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Recovery is within reach
Living a life without alcohol begins with
the right resources and support
R
alph Bennett does not shy away from his
past or his present. Currently in long-term
recovery from a substance use disorder
(SUD), Bennett admits, “I was a big drinker for
years. But there came a point when I realized
that what I thought was helping me through my
problems was actually contributing to them.” And
so began his recovery journey.
Now, as the Emergency Department Supervisor
for the Bennington Turning Point Center, Bennett
works with other individuals looking to begin or
continue navigating their own path to recovery.
“What I know from personal experience is that
everyone’s recovery is different. What works for
one individual won’t necessarily work for another,”
he says, “Which is why we aim to meet every
individual exactly where they’re at and find an
approach that will move them toward their goals,
whatever they might be.”
Julea Larsen, the organization’s executive
director—and another individual in long-term
recovery—notes there’s more to recovery than
simply deciding not to drink. “A SUD isn’t a matter
of choice or a character flaw. It’s a diagnosable
ailment that can be treated with a medical plan.
The key is determining which treatment approach
is best for each individual.”
In addition to determining a treatment approach,
Turning Point staff, which includes a team of
recovery coaches, works to remove any obstacles to
success. “Our recovery coaches provide emotional
support and help individuals explore their
feelings and motivations and guide them through
treatment. Plus, they work with different agencies
16 | HEALTHY+ | WINTER/SPRING 2022
“ I was a big drinker for
years. But there came
a point when I realized
that what I thought was
helping me through my
problems was actually
contributing to them.”
– Ralph Bennet
Emergency Dept. Supervisor,
Bennington Turning Point
Center
and organizations in the community to resolve
issues related to everything from food and housing
to medication and childcare, and so on,” say Larsen.
“Our aim is to reduce the number of hurdles of
daily living so that the person can put their energy
towards recovery. We work with them every day on
every step, as long as needed, to get them where
they want to be.”
Genetic factors account for
of the underlying
50%
reasons for
alcohol use
disorder.
Source: National
Institute on
Alcohol Abuse and
Alcoholism
“ MATs (medication assisted treatments),
like naltrexone, diminish cravings
and blunt the high from alcohol. The
lack of cravings makes the withdrawal
experience a bit more bearable and
reduces the risk of relapse.”
– Todd Salvesvold, RN, MA
Vermont Blueprint for Health
Treatment that works for the individual
In the same way that a lot of different factors can
drive an alcohol use disorder, there are a lot of
different ways to treat it.
According to Todd Salvesvold, RN, MA, with
the Vermont Blueprint for Health, which designs
community-led strategies for improving health
and well-being, “Most people think there’s one
way to treat alcohol abuse: detox, followed by
rehab, and then a support program like AA.
While that approach still works for many, there
are other options.”
One of the most effective options Salvesvold
has seen is medication assisted treatment (MAT)
and therapy. Offered locally through SaVida
Health, he says, “MATs, like naltrexone, diminish
cravings and blunt the high from alcohol.
The lack of cravings makes the withdrawal
experience a bit more bearable and reduces
the risk of relapse. Plus, MAT doesn’t require
admission to an inpatient program.”
Salvesvold acknowledges that, depending on
the scale of the disorder, some individuals may
require medically observed detox or even rehab.
“Fortunately, there are local options for that level
of care, and MAT can be a part of the continued
care plan.”
As Salvesvold notes, “There are a lot of paths
to long-term sobriety, but the first step to all
of them is recognizing you’re ready to try and
raising your hand for help.”+
MENTAL
HEALTH
Help is Here
If you or a loved one is ready
to take the first step toward
healthier living, the following
organizations can help.
VT:
Bennington:
The Turning Point Center
802-442-9700 | tpcbennington.org
SaVida Health
802-448-5105 | savidahealth.org
United Counseling Services
802-442-5491 | ucsvt.org
Manchester:
United Counseling Services
802-362-3950 | ucsvt.org
MA:
Williamstown:
The Brien Center
413-458-9050 | briencenter.org
SVHEALTHCARE .ORG | HEALTHY+ | 17