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.

Overcoming Adversity, by Shara Turner, LPC, MSC, NCC, Eagala

Overcoming Adversity by Shara Turner, LPC, MSC, NCC, Eagala Over this past week we were bombarded by images of an American icon doting over his beautiful daughter. Although I did not know them, each time I glance at those pictures I feel a pang of sadness in my heart as I imagine the grief one mother and wife must be enduring. Unfortunately tragedy happens every day, in every country, city, and neighborhood around the world, and images like these are another reminder of how precious and fragile life really is. When I was 17 I lost my best friend, my father to a tragic accident. 28 years later I watched my own children mourn the loss of their father, best friend, and mentor.

Neurobiology of Childhood Trauma – Lifelong Impact, by Dr. Drew W. Edwards.

Early life trauma can stem from physical, emotional or sexual abuse, neglect, loss of a loved one, bullying, witnessing violence, or from involvement in a serious accident, injury, natural disaster, terrorism or war. It can also result from growing up in a chronically dysfunctional home, where emotional neglect and indifference are the norm, and healthy attachments are never formed...and this is just the short list. The list of acute responses to a traumatic event are long and often last into adulthood, creating a set-up for a life that is emotionally painful and difficult for the victim to achieve full potential: Irritability hostility Depressive Symptoms Mood Swings, emotional instability Anxiety (e.g., panic attacks, specific phobia, generalized anxiety) Fear or traumatic reoccurrence Grief reaction Shame Feeling vulnerable and fragile Emotional detachment, unwilling to engage in discussion regarding emotions Crying Peritraumatic Disassociation: A form of psychological escape during or just after the event. Adjustment Reaction Disorder (clinically significant depressive symptoms and/or intrusive anxiety symptoms in the wake of a distressing event. Symptoms usually resolve within 6 months. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder The life trajectory of chronically traumatized persons will veer from the hopes and dreams they once possessed, as their life becomes increasingly and pathologically organized around the event(s), the aggressor(s) or alleviating the emotional pain that lingers like a frightening shadow. Effects on Neurodevelopment The fact that traumatic life experiences are predictive of mental illness and substance abuse is not surprising. What is surprising is the extent of neuroadaptive changes in the brains of traumatized children and teens. Adverse Childhood Experience (ACE) Research Two recent studies showed that experiencing childhood trauma is common among people undergoing addiction treatment as adults.

About Depression – Beyond Sadness, by Dr. Dawn Bantel, Medical Director

Everyone experiences feelings of sadness at times. For those with depression, it is persistent. They often don’t find joy in those things that used to bring them joy. Fatigue may be present and there may be sleep issues.

Clearing Up the Common Myths About Mental Health

Clearing Up the Common Myths About Mental Health The understanding of mental health issues is ever changing and evolving in different societies and cultures throughout the world. Although there has never been more increased awareness and available resources, there are still a lot of myths about mental health – perhaps because of the intractable stigmas around the subject. Common myths about mental health and treatment for mental health remain stubbornly embedded. Studies from the World Health Organization show that up to 1 out of 4 people will experience some form of mental illness at some point in our lives. This is why debunking what is actually true or not when it comes to mental health is crucial. Experiencing a mental health condition can be challenging, but it is also quite common.