Leading with Care: Essentials in Health | Health

National Recovery Month sponsored by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), is about celebrating healing and promoting hope. It is a national campaign to educate individuals about substance use treatment and mental health services, celebrate individuals in recovery and emphasize that recovery is possible for everyone. 

This campaign underscores the importance of improving access to recovery services and erasing the stigma around substance use disorders and mental illness. 

Recovery is not a one-size-fits-all process. It is deeply personal, often with setbacks and challenges. However, there is hope. Early intervention and comprehensive care can make a significant impact on a person’s ability to recover. 

Treatment for substance use disorders is multifaceted, focusing on the physical, mental and social aspects of recovery. It often requires a combination of therapies including detoxification, behavioral therapy, medication-assisted treatment, inpatient and outpatient programs, support groups and aftercare. 

A major barrier is the stigma surrounding substance use disorder and mental illness. 

We encourage open conversation and promote the understanding that these are treatable yet chronic conditions, not moral failings. 

Communities can also assist in reducing stigma, using supportive language (person with substance use disorder versus addict) and offering a network of care. Supportive policies and programs such as screening, brief intervention and referral to treatment (SBIRT) is an evidenced based practice used to identify, reduce and prevent problematic use, abuse and dependence on alcohol and illicit drugs. 

Alta Vista Regional Hospital will soon begin SBIRT protocols in the Emergency Department to aid in identifying individuals with possible substance misuse as a way to participate in the state’s effort to expand and enhance continuum of care for substance misuse services.  

Recovery is rarely achieved alone. Family, friends and community resources play essential roles in supporting individuals as they work towards sobriety and mental well-being. 

Family therapy can help mend relationships and build a stronger support system for those in recovery. 

Recognizing the accomplishments of those who have achieved long-term recovery inspires hope for others and brings attention to the need for ongoing support in the form of aftercare services and community programs such as alcoholics anonymous (AA) and narcotics anonymous (NA). 

Some resources in the community of San Miguel and surrounding counties that offer a variety of substance use disorder and mental health services includes: 

•El Centro Health Centers Las Vegas 

505-425-6788

•Krossroads Integrative Health and Recovery Solutions in Las Vegas

505-273-4668

•Pecos Valley Medical Center in Pecos

505-757-6482

•Santa Fe Recovery

Center 

505-471-4985

•Rio Grande Alcoholism Treatment Program in Taos

575-737-5533

Please reach out to your local primary care provider who can better assist you and direct you to the appropriate treatment facility. We as a hospital applaud your efforts and support you through your journey to recovery in a sensitive and professional manner.