National Opioid Crisis Expert, Dynamic Speaker And Author, Dr. John Rosa Encourages Readers To Take Stock Of And Strengthen Inner Attributes.

opioid crisis

Dr. John P. Rosa, national opioid crisis expert, author and dynamic speaker writes about the attributes of recovery and resilience and suggests that they are both processes that can continuously be developed and strengthened throughout life.

 ROCKVILLE, MD. September 29, 2020: Owner of Accessible Beltway Clinics and opioid crises expert, Dr. John Rosa, posted a new blog on his website entitled, “Recovery Is Resilience,” in which Dr. Rosa talks about the inner qualities that cultivate resilience.

Dr. Rosa states, “Recovery is a process. So is resilience.”  He goes on to add, “In fact, you can’t have one without the other! Both, recovery and resilience are processes that ultimately blossom into life’s most useful skills. No matter where you are in your recovery, resilience can continuously be fine-tuned.”

“The quality of resilience,” says Dr. Rosa, “has been defined as “the ability to mentally or emotionally cope with a crisis or to return to pre-crisis status quickly. Resilience exists when the person uses “mental processes and behaviors in promoting personal assets and protecting self from the potential negative effects of stressors.” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psychological_resilience

As Dr. Rosa points out, “Without question, everyone, whether in recovery or not, can benefit from taking stock of their inner reserves during these difficult times and turn their attention to developing greater resilience. For those of you in recovery,” he encourages, “do not despair. There are very specific actions you can take – echoing the steps toward recovery – that will carry you forward and strengthen your resilience. All behaviors can be exercised, and like muscles, these behaviors, when consciously exercised will be strengthened in your daily life.”

 

Read the entire blog at https://drjohnrosa.com/recovery-is-resilience/

 

About John P. Rosa

Dr. John Rosa owns and supervises Accessible Beltway Clinics, which is comprised of 17 clinics in Maryland and Virginia that sees over 60,000 patient visits per year. ABC Clinics combine medicine, chiropractic, physical therapy, acupuncture and behavioral medicine to give a comprehensive multidisciplinary approach to pain syndromes and musculoskeletal disorders. Active in sports medicine with consulting/treating athletes in several universities, NBA, MLB, NHL and USA Olympic Basketball. Creator of 24/7 RnR an FDA approved analgesic cream; a proprietary blend of the most potent materials resulting in the most effective product on the market for pain Relief and aiding Recovery. Founder of Accessible Wellness Solutions – an onsite corporate wellness program offering consulting, lectures and management of onsite clinics.

Leader in Chiropractic  

Trustee of New York Chiropractic College for over 15 years serving final 3-year term as Chairman of the Board and given the honor or Board Emeritus post service. Awarded the highest recognitions in Chiropractic Medicine as Fellow of the American Chiropractic Colleges and Fellow of the International Chiropractic Colleges.

Integrative Medicine Specialist:

  • Current Vice Chair of the Board to Maryland University of Integrative Health
  • Consultant on Integrative Medicine to hospital cancer center
  • Reduced opioid prescriptions by 70% by integrating Chiropractic, physical therapy and behavioral medicine in a primary care setting
  • Expert/Speaker – Educating medical community on the Integrative Medicine approach to treating pain

Opioid Crisis Expert:

  • White House Surrogate
  • Law Enforcement Consultant (Homeland Security, CBP, DOJ, DEA and Postal)
  • State and National Consultant to Opioid Task Forces
  • Corporate and professional organization consultant
  • Best selling author

Community Leadership:

  • Board member of the National Italian American Foundation
  • Founder of “Overdose Free America” a nonprofit 501c which uses the power of celebrity and entertainment to bring the Opioid Crisis the visibility and support it deserves
  • Volunteer at Crossroads Freedom Center – a residential facility in Maryland to help overcome addiction

 

###

 

 

Recovery Is Resilience

By Dr. John Rosa

Recovery is a process. So is resilience. In fact, you can’t have one without the other! Both, recovery and resilience are processes that ultimately blossom into life’s most useful skills. No matter where you are in your recovery, resilience can continuously be fine-tuned.

 

The quality of resilience has been defined as “the ability to mentally or emotionally cope with a crisis or to return to pre-crisis status quickly. Resilience exists when the person uses “mental processes and behaviors in promoting personal assets and protecting self from the potential negative effects of stressors.” https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psychological_resilience

 

Without question, everyone, whether in recovery or not, can benefit from taking stock of their inner reserves during these difficult times and turn their attention to developing greater resilience. For those of you in recovery, do not despair. There are very specific actions you can take – echoing the steps toward recovery – that will carry you forward and strengthen your resilience. All behaviors can be exercised, and like muscles, these behaviors, when consciously exercised will be strengthened in your daily life. (See the article I wrote entitled Exceptionally Challenging Times Require Greater Resilience For Those In Recovery.)

 

Remember that you have what you need within to get through this pandemic. You have capacities that do not depend on anyone outside of you. You have adaptability, courage, perseverance, a sense of humor, resourcefulness, gratitude and other attributes that have carried you through in the past. All of these attributes are aspects of resilience. So it’s important that you actively cultivate an awareness of your personal strengths and resources.  Focus on these attributes. Remember how they have helped you get through past difficulties. Let those memories motivate you and look into your future and see yourself functioning capably, clearly and confidently. Imagine how you will be able to help others tap into their inner strength and develop the ability to change as well and face whatever challenges life has in store for them.

 

When you are in recovery from substance abuse, you need to believe in your own inner strength and abilities. You might never have gone through anything quite like this before – none of us has – and many people are uncertain and fearful. But that’s to be expected. But keeping the whole picture in mind, knowing you have capabilities that can be strengthened like a muscle will carry you through. You can do this. You are resilient.

 

National Opioid Crisis Expert, Dynamic Speaker And Author, Dr. John Rosa Writes About The Need For Greater Resilience For Anyone In Addiction Recovery.

opioid crisis

 Dr. John P. Rosa, opioid crisis expert, author and dynamic speaker writes about the quality of resilience that is being required of everyone during this pandemic but even more so from those who are in recovery and are doing their best to maintain and manage their recovery.

ROCKVILLE, MD. September 20, 2020: Dr. John Rosa, dynamic speaker, national opioid crises expert, and co-author of The Recipe for Success with Jack Canfield, posted a new article on his website entitled, “Exceptionally Challenging Times Require Greater Resilience For Those In Recovery,” in which Dr. Rosa provides encouragement and a few tips from addiction experts.

Dr. Rosa states, “Addiction experts agree that recovery is challenging whenever it is undertaken during normal life circumstances.” He continues adding, “But, when even the most sober and rock-steady humans begin to feel like they could crack under the pressure of exceptionally challenging times, like those we are experiencing during this COVID-19 pandemic, those in recovery must dig deeper to hang on to their strength and commitment.”

“Resilience,” Dr. Rosa explains, “is the capacity to withstand and manage challenges. It is a behavioral quality that can be cultivated through practice. As I see it,” he adds, “the quality of resilience creates the foundation for long-term recovery from addiction. During these unexpected and incredibly challenging times, it is important to establish a series of actions designed to cultivate and build resilience.”

Dr. Rosa writes, “According to experts at Harvard, “Proactive measures to protect health will build resilience, and help people avoid relapsing into harmful addiction-related behaviors.” They go on to establish that, “If a relapse does happen it is important to keep in mind that long-term recovery remains within reach. Relapse is a common feature of recovery, and it does not prevent anyone from entering recovery again.” https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/recovering-from-addiction-during-a-time-of-uncertainty-and-social-distancing-2020040319381

“I’ve been writing about the dangers of social distancing for addicts in recovery since before the first shelter-in-place orders were mandated,” says Dr. Rosa. He states, “Addiction is comfortable in isolation. Recovery is difficult, though as we are finding out, not impossible.” He goes on to add, “As a nation, we’ve been dealing with the anxiety social distancing creates and, the toll it is taking its toll on everyone is becoming evident. For addicts, the extended period of anxiety created can cause behavioral paralysis and disengagement from daily tasks and obligations.”

 

Read the entire article at https://drjohnrosa.com/exceptionally-challenging-times-require-greater-resilience-for-those-in-recovery/

 

About John P. Rosa

 Dr. John Rosa owns and supervises Accessible Beltway Clinics, which is comprised of 17 clinics in Maryland and Virginia that sees over 60,000 patient visits per year. ABC Clinics combine medicine, chiropractic, physical therapy, acupuncture and behavioral medicine to give a comprehensive multidisciplinary approach to pain syndromes and musculoskeletal disorders. Active in sports medicine with consulting/treating athletes in several universities, NBA, MLB, NHL and USA Olympic Basketball. Creator of 24/7 RnR an FDA approved analgesic cream; a proprietary blend of the most potent materials resulting in the most effective product on the market for pain Relief and aiding Recovery. Founder of Accessible Wellness Solutions – an onsite corporate wellness program offering consulting, lectures and management of onsite clinics.

Leader in Chiropractic  

Trustee of New York Chiropractic College for over 15 years serving final 3-year term as Chairman of the Board and given the honor or Board Emeritus post service. Awarded the highest recognitions in Chiropractic Medicine as Fellow of the American Chiropractic Colleges and Fellow of the International Chiropractic Colleges.

Integrative Medicine Specialist:

  • Current Vice Chair of the Board to Maryland University of Integrative Health
  • Consultant on Integrative Medicine to hospital cancer center
  • Reduced opioid prescriptions by 70% by integrating Chiropractic, physical therapy and behavioral medicine in a primary care setting
  • Expert/Speaker – Educating medical community on the Integrative Medicine approach to treating pain

Opioid Crisis Expert:

  • White House Surrogate
  • Law Enforcement Consultant (Homeland Security, CBP, DOJ, DEA and Postal)
  • State and National Consultant to Opioid Task Forces
  • Corporate and professional organization consultant
  • Best selling author

Community Leadership:

  • Board member of the National Italian American Foundation
  • Founder of “Overdose Free America” a nonprofit 501c which uses the power of celebrity and entertainment to bring the Opioid Crisis the visibility and support it deserves
  • Volunteer at Crossroads Freedom Center – a residential facility in Maryland to help overcome addiction

 

 

 

 

###

 

 

Exceptionally Challenging Times Require Greater Resilience For Those In Recovery

By Dr. John Rosa

Addiction experts agree that recovery is challenging whenever it is undertaken during normal life circumstances. But, when even the most sober and rock-steady humans begin to feel like they could crack under the pressure of exceptionally challenging times, like those we are experiencing during this COVID-19 pandemic, those in recovery must dig deeper to hang on to their strength and commitment.

 

Resilience is the capacity to withstand and manage challenges. It is a behavioral quality that can be cultivated through practice. As I see it, the quality of resilience creates the foundation for long-term recovery from addiction. During these unexpected and incredibly challenging times, it is important to establish a series of actions designed to cultivate and build resilience.

 

According to experts at Harvard, “Proactive measures to protect health will build resilience, and help people avoid relapsing into harmful addiction-related behaviors.” They go on to establish that, “If a relapse does happen it is important to keep in mind that long-term recovery remains within reach. Relapse is a common feature of recovery, and it does not prevent anyone from entering recovery again.” https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/recovering-from-addiction-during-a-time-of-uncertainty-and-social-distancing-2020040319381

 

Social Distancing Is Hard On Everyone And Anathema To Addicts In Recovery

 

I’ve been writing about the dangers of social distancing for addicts in recovery since before the first shelter-in-place orders were mandated. Addiction is comfortable in isolation. Recovery is difficult, though as we are finding out, not impossible. As a nation, we’ve been dealing with the anxiety social distancing creates and, the toll it is taking its toll on everyone is becoming evident. For addicts, the extended period of anxiety created can cause behavioral paralysis and disengagement from daily tasks and obligations.

 

Create A Plan And Work it

We are a full six months into living with this pandemic and no one knows how long requirements for social distancing may go on. Hopefully, you have already discovered the value of creating a plan for your recovery. Like any plan, it’s imperative to work it diligently.

If you haven’t yet established a plan or are new to recovery, here’s what the Harvard experts suggest. “Your plan should anticipate what you expect might happen, including experiencing complicated emotions. Remember, emotions will pass, and your plan should help you move through challenging ones.” In addition, they suggest relying on, “escape and avoidance skills by identifying alternative activities that respect social distancing, but conflict with addictive behavior. Such activities might include practicing mindfulness and relaxation, getting exercise, learning new skills, and communicating your goals and activities with loved ones and people who support you.” https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/recovering-from-addiction-during-a-time-of-uncertainty-and-social-distancing-2020040319381

 

Establish Or Join Social Networks

Fortunately, we are living in the digital age and while we may be required to keep our distance from others, we can still visit and meet digitally. Zoom meetings have become very popular. You can create your own or join social networks that will be supportive of your recovery. That may mean joining specific addiction recovery programs that meet online and/or other social networks that meet around common interests. It’s important to be clear to yourself about your own needs and identify people who can help with those needs should they arise.

Make Use Of Online Therapy And Telemedicine

If you require medication, remember that taking home medications to manage addiction must be carefully considered. Depending where you are in your recovery, you may need to receive your medication with supervision. However, you may be served by establishing remote sessions with your sponsor or a therapist.

Remember You Are Cultivating Resilience In Recovery

The most important thing to remember is that you are practicing and developing your resilience during this exceptionally challenging period. I pray that anyone in recovery will be able to look back on this pandemic victoriously and more capable of withstanding and managing whatever challenges may arise.