E4: Addiction, Relationships & Tumbleweeds, Oh My! with Ken Donaldson, LMHC, CAP
OCT 14, 2020 – On Episode 4 we are joined by Ken Donaldson, LMHC, CAP, ICADC (also a PhD student) for a conversation about how addiction can affect relationships. Ken is also the author of Marry Yourself First, a book that was born out of his interest in helping couples to have meaningful, healthy relationships […]
A Life Worth Living, by K.S.
I didn’t start out an alcoholic and I always believed I could manage it on my own, despite the multitude of family and friends that thought otherwise. I knew my drinking had progressed, but I still couldn’t bear to label myself an “alcoholic.” Somehow it was easier to consider myself a daily drinker. It didn’t […]
Dating in Early Recovery
We typically consider early recovery to be the first year of abstinence from addictive behavior. It is exciting as you work to rebuild your life with sobriety at its center. However, to achieve long-term success, your recovery must remain your highest priority. You are most vulnerable to relapse within the first year of abstinence. Because […]
Identifying Behavioral Signs of Drug Addiction
Drug addiction, known clinically as substance use disorder (SUD), is a chronic but treatable disease characterized by compulsive drug seeking behavior that occurs despite negative consequences. Addiction is both a “complex brain disorder and a mental illness,” according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). Addictive behavior can happen with illegal drugs like heroin […]
Living an Abstinent Life through Halloween and the Holidays by Shanni B.
Halloween is the start of many other joyous holidays to come. I’ve heard in the rooms that the holidays can be a triggering time for some addicts and alcoholics. For the Food Addict, it is a time of year where our program is tested the most. I celebrated my birthday at Turning Point a few […]
Rise in Teen Suicide and National Bullying Awareness Month 2020
Statistics released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) find suicide to be the second-leading cause of death for persons aged 10–24. The suicide rate among this age group increased by 56 percent between 2001 and 2017, with the greatest increase between 2013 and 2017. While suicide rates have been steadily increasing across […]
Domestic Violence Awareness Month
In 1981, the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV) created a Day of Unity, designed to increase awareness of domestic violence. The movement to expand awareness grew, and in 1987 became a month-long observance. In 1989, Congress formally declared October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Events during October seek to raise awareness of domestic violence, […]
E3: From Under the Influence to Recovery Influencer, with Danny VanBomel, LMHC
Today is International Podcast Day! SEP 16, 2020 – Help us share the info on The Point is Recovery Podcast! In Episode 3 we sit down with Danny VanBomel, LMHC, for a conversation about his experience working in addiction treatment AND learn what it was like to get sober at 23 years old in the […]
Ending the Stigma of Mental Health and Addiction
Individuals with mental illness and substance use disorders continue to be unfairly stigmatized by those who do not understand these are chronic, treatable conditions. Suffering from one or both of these disorders does not mean the person is dangerous, at fault for their disorder, or, in the case of substance use disorder, too weak to […]
Managing Expectations in Early Recovery
A person is considered to be in the early stages of recovery for the first three to twelve months of sobriety. This time period is a critical stage in the recovery journey, as the highest incidence of relapse happens within the first 90 days of abstinence. Unsuccessfully managing triggers is one of the biggest threats […]
We Stay Sober No Matter What, by Anonymous
Part of recovery is working with others. I’ve been clean and sober for a little while now and find this to be the best part of recovery. Recently a newly sober woman said to me “How am I supposed to stay sober after losing my job, that job was everything to me and now I’m […]
Florida Legislative Roundup: September 2020
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and his wife Casey DeSantis continue to work to increase treatment resources for residents with substance use or mental disorders, especially in light of the COVID-19 crisis. In August, ABC affiliate WCJB reported the Governor and Mrs. DeSantis held a round table forum in Seminole County to discuss how the current […]
Employment in Early Recovery
Completing an addiction recovery program is a great achievement. However, addiction is a chronic disease and recovery is a lifelong journey. To successfully maintain and thrive while living a sober lifestyle, you must carefully plan your next steps. While finding a job may feel like the most important next step after addiction treatment, it is […]
E2: Meet Your Host, Chris Nasuti
SEP 16, 2020 – Join us for Episode 2 as Host Chris Nasuti shares about his 25 year struggle with addiction and the gratitude he has found in a life of recovery. This podcast was started to get the word out that recovery is possible. Whether you are struggling with addiction yourself or you are […]
National Yoga Month 2020
From increased strength, flexibility, and balance to a reduction in stress and anxiety, the physical and mental health benefits of yoga are well documented. In 2008, hoping to inspire the public to embrace a healthier lifestyle through the practice of yoga, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services designated September as National Yoga Month. […]
Proudly Introducing “The Point is Recovery” Podcast
September is National Recovery Month, dedicated to raising awareness on how treatment can change the lives of those affected by addiction, eating disorders, and other mental health challenges and to honor those in recovery. At Turning Point of Tampa, we strive every day to make recovery a reality for our clients. In recognition of National […]
We Stay Sober No Matter WHAT!, by Joan B.
When I first got sober, I was going to meetings at a club house in Hermosa Beach Ca. There was this fellow that would say, every time he shared, “we stay sober no matter,” and then he would yell “WHAT”! It certainly would get your attention, especially if you were new and shaky. It had […]
National Recovery Month 2020
National Recovery Month has been observed every September since 1989. Its purpose is to educate the public on how treatment services can change lives for those with substance use and mental disorders and to recognize and honor those in recovery. The theme for 2020 is “Join the Voices for Recovery: Celebrating Connections,” focusing on the […]
Speaking My Truth, by Ashley N.
During the first 6 years of my recovery I did not hear of “National Recovery Month.” I started working in the addiction treatment field in 2012 and that year was the first year that I learned about the initiative. I started having conversations with friends that I knew from “the rooms” and none of them […]
The Rise in Overdose Cases Since COVID-19
COVID-19 is not only causing widespread illness and death, but it is also increasing economic distress, social isolation, and anxiety, all risk factors for those actively using drugs or alcohol, and for those in recovery. Although drug overdose deaths in the United States decreased by about 4 percent in 2018, those numbers began to rise […]
How Does Anger Management Work?
Anger management involves learning to recognize the signs you are becoming overly frustrated or angry and how to avoid expressing that anger inappropriately. Counseling or anger management classes can help you learn specific behavioral skills, as well as how to change your thought patterns to constructively cope with anger. Signs You Need Help Controlling Anger […]
The Power of Gratitude
Regularly expressing gratitude for the good in our lives, including people, and situations enhance our physical and mental health. When we focus on what we are thankful for, we attract more positivity, experience less stress and other negative emotions, strengthen our relationships, and are better equipped to overcome challenging situations. An attitude of gratitude can […]
What is Couples Therapy?
Couples therapy is a form of psychotherapy in which a therapist helps a romantically involved couple improve communication, resolve conflict, and strengthen their relationship. The therapy is effective for couples regardless of their marital status or sexual orientation. A couples therapist is often a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) who is specially trained to […]
Understanding Hoarding Disorder
Hoarding disorder is characterized by extreme difficulty experienced when parting with possessions, often accompanied by the persistent acquisition of additional items. Hoarded objects often have little or no value and can include old magazines, junk mail, books, clothes, and broken or non-functioning items. Those with hoarding disorder become severely distressed at the thought of discarding […]
