American Addiction Centers' Facility Teaches Patients to 'Enjoy Life' Again with Humor, Music and Pets

LAFAYETTE, N.J., May 21, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Sunrise House Treatment Center, an American Addiction Centers (NYSE: AAC) facility and a leading provider of substance use treatment services in New Jersey, is continuing to innovate addiction treatment with the incorporation of several therapeutic methods. Through partnership with artists in Sussex County, and New Jersey, Sunrise House has implemented the "Enjoy Life" series, a treatment complement consisting of music, humor as well as pet therapy.

To learn about other therapies offered at Sunrise House, visit SunriseHouse.com.

"The 'Enjoy Life' series was created to help our patients learn to enjoy their new life in recovery, free of drugs and/or alcohol," said Sunrise House CEO Tim Palus. "Live music and humor can increase the level of dopamine in the brain. By engaging patients in these types of activities during treatment, we're not only naturally activating dopamine, we're giving them tools to carry with them throughout their recovery."

The series is segmented into weekly activities: twice monthly, patients are treated to a live performance by local musicians, many of whom are in recovery themselves. One week each month, patients are visited by local comedians, and the final week of the month is an open mic night, which give patients a chance to express their creativity in an artistic manner.

"I was previously a professional musician and have seen the benefit of music and the arts in my own recovery," said Matthew Smith, alumni coordinator at Sunrise House. "So far, the 'Enjoy Life' series has been cathartic for many patients. Many songs and songwriters resonate with them, patients are able to express their experiences creatively and they're learning to have fun while being sober."

Sunrise House has also begun pet therapy for patients, which has proven to be very successful. During the first session, nearly every patient at the facility sought to participate. Every other weekend, certified local pet handlers arrive with therapy dogs. This interaction allows patients the opportunity to experience the health benefits of pet therapy, such as increased dopamine, and for some, motivates them to complete treatment and return to their own pets.

"We are constantly developing and incorporating innovative treatment and treatment modalities to produce the best patient outcomes," said Palus. "We take pride in adapting various methods to give each of our patients their best chance at long-term recovery."

About Sunrise House Treatment Center
Sunrise House Treatment Center is part of the American Addiction Centers (AAC) family of treatment centers. AAC is a leading provider of inpatient and outpatient substance abuse treatment services. We treat clients who are struggling with drug addiction, alcohol addiction and co-occurring mental/behavioral health issues. We currently operate substance use treatment facilities located throughout the United States. These facilities are focused on delivering effective clinical care and treatment solutions. For more information, please find us at SunriseHouse.com or follow us on Twitter @AAC_Tweet.

Contact: Joy Sutton, [e-mail]

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SOURCE Sunrise House Treatment Center

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