system.
So, how can we increase the amount of serotonin in the brain utilizing tryptophan as a precursor?  The answer lies in the timing of supplementation.  Between meals, the levels of circulating amino acids in the bloodstream decreases. By supplementing with an individual amino acid when one is between meals, we are allowing that particular amino acid to become more available to be taken up by the transporter at the blood-brain barrier. Once the amino acid is taken up in the brain, it can then be used for neurotransmitter production.
Each neurotransmitter has a specific amino acid, which is required for its synthesis and plays a particular role within the brain and body.

A consistent yoga practice decreases blood pressure through better circulation and oxygenation of the body.  Regularly practicing yoga provides a lower pulse rate. A slower pulse rate indicates that your heart is strong enough to pump more blood with fewer beats.   It improves blood circulation. By transporting nutrients and oxygen throughout your body, yoga practice provides healthier organs, skin, and brain. Yoga decreases the respiratory rate through a combination of controlled breathing exercises and better fitness.  A lower respiratory rate indicates that the lungs are working more efficiently.  Yoga practice massages internal organs, thus improving the ability of the body to prevent disease.  Gastrointestinal functions have been shown to improve in both men and women who practice yoga.  Yoga practice has frequently been correlated with a stronger immune system.  Pain tolerance is much higher among those who practice yoga regularly. In addition to pain tolerance, some instances of chronic pain, such as back pain, are lessened or eliminated through yoga.  Having a balanced metabolism results in maintaining a healthy weight and controlling hunger. Consistent yoga practice helps find the balance and creates a more efficient metabolism.