Individualized treatment plans bring hope to Florida Recovery Center alumni
On a sunny September day in Gainesville, more than 300 people gathered to reflect on their journey of recovery and to celebrate the renewal of life and hope found after taking the first step toward sobriety.
The UF Health Florida Recovery Center, or FRC, recently held the 11th Annual FRC Alumni Reunion, which brought together FRC alumni, family and friends from multiple states — some as far away as California. Alumni caught up with doctors, therapists, counselors and other staff members, many of who are in recovery from drug or alcohol addiction themselves. The professionals at FRC understand the journey because they, too, have made that first step.
“There is no better feeling than to see firsthand the positive impact we have held in the lives of those we treat; how they have restored their lives and mended family and professional relationships. Their success and gratitude for FRC drives our important mission. It was a wonderful event,” said Scott Teitelbaum, M.D., medical director of the UF Health Florida Recovery Center.
Each alumnus has a different journey, but they all have one thing in common: a commitment to sobriety, thanks in part to the individualized treatment plans from the UF Health Florida Recovery Center.
There is no better feeling than to see firsthand the positive impact we have held in the lives of those we treat. - Scott Teitelbaum, M.D.
Significant discoveries in the past two decades have improved understanding of both the neurobiology and psychology of addiction, leading to better prognosis for individual patients struggling with the disease of addiction. The expert clinicians at UF Health Florida Recovery Center work alongside experts in addiction research at the UF College of Medicine to provide patients with access to the latest evidence-based treatment approaches and offer patients the opportunity to contribute to science through participation in research studies.
The data provide patients and families a clear message of hope.
“Our research with health care professionals has demonstrated that recovery from addiction is not only possible but likely, given adequate treatment with continued aftercare,” said Lisa Merlo, Ph.D., M.P.E., research director of the UF Health Florida Recovery Center. "This comprehensive approach, including long-term treatment followed by participation in twelve-step fellowships, attendance at recommended follow-up appointments and random drug testing, gives patients the tools they need to achieve and maintain their sobriety.”
These factors help to explain why local individuals — as well as physicians, dentists, pharmacists, nurses and attorneys from all over the country — turn to the UF Health Florida Recovery Center for their care, and why so many returned this month to celebrate their recovery.