San Antonio Recovery Center

Connection is a big component of healing. We frequently encourage our clients to build new bonds and try new hobbies so they can have strong support networks. How do you encourage your own clients to make new friends?

“Meth use impacts the brain’s key neurotransmitters responsible for regulating pleasure, motivation, and mood: dopamine and serotonin. This eventually leads to decreased levels of dopamine and serotonin. This condition, referred to as ‘dopamine transporter reduction,’ can lead to impaired motor and cognitive abilities. Initially, the effects of meth cause an overwhelming release of chemicals in the brain that feel good at the time. Over time, though, it empties the ‘bank’ of dopamine in your system, making it hard for the brain to produce and regulate more.” Our recent blog educates on meth and its impact on the brain. You can refresh your knowledge today at the link below, or use it as a resource for your own clients, too! https://lnkd.in/ecdyeHpJ 

We know the mind can be damaged by substance use, but sometimes our clients don’t see it. Here are some questions we like to ask our clients to help touch base on their brain health. - Do you sometimes lose your train of thought? - Have you had a harder time concentrating recently? - Do you ever experience moments of confusion, where you’re uncertain of the world around you? - Have you developed new speech patterns like slower talking or stuttering? - Do you feel like your memory has gotten worse recently?

A partial hospitalization program, also known as a PHP, is a type of outpatient addiction recovery program. Outpatient programs provide a high level of clinical care that allows clients to sleep at home each night. This can make PHPs more affordable than residential treatment while providing the same level of medically assisted detox and psychiatric care. Learn more about this program and if it’s right for you at the link below, or by giving us a call today at 866-957-7885. https://lnkd.in/etFnw4Yg

Diet is often a point of concern for our clients. One way we help engage more with our clients when talking about diet is by sharing our own favorite recipes. Connecting with them through favorite foods and dishes can help them feel more encouraged to push themselves to try new things, too!    Share some of your favorite recipes in the comments below! Let’s try some new food together.

It’s okay to have off days. We’re not perfect! By practicing healthy habits we can make a better example for our clients. Don’t forget you need time off too.

“I am full of sincere gratitude for being a part of San Antonio Recovery Center Sober Living. SARC has given me the opportunity to live with others that have felt the same hopeless feeling I have felt. They offered me a serene, secure, and safe haven to look within myself and restore the self esteem and self worth that I could never find in myself. I have found peace, happiness, and serenity that I've never had before. I'm learning how to truly live and I am honored to be a part of this process.” -Liz W. Reviews make a world of difference, not only for our clients but our staff! Have you shared any good reviews with your staff recently? Remind them how much good work they do today. 

Dual diagnosis refers to the condition of having both a substance use disorder and a mental health disorder. Dual diagnosis is not rare--rather, these disorders occur together frequently. You deserve a treatment program that understands that, and will help you address not just one condition, but both. You can learn more about our dual diagnosis program at the link below, or by giving us a call today at 866-957-7885. https://lnkd.in/gK8vStyh

Elena Yglesias was awarded Counselor of the Year 2024! Elena has been with SARC since 2022, working at an administrative assistant while in school for substance abuse counseling. Earlier this year she joined the clinical team as our newest counselor intern and has blown everyone away with her insight, creative approaches to group, and attention to detail. Elena brings a strong foundation of knowledge of the recovery community and the science of addiction to the team. Her peers describe her as kind, generous, and having a great dry sense of humor.  

“The new compound, dubbed FEM-1689, does not engage opioid receptors in the body, making it a possible alternative to existing pain medications linked to addiction. In addition to reducing sensitivity, the compound can help regulate the integrated stress response (ISR), a network of cellular signaling that helps the body respond to injuries and diseases. When well regulated, the ISR restores balance and promotes healing.” Continuing to promote research into opioid-alternatives in medicine is important. We should never feel like we’re stuck with the current options we have, there’s always room for improvement! You can learn more about the research into this new medication at the article below. https://lnkd.in/eTUtruqQ