Take a look at our May newsletter!
NEED RECOVERY HELP AT HOME? THERE’S AN APP FOR THAT
There are 168 hours in a week, and even in the best-case scenarios, we only see our clients for a couple of them. That’s too much time without a support system in place, and our clients often resort to poor decision-making and old coping mechanisms. So, how can we help our clients when their lives get difficult away from our offices? Fortunately, we’re on our way to figuring that out. Starting this month, Recovery Connection will begin rolling out several pieces of technology to help us connect with our clients in between appointments. The first is behind the scenes. We’ve joined a database that will notify us whenever one of our clients checks into a hospital or other medical facility. Medication is a crucial part of many of our clients’ recoveries, but not all physicians reliably check the Prescription Monitoring Database to confirm each new patient’s prescriptions. Our care will now be flagged for doctors so they can contact us with any questions they may have. We’re also introducing a digital app called reSET-O. This technology from
use, cravings, and triggers. Though we won’t receive the information in real time, we can review your progress during your next appointment and adjust your treatment when needed. The beauty of this app is threefold. First, its prescription status means our MassHealth clients (and most people with private insurance) will not have to pay anything out of pocket to use it. Second, we can refill the reSET-O prescription for up to 48 weeks of treatment, ensuring you’re not cut off in the middle of your progress. Finally, the app offers contingency management, and each client is eligible to earn up to $500 a year in compensation just from using it. Clients can receive compensation for meeting goals like attending appointments, completing lessons, and avoiding relapse. The final piece of technology we’re excited to announce is an app from TryCycle, which increases our client-clinician communication and improves engagement. Between appointments, clients can self-assess, and the insights, trends, and patterns gleaned from their responses can be turned into action by their health providers. The algorithm will identify client risk but leave the decision-making to the humans providing their treatment. TryCycle will notify us when our patients need help outside of our offices. Often, clients are reluctant to seek assistance in between appointments. It may be because they’ve been rejected or ignored in the past, or maybe they’re too embarrassed to reach out. Other times, the idea that they can ask for help before their next appointment might not even occur to them. This app will let us know when you’re struggling, so we can offer our support. Recovery Connection wants to shout it from the rooftops: We’re here to help! These advancements will make us more accessible to our clients and hopefully improve their experiences when interacting with our providers. We can’t wait to see the results — and we look forward to coming up with even more ways to help our clients with the recovery they deserve.
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MAY 2022
Pear Therapeutics is the first 12- week prescription digital therapy to receive authorization from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and it’s designed to use alongside outpatient treatment as well as for patients who are taking buprenorphine. This app is powerful because it’s been clinically proven to
help people who may have opioid use disorder so they can stay in treatment longer.
Once your clinician issues a prescription to the reSET-O app, you will complete digital lessons, answer questionnaires, and report your substance
–Michael Brier
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FINDING THE RIGHT MASSAGE GUN FOR YOU
While surfing the web or visiting your local sporting goods store, you’ve probably noticed the most recent physical fitness trend: massage guns. Massage guns vibrate at a high frequency to help loosen your muscles, increase blood flow, and temporarily ease pain and soreness. While massage guns have been on the market for the last several years, they were mostly for massage therapists and chiropractors to use on their patients. Now, newer models have seen great improvements that make massage guns more accessible to the average consumer. There are many benefits that come with using a massage gun. For people who experience chronic pain, have tension headaches, or suffer from an injury, massage guns can reduce symptoms and even help users feel more relaxed. Massages cause the body to release dopamine, which improves moods, but not everyone can
make it to a massage parlor whenever they need to. That’s what makes this tool a perfect temporary replacement. Since massage guns have exploded in popularity, there are many brands and models to choose from — but there are a few things to consider. Some massage guns are incredibly loud, and that could make massaging your head or neck rather unenjoyable. Also pay attention to the model’s strength and speed levels, since more powerful massage guns can reach deeper into muscle fibers. Other factors to keep in mind are the massage gun’s weight and portability as well as if it’s easy to use (especially if it comes with additional head attachments or works alongside a smartphone app). Massage guns can be expensive, ranging anywhere from $60 to $500. Each model has different features and functions, so make sure you do some research before purchasing one.
The Fitness Boost You Need How Rewards Can Reinforce Healthy Habits
People often talk about why we need to exercise more and eat right. But how do you reward yourself for the new habits you embrace? If you aren't rewarding yourself, then you may find it challenging to stick to your plans.
improper foods are the reward after a run. That’s counterproductive!
Or, what if we decide our reward isn’t worth it to begin with? For example, you might tell yourself, “I don’t really have time for a nice bath tonight, so I’ll just skip my run today.” However, Rubin says that one kind of self-reward is always best: the reward that takes you deeper into your new habit. Reward a new fitness habit right. Finding an exercise you enjoy is one of the most effective ways to reward yourself and continue to build your new fitness habit! If you look forward to working out in a gym environment with gym equipment, then at-home exercises probably won’t feel as satisfying. But
there’s still at-home equipment and sports, such as biking, that you can do to reward yourself, especially if you have a favorite time of day to get outdoors. Other awesome rewards for exercising can include running or yoga socks, a nice water bottle you enjoy using, a new yoga mat, a subscription to a workout program or app, or a fitness tracker. You can also watch fitness videos or documentaries that explain the benefits of your new hobby or habits, which will both educate and encourage you! A fitness habit, after all, is linked to all sorts of long-term health benefits you’ll enjoy for a lifetime.
Don’t be shy to give yourself the boost you need — the right way.
Can rewards be dangerous? In some cases, yes. Gretchen Rubin, author of “Better Than Before,” recently told Medium that rewarding our good habits can be “dangerous.” You might feel the same way. After we get the reward we wanted, it might feel easier to give up the habit or make it more difficult to meet our goals. After all, we might give up on running if we don’t meet our weight loss goals because
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What Are Cravings? How Do I Stop Them? How Playing the Long Game Helps Overcome Cravings
Cravings — they can feel like a comforting friend or a gut- punching enemy, depending on what you’re craving. An estimated 90% of people experience cravings, and, believe it or not, not all cravings are bad. Leaning into our healthy cravings can help establish a healthy diet. Don’t worry, we’re thinking the same thing: “If that’s the case, why do we crave sugary snacks and fatty foods the most?!” It’s complicated, but understanding your brain is a great place to start. What are cravings, really? Decades of research have proven that cravings start in our brain, not our body. This might be shocking for some, since it was commonly believed for a long time that if you were craving a steak, you were probably low in iron.
That means when we’re unhappy, stressed, or needing a pick- me-up, we might start craving foods that comfort us, such as ice cream. How do I stop craving unhealthy things? One thing is for sure: Restrictive diets don’t always work. It’s hard to “rewire” the brain by completely rejecting how it currently operates. Instead, you might want to consider accepting your cravings, but make slow and deliberate changes to how you satisfy those cravings. For example, if you’re craving potato chips, why not try kale chips or another crunchy but healthier alternative that you already enjoy? If you’re craving soda, why not crush some fresh fruit into sparkling water instead? Make it a treat, make it special, but make it healthier. Eating more filling, nutrient-dense food and getting more sleep are also great ways to fight cravings. It leaves little time or room for binging on bad foods. However, a 6-month 2018 study in the National Institutes of Health has shown that flexibility in your diet can make a difference for making real, meaningful changes to your lifestyle long term. By overcoming shame and accepting your cravings, you won’t fear making a single mistake as much. It’s all about playing the long game.
However, the brain connection makes way more sense. Think about it: Does your body love
circulating excess sugar that can lead to health complications, or does your brain enjoy sugar more? After all, sugar releases the feel-good neurotransmitter
dopamine, which our brains love. A chocolate milkshake or lemon bar helps us feel good by literally triggering our brain’s pleasure centers.
ONE-PAN BAKED SALMON AND VEGGIES Inspired by BBCGoodFood.com
TAKE A BREAK!
INGREDIENTS
• 1 lb spring potatoes, halved • 2 tbsp olive oil (divided) • 8 asparagus spears, trimmed and halved
• 2 handfuls cherry tomatoes • 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 2 5-oz salmon fillets • 1 handful fresh basil
DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat the oven to 400 F. 2. In an oven-proof dish, combine the potatoes and 1 tbsp olive oil. Roast for 20 minutes. 3. Remove the dish from the oven and add the asparagus. Toss, and bake for 15 more minutes. 4. Remove the dish from the oven and add the cherry tomatoes. Toss. Drizzle with balsamic, then nestle the salmon fillets into the vegetables. Drizzle with the remaining oil, and bake for 10–15 minutes. 5. Remove the dish from the oven, garnish with basil leaves, and serve!
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(877) 557-3155 | www.drughelp.com 381 Wickenden Street | Providence, RI 02903 Offices Operating in Providence, RI; Brockton, Attleboro, North Dartmouth, Taunton, Worcester, Springfield, Natick
INSIDE
1.
New Technology to Assist Your Recovery
2. Choosing the Perfect Massage Gun
How Do I Reward My Fitness Habits?
3. Cravings — And How to Stop Them
One-Pan Baked Salmon and Veggies
4. Stretching Preserves Flexibility
STRETCHING PRESERVES YOUR FLEXIBILITY FOR LIFE A NOT-SO-SECRET FOR YOUR LONGEVITY
Engineers and doctors can agree on one thing: Lubrication is often necessary for joints to function and move properly, including human joints. Every day, your joints create fluid that allows your arms, legs, neck, and back to move properly. But did you know that by stretching and using your full range of motion once a day, you can help those joint fluids preserve your flexibility and balance? Many people are worried about their independence later in life, and an improper sense of balance can be a big part of that. Stretching keeps muscles flexible, strong, and healthy, but the “flexible” part is more important than most people think. Without flexibility, our muscles shorten and become tight — and even with the fluids that our joints create, without regularly stretching, we’ll still be unable to use our full range of motion.
By the time you need your muscles for activity, they’re weak and unable to extend fully. This puts you at risk for joint pain, strains, and muscle damage. Can stretching extend my life? Not only does stretching improve your independence, but it might also help you live longer. Studies show that stretching is linked to improved circulation, and better blood flow can lead to improved heart health and cardiovascular function. Considering that heart disease is the leading cause of death among adults in the U.S., that’s a huge bonus! The benefits of stretching are best enjoyed without injury, however, and that’s why it’s important to warm yourself up before stretching. Although it used to be thought that stretching is the first step before exercise, it’s now becoming more commonly understood that light
activity is better for preventing injuries from overstretching. Physical therapist David Nolan of Massachusetts General Hospital told Harvard Health, “All it takes to warm up the muscles before stretching is 5–10 minutes of light activity, such as a quick walk. You can also stretch after an aerobic or weight-training workout.” If you’re worried about joint pain, it’s smart to stretch as well as build stronger muscles to carry your body weight more effectively — especially around your spine, hips, and knees, which do most of the heavy lifting. Proper stretching and joint
care can take years of effort, but as research shows, it pays off over many decades.
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