Abstract
This article reports on The New Beginning, a residential treatment facility in Northern Virginia, which implemented an innovative approach to alcoholism treatment. To an established alcohol rehabilitation program holistic health procedures were added. The holistic components consisted of: (1) a planned nutritional program; (2) a regular exercise program stressing aerobic capacity; (3) a program of stress reduction through a Hatha yoga series of stretching exercises; and (4) weekend recreational pursuits. In addition, the traditional aspects of individual and family psychological counseling combined with regular attendance at Alcoholic Anonymous meetings rounded out the rehabilitation program. A George Mason University health education intern planned and implemented the fitness, recreation, and stress reduction components along with the revision of the nutritional approach. The intern worked in cooperation with the trained staff and had resident involvement in the outdoor parcourse development. The intern was placed at the New Beginning for a six weeks, 240-hour experience.
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