Wellbridge patients get wheely moving recovery tool

Patients at the Wellbridge Addiction Treatment and Research complex in Calverton can now pedal towards recovery.

New bicycles at the center affords patients who are part of the substance use disorder rehabilitation program to enjoy bike rides around the sprawling 96-acre Wellbridge campus and the nearby Grumman Loop Cycle Trail. 

A creative team made up of representatives from the medical, nursing, clinical care, and operations teams developed a plan for safely using bike riding to engage patients in an active and relaxing activity.

“Exercise is an evidence-based practice for improving mental health and has been shown to have significant positive impact on depression and anxiety,” Wellbridge Medical Director Dr. Edmond Hakimi said in a written statement. “We have found many of our patients with substance use disorder also have anxiety and depression and we want to help alleviate these symptoms while we continue with their personalized treatment plans. Every patient here is unique and we personalize treatment plans to include wellness components like exercise along with medication and therapy.”

Patients who have passed the initial stages of their treatment will have the opportunity to sign up for guided bicycle rides and the Wellbridge staff will ensure patients are medically cleared and trained on the bikes.

“We are excited to see patients taking advantage of this new initiative. This will only add to what we already have in our state-of-the-art wellness center, including a gym full of cardiovascular training and weight equipment, as well as yoga and pilates,” Andrew Drazan, Wellbridge co-founder and chairman, said in the statement. “We have such a layered and individual approach to care here and will always look for creative ways to enhance the experience for our patients.”