Weekly Recovery Tip #6 from Shara Turner, Clinical Director

Today I want to talk about triggers. A trigger is something that happens to us in the environment that creates a visceral reaction and we respond with a thought, and then a behavior. Out of that behavior there is a reward system. For example, you’re driving in traffic and someone cuts you off.

Weekly Recovery Tip #5: Relaxation

This week I want to talk about relaxation and activating the parasympathetic nervous system. We have this part of ourselves that is the autonomic nervous system. When we feel stressed out, we feel extremely dysregulated and we’re in this constant state of fight, flight or freeze. When we encounter a threat, what happens is our nervous system hops into survival mode.

Weekly Recovery Tip #4 by Ryan Young, Admissions Director

Our recovery tip today is Gratitude. I know some of you out there are rolling your eyes because you’re tired of hearing about gratitude and people being grateful especially during times like this. The last thing you want to do is make a list of things you’re grateful for. There are tons of proven benefits to practicing being grateful. From reducing depression and anxiety, helping recover from substance abuse, improving sleep, lowering blood pressure, improving relationships, and so on.

Circular patch of grass with someone doing yoga in the middle

Weekly Recovery Tip #3 by Clinical Director, Shara Turner

What I want to talk about today can be a difficult concept for people to hear and practice. I heard this quote over the weekend, and it resonated with me. It stated, “Trauma is not your fault, but healing is your responsibility.” Part of healing lies in forgiveness. There’s an adage that has always been very dear to me and it states, “Resentment is like letting other people live rent free in your head.” Forgiveness is not about other people.

Weekly Recovery Tip #2, by Shara Turner, LPC, MSC, NCC, Eagala

We’re going to talk a little bit about mindfulness. I know that mindfulness is kind of a big buzzword in the community and in recovery. Mindfulness just means paying attention in the moment, on purpose, without judgement, and with curiosity. So, how do we do that?

Weekly Recovery Tip #1, by Shara Turner, LPC, MSC, NCC, Eagala

There’s been a lot of discussion out there about ways to stay connected in this difficult time. We’ve decided to offer a weekly recovery tip to those of you trying to navigate this ambiguous time in your recovery. When we talk about recovery at Sabino, it’s not just recovery from drugs and alcohol; we’re also referring to recovery from any type of trauma and/or those maladaptive coping mechanisms that might have ensued.

A Message from Our Admissions Director, by Ryan Young

At Sabino Recovery, we just wanted to check in on everyone amidst all this craziness with COVID-19. We want to let you know that we’re here, and we’re open. We are taking new residents, and we want to encourage you to not let everything you’re seeing through news outlets and social media deter you from coming in and getting the help that you need.

A Message from Our Clinical Director, by Shara Turner, LPC, MSC, NCC, Eagala

We want to remind you all that we’re here 24/7, with adequate staff and little programming disruption. We continue to serve those in need, which includes anyone that is new to recovery or anyone that has been in recovery for a while. If anyone feels themselves needing a little extra support, please reach out to us

Connection in Isolation, by Shara Turner, LPC, MSC, NCC, Eagala

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic human connection can be difficult. Any one suffering from anxiety and depression can see symptoms rise exponentially due to the stress of isolation, possible job loss, fears of the future, and overall concern for one’s health or that of their loved ones. Prior to the present crisis resources were readily available to assist those in need. Today those resources can feel scarce and often times impersonal.

Politics for Recovery , by Shara Turner, LPC, MSC, NCC, Eagala

These days a person cannot open social media or turn on the news without being bombarded by the rhetoric of the upcoming election. For many who live somewhere in the middle it can be a frustrating and confusing time. Despite one’s view point, when emotions are high and political polarization intense, keeping the course in recovery can be challenging. Even the smallest disagreement can turn into an emotionally charged argument and disrupt one’s place of peace while navigating sobriety. It has been mentioned many times that during the early stages of recovery, being mindful of and minimizing exposure to triggers is encouraged.