Multiple Addiction And Recovery Center (MARC Unit)

Recreation therapists role in the MARC unit is to help patients identify situational stressors in order to prevent relapse and contribute to the patients success in leading a healthy, active, sober lifestyle.  Some of the therapies include: Leisure Education/Awareness, Community Awareness, and Fitness and Exercise.

Leisure Education/Awareness

Recreation therapists teach patients the importance of resuming positive leisure interests without the use of drugs or alcohol. Through leisure education and leisure awareness, patients are introduced to new leisure activities and are able to identify family leisure activities and how they have been affected by using, how boredom may influence relapse, the difference between friends and using partners, and the importance of developing leisure interests and a healthy lifestyle. Part of therapy while on the MARC unit is to attend weekly community outings in order to be exposed to community opportunities.

Community Integration

Therapists help patients take advantage of community resources by improving an individual's awareness and introduce them to various resources within the community. Barriers preventing patients from utilizing these resources are addressed by the patient and CTRS. Community re-integration allows patients an avenue to start to develop positive social support networks.

Fitness/Exercise

Therapeutic interventions such as fitness and exercise act as a means to teach patients that getting involved in an exercise program not only enhances their physical state but can also be highly beneficial for their emotional, psychological, and behavioral well being. Getting involved in an exercise program can affect their social network, as well. The MARC unit works out at the local YMCA every week and therapists can assist interested patients in utilizing a YMCA fitness membership.