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Complementary Therapies
Complementary therapies are an integral part of the Crossroads model of treatment and are used as means to help facilitate self-awareness. When combined with traditional program elements such as education, group therapy, individual therapy and peer feedback, they contribute towards a holistic approach to the treatment and recovery process.
Fitness Program
Daily fitness instruction is a key component to the recovery process. Our certified fitness instructors work together with our medical staff to assess the appropriate level of fitness activity for each individual client. Clients participate in a combination of exercise activities which may include but is not limited to: land and water aerobics; Tai Chi; muscle toning; Ai Chi; flexibility exercises, sand volleyball, jogging and strength training. Our newly furnished gymnasium is equipped with a multi-station gym and cardio equipment and our onsite swimming pool is available for both fitness and recreation activities. Scheduled exercise activities occur each day as part of the daily schedule and clients are further encouraged to use the facilities in their spare time. In addition to this, each week two scheduled beach trips are organized for clients at one of Antigua’s gorgeous white sand beaches. (See the beach photos in our "Beauty of Crossroads Centre, Antigua" slideshow).
Nutritional Assessments
At Crossroads, we place a very high importance on proper diet and nutrition.
Proper nutrition is a cornerstone for achieving optimal recovery for the body. At Crossroads Centre, all clients meet with a nutritionist to assess their nutritional needs and make recommendations for healthy eating. It is not uncommon for clients to enter treatment suffering from malnutrition, increased liver enzymes, diabetes or high cholesterol. Knowing how to make the right dietary choices based on individual need is the key to developing a healthy recovering lifestyle. Through a process of preparing nutrient rich foods and providing education, counselling and guided food selection, our nutritionist and kitchen staff work together to help clients achieve balance through nutrition.
Massage Therapy
The use of massage therapy is particularly encouraged during the detoxification process and has been proven to assist clients with symptoms of: sleeplessness, anxiety, and muscle discomfort often associated with the early stages of treatment and can help speed up the body’s natural healing processes.
Beyond the detoxification phase, massage is utilized weekly with each client. After years of abusing the body and relying on chemicals to artificially help the body relax, massage is a natural way of providing physical release and allowing the body to experience a healthy state of relaxation.
Yoga
Yoga is a system of exercise, breathing and meditation developed thousands of years ago in India. The word ‘Yoga’ means unity or oneness and the goal of yoga practice is to achieve harmony between body, mind and spirit. Hatha yoga is used at Crossroads Centre and is a branch of yoga that focuses on the physical body through a combination of stretching, positive thinking, breathing, relaxation, and meditation.
Through the practice of hatha yoga, the poses help to flush unhealthy toxins out of the body by activating and stimulating circulation, digestion, and elimination. Breathing exercises help to increase lung capacity and also work to calm anxiety and lower stress levels, which helps bring the body to a state that is receptive to healing and rejuvenation. From this perspective, yoga helps clients achieve a oneness with themselves - something that is often missing in the early stages of recovery.
Auricular Acupuncture
The use of auricular acupuncture is based on the ancient Oriental tradition that recognizes that all areas of the body can be accessed through stimulation of specific spots on a particular part of the body. Auricular acupuncture focuses on five points in the outer ear.
Two of these areas focus on the emotional well being of the client, the Sympathetic, which helps calm the mind and the Shenmen, which can help relieve stress and anger. The remaining three points are aimed at the kidney, liver and lungs- all of which are often negatively impacted by prolonged alcohol and drug abuse. Acupuncture has many benefits some of which may include: assisting with detoxification, aiding sleeplessness and anxiety and it can also be utilized to help clients experience the body, mind and spirit connection so necessary to achieve ongoing sustained recovery. For the individual involved in residential treatment at Crossroads, acupuncture works in harmony with all of our complementary therapies to provide a holistic approach to recovery.
Spiritual Development
At the time when people enter treatment, they often describe themselves as having a spiritual void. In fact, spirituality is often an aspect of oneself that is quickly lost through the progression of addiction. At Crossroads we believe that we create an environment for people to discover or perhaps re-discover their connection with a Higher Power, however they may identify It.
Our Spiritual Counsellor is available to meet with clients as a gentle facilitator of this unfolding process and also provides additional guidance for those clients working on steps 4 and 5 of their 12-step program