September Recovery Month Interview and Feature – Dr. Rick Davila

September Recovery Month Interview and Feature – Dr. Rick Davila

Since 1989, Recovery Month has been nationally observed each September. This month is dedicated to support recovery practices and new evidence-based treatments. Without our strong recovery communities, including dedicated service providers, recovery would not be possible. Today, I am speaking to Dr. Rick Davila, a leader in the recovery community here in Florida.

Thank you for taking the time to talk to us about what you do, Dr. Davila. My first question as it is September and National Recovery Month, is to ask you what recovery means to you?

I am a person in recovery and have been for the last 57 years. I have been able to cope with life on life’s terms in a caring way without the use of substances or other active addictions. I believe you are in recovery when you say you are. Recovery is different for each individual. There are multiple pathways of recovery meaning that there is NA, AA, Smart Recovery, Celebrate Recovery, Dharma Recovery to name a few.

Your organization, Recovery 4 All, is dedicated to supporting recovery from drugs, alcohol, gambling and other addictions through education, guidance, and support for each person in recovery. How did you start Recovery 4 All?

There appears to be a focus on treatment or acute care only. I wanted to see also an emphasis on recovery support. I saw the need to educate people about supporting on going recovery after acute care. Especially to individuals, families, and communities to provide recovery support for all types of addictions and mental health. Recovery 4 All is providing multiple recovery support services to this population including direct Recovery Coaching and training to become a Recovery Coach Professional.

 

I love in the Recovery 4 All mission statement where is says, “We are totally and unconditionally committed to promoting supportive long-term recovery for individuals, families, and advocates-treating people with dignity and respect.” I feel that the dignity and respect part is hugely important; could you tell us why that is in your mission statement?

In our service delivery, we have an assets-based model rather than a deficit-based model. I belie

ve in a strength-based approach instead of focusing on the problem. We focus on strengths. We would rather ask what  is good with you rather than what’s wrong with you. There is so much stigma and labeling in addiction. We provide recovery services with dignity and respect by putting more focus on what is right verses what is wrong.

 

If you were talking to someone who was in the contemplation stage of recovery; not actively trying to make changes but thinking about it, what could you do to support their recovery journey?

I would remind this person that there are many pathways to recovery. You are already ok and able to take the next steps. Let’s move forward.

 

Outside of your amazing work in the recovery field, what are some of your hobbies?

I am lucky to have a large, blended family including 17 grandkids and 11 great grands, that keeps me pretty busy. I devote time to my own recovery. I enjoy audio books right now, and most are action adventure or mystery because they offer something fictional to empty out my head. I read books too and also play word  games on my phone.

If you could tell someone struggling with addiction one thing, what advice would you give them?

I would say that there are many pathways of recovery to try. I would tell them that they come with strengths and experience. This is not the end of the world (addiction). You have worth. Your experience counts and let’s expand on that experience.

 

Happy Week One of National Recovery Month!

Recovery is real.

During this first week, we can focus on our wellness goals that will improve our overall health. From September 1-7, we can find ways to support people in recovery by:

Make healthy choices that support our well-being like eating a nutritious diet, getting regular exercise or activity, maintaining a stable sleep schedule, and managing our overall health with physical, mental, and dental preventative care.

Find balance by choosing to make time for self-care. Spending time outside in nature, reading, painting, taking a walk, or making time to just relax without work or responsibilities are just a few examples.

You are not alone

Reach out for help if you or someone you know needs assistance dealing with a mental health or substance use condition SAMHSA has online resources here.

SAMHSA National Hotline: 1-800-662-4357

988 Suicide and Crisis Hotline: If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org

How you can help during National Recovery Month (SAMHSA, 2024)

  • Support the health and well-being of those seeking help or in their recovery journey by spreading awareness about SAMHSA resources. For example, this year’s National Recovery Month toolkit includes English and Spanish social media messages, shareable graphics, and other recovery information that you can promote on your platforms. You can also use the weekly themes to develop messages that resonate with your audiences. Do not forget to check out the toolkit’s weekly bilingual social media posts.
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