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Do you accept insurance?

Yes. We accept most commercial health insurance. During your initial visit, your benefits will be verified, and you will be given an estimate of any coinsurance or co-pays that are associated with the program.
In-Network Insurance Companies

Aetna
Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Mexico
Western Sky Community Care
Molina Healthcare
Presbyterian
First Health Network
MHN a Health Net Company
New Mexico Health Connections
Tricare
TrueHealth of New Mexico

If you don’t see your insurance listed here, please call and we can verify coverage.

How do I get started?

You will start with an initial visit, which lasts about two hours. Call our office and schedule a time for this appointment. We’ll work to get you seen by our team in less than one business day. During your visit, we will verify your Insurance benefits and provide financial counseling for your co-insurance requirements. You will meet with a Therapist to talk about your issues, and then you’ll decide on a treatment plan that works best for you. You may be able to start Intensive Outpatient (IOP) immediately.

I’m worried about confidentiality. What information gets shared?

Your privacy is a priority at Turning Point. All of your information, including your name/address info, medical, and therapeutic notes will be kept absolutely confidential unless we receive written permission from you to share with someone else (ie, your primary physician, an employer, another therapist, etc.

How do I know if I’m addicted to drugs or alcohol?

Addiction is a complex disease of the brain and body that develops over time with repeated and regular use. Eventually the body comes to rely on the substance just to feel normal. A person develops a tolerance and needs more of the substance to get the relief they are seeking. When the body comes to need the substance, withdrawals occur without it, such as tremors, nausea, sweating and hot flashes.
Maybe you have tried to stop or cut back, and find you cannot. Obsessive thinking about the substance is another strong indicator; when you find yourself thinking constantly about how and when you’re going to get the substance, timing your life around the use, and lying or hiding your use from others. As the addiction takes over, a person begins neglecting their responsibilities such as work, school, and family, and avoiding social situations. An addicted person typically uses to deal with emotions and difficult or stressful life situations as a means to numb or avoid those feelings.

Although there is no definitive answer to this question, there are some important things to consider:

Are friends and/or family members concerned about your drinking or using, telling you to stop or slow down?
Have you been in trouble with the law as a result of your drinking or using?
Have you ended up in the hospital or ER as a result of your drinking or using?
Have family or friends given you an ultimatum or set boundaries around your drinking or using?
Is it affecting your job (being late, not showing up, using on the job, etc.)
Are you in financial distress due to your drinking or using?
Have you tried to quit for any amount of time, but are unable to, or are afraid to?
If you do try to quit, does your body goes through withdrawals (sweats, shaking, vomiting, loss of appetite, loss of sleep, too much sleep, diarrhea, etc.)?
Do you find yourself isolating, avoiding people or activities you used to enjoy?
Do you feel the need to lie about your use or hide it from people around you?
Do you engage in risky or dangerous behaviors because of your use, including driving under the influence, going to work or school while intoxicated, or stealing?

If you answered YES to any of these, then you might have a problem with addiction. You can take our Self-Assessment to find out more.
Please see our Addiction page for a more comprehensive definition of addiction.

What is Detox?

Detoxification, is withdrawing from alcohol or drugs in a medically managed setting. The purpose of treatment is to medically manage and reduce symptoms of withdrawal, including sleeplessness, anxiety, sweats, nausea, seizures, vomiting, pain, delirium tremens, etc.
There are two types of Detox services: Inpatient, and Outpatient.
Inpatient Detox is recommended most often when the client has medical complications, has a history or risk of seizures, is alcoholic, or lacks family support. During this process, the client will recuperate in a home-like setting, with 24/7 medical supervision. The client’s stay will range from 3 to 10 days, based on the level of severity of addiction, and other factors. Generally, clients require Inpatient Detox for in order to have a safe withdrawal from alcohol or opioids but may need detox for any number of substances or combinations thereof.
Outpatient Detox involves an initial visit at the Office by a Physician or Nurse Practitioner, to evaluate the client and initiate treatment and dispense medications. The initial visit is followed by a daily ‘check-in’ at the office, followed by recuperation at home, with a family member present. 75% of clients, on average, are appropriate candidates for this level of treatment.

How to know if I need to Detox?

The decision of whether to undergo Detox is a serious one, and should be made with care by a Physician, or a professional with experience in Drug and Alcohol detoxification protocols. Factors that affect that decision may include: quantity and frequency of use, length of time the person has been using/drinking, medical complications (ie history of seizures) and the age of the person, among other things.

What are the levels of care?

The primary levels of care for Chemical Dependency/ Substance Abuse are Detoxification, Residential Treatment, Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), and Individual Counseling.
Residential Treatment involves staying overnight at a facility for an average of 28 days. The advantage of residential care is that all activities during the client’s stay are centered around getting clean and/or sober. These may include Detoxification Services, Group and Individual Therapy, 12-step meetings, Medical monitoring, and other programs. Also, for some clients, the isolation from old associations, combined with the inability to obtain alcohol or drugs while in treatment is a necessary requirement. The downside is cost (an average stay at a quality facility can range from $25,000 to $50,000 per month, or more.) Also, many facilities are in another city or state, which makes contact with family and keeping one’s employment difficult. It’s important to note that Residential Treatment, for some clients, is a necessary beginning to their recovery. From that point, they may transition to the IOP and Continuing Care programs to ensure lasting sobriety.
Inpatient Detox is recommended most often when the client has medical complications, has a history or risk of seizures, or lacks family support. During this process, the client will recuperate in a home-like setting, with 24/7 medical supervision. The client’s stay will range from 3 to 10 days, based on the level of severity of addiction, and other factors.
Outpatient Detox involves an initial visit at the Office by a Physician or Nurse Practitioner, to evaluate the client and initiate treatment and dispense medications. The initial visit is followed by a daily ‘check-in’ at the office, followed by recuperation at home, with a family member present. 75% of clients, on average, are appropriate candidates for this level of treatment.
Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) includes many of the crucial elements of Residential treatment. If Detoxification Services are required, it can be done on an Inpatient, or (most likely) Outpatient basis. The Intensive Outpatient Program consists of Group therapy three days per week (usually in the evening, allowing the client to continue to work), as well as Individual Therapy once per week. Our program lasts 10 weeks, followed by a lower level of Continuing Care afterward. One key strength of IOP is that the Client develops strong relationships in accountability with other clients. This is a powerful and lasting tool for staying sober and isn’t available in Residential or Individual Treatment. Lastly, Family is encouraged to participate in the Client’s recovery, which offers healing for loved ones, as well as the client.
Individual Counseling involves weekly meetings with a Substance Abuse-trained Therapist. Individual Therapy can be instrumental in identifying the nature of addiction and working to overcome addictive behaviors. However, it falls short in effectiveness for recovery, due to the infrequency of visits, and lack of accountability and structure.

How do I talk to my loved one about treatment if they don’t want it?

You can’t ‘make’ anyone get treatment if they don’t want it. The best thing to do in this case is to look at your own situation. Have you set boundaries to take care of yourself around their using? Are you being consistent with consequences around these boundaries? Do you have support? (family, al-anon/ nar-anon, therapist)
Addiction affects the whole family. Anyone that loves or lives with an alcoholic/addict has been affected, and often times they need to seek recovery themselves. At Turning Point, we work with family members of addicts and alcoholics to educate them on addiction, and the roles surrounding this disease. We help family members set boundaries, we guide them through the process of building and maintaining a healthy support network.

Do I need the Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) or can I just see a therapist?

While a therapist can be instrumental in recognizing patterns of behavior and learning new skills to manage or change them, they cannot provide the intensive care typically required for a successful recovery. Think about how often you spend thinking about or using drugs and alcohol. Successful recovery requires a commensurate level of treatment. An IOP provides the platform for a person seeking recovery to immerse themselves in the psycho-education, peer support, and the commitment and accountability necessary for successful recovery. In an IOP program, a full range of topics are systematically covered to address the nature of addiction, coping skills, triggers, family and social relations, and positive behaviors.

When does someone know they are ready for addiction treatment?

There is no one answer to this question, and the decision to seek treatment may come from a myriad of experiences. A person may be experiencing legal or marital problems from their substance use; maybe they’ve lost a job due to their behaviors; or maybe they are feeling hopeless that they cannot change on their own. A common experience among people who decide they are ready for treatment is thinking they can’t imagine a life without drugs or alcohol and at the same time can’t imagine life with it anymore.
Many people do make the decision when a friend or loved one reaches out to them suggesting they may need help with their drug or alcohol use. Oftentimes a person feels ambivalent about wanting to change, or doesn’t know what their options are for change and recovery. The paradox of the addicted brain is that it will often only look to drugs or alcohol as the solution. But if you are thinking that you cannot continue, and recognizing that life is unmanageable, then you may be ready for treatment.

What are withdrawals like?

Withdrawals are the body’s response to the lack of a substance it has become used to having in the system. Sometimes withdrawals occur only after long-term use, and sometimes they can occur immediately from fast-acting drugs such as heroin or methamphetamine. Nausea, vomiting, tremors, chills, fevers, sleep disorders, cravings and irritability are examples of withdrawals.
While most physical withdrawal symptoms last only a couple days to a week, mental issues arising from withdrawals can last up to a few months. These can include irritability, depression, sustained sleep issues, physical and tactile sensitivities, restlessness. These too will pass with time, and are greatly aided by an intensive recovery program. Turning Point also offers a variety of medication treatment to help manage these symptoms.

What if I relapse?

While it is not a guarantee that you will relapse, relapse is a part of addiction. At Turning Point we aim to significantly reduce the rates of relapse through comprehensive personal care. Our therapists and medical staff will provide the support and education you need to avoid and, if necessary, recover and return from relapse. The thing to remember is that relapse is not a sign of your weakness or moral failing. Addiction is a disease and relapse is part of that disease. It is not shameful or weak to ask for help again. In fact, it is the bravest thing you can do. You can then use your relapse as an educational experience, understanding more fully the conditions that led to the relapse and how you can avoid it in the future.

What are some of the challenges of recovery that I can expect?

The number one challenge to recovery is understanding that it is a long process. Just as it took time for the body to become addicted, it takes time to heal, long after your initial detox and treatment. Recovery requires commitment and vigilance. It requires a willingness to learn coping skills, new habits, and emotional management. The good news is that you don’t have to enter treatment with that complete resolve already in place. A tenet of recovery is that a sick brain cannot heal a sick brain. As you go through treatment, you will find that recovery becomes valuable to you.
Sometimes recovery can be uncomfortable, both physically and emotionally. Withdrawals can be uncomfortable, or maybe you have been treating chronic pain with opiates and still need to address the physical pain. Regrets, remorse, and uncomfortable emotional issues may arise. This is why we offer a variety of services to treat the mind and the body, including medical detox, medications to manage cravings and withdrawal symptoms, and group and individual therapy to help you address the physical, mental, and emotional components of recovery.
Another challenge of recovery is the potential need to change your personal life. Sometimes you need to cut people out of your life who are detrimental to your recovery. You may not have supportive families and friends, who do not understand why you need treatment or to change former behaviors. At Turning Point, we believe that a supportive community is vital to recovery. Recovery is not something you can do alone. We offer family therapy, Sober Living transitional housing, and access to recovery communities so that you can build that supportive community you will need to stay clean and sober.

If I have a problem with drugs, can I still drink alcohol?

This again is a personal decision. But if you are thinking about or seeking treatment, it is recommended you not use any substance as an opportunity to allow your mind and body to heal, and to learn how to change behaviors and patterns. The concern with drinking is that it does affect your thinking and reasoning abilities, and makes you more susceptible to poor decision making including using drugs again.

Do I need to stop using completely, or can I just cutback?

This, of course, depends on you. While at Turning Point we encourage abstinence, we also understand that sometimes harm reduction can make a tremendous impact in a person addressing their concerns. It is important to look at the factors that you are concerned about, and why you are here looking at this site. If you feel like you’re life has become completely unmanageable and your health is compromised because of your substance use, you may need to stop using completely.

We offer a variety of therapeutic support and education to help you learn how to manage and/or stop your substance use, including medical treatment to deal with withdrawals and cravings.

What if I have a loved one who is addicted?

Addiction affects more than just the addicted person. It negatively affects the people around that person from family members, children, significant others, to friends and co-workers and employers. It can be incredibly painful watching someone you love suffer from addiction. And it can be incredibly difficult dealing with the behaviors and consequences of addiction, including the addicted person lying or hiding their use, isolating and disconnecting from loved ones, as well as the economic and health factors that come with addiction. Addiction often affects the emotional, physical, and economic health and stability of the people around it.
It is difficult to talk to a loved one about their addiction, but oftentimes it is best to be honest and straightforward with your concerns. Many stories of recovery begin with a caring person reaching out in concern. And while you can’t ‘make’ anyone get treatment if they don’t want it, it is important to look at how you’re handling it. The best thing to do in this case is to look at your own situation. Have you set boundaries to take care of yourself around their using? Are you being consistent with consequences around these boundaries? Do you have support? (family, al-anon/ nar-anon, therapist)
Anyone that loves or lives with an alcoholic/addict has been affected, and oftentimes they need to seek recovery themselves. At Turning Point, we work with family members of addicts and alcoholics to educate them on addiction, and the roles surrounding this disease. We help family members set boundaries, we guide them through the process of building and maintaining a healthy support network.
Please see our Addiction page for a more comprehensive definition of addiction.

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Our Team

Paul Tucker

Founder and Owner

For more than 20 years, Paul has provided Albuquerque and the surrounding area with the best and most innovative treatment options for people suffering from Substance Use Disorder, co-occurring disorders, and mental health problems. Paul is inspired daily to do this work by the strength and character of those who embrace recovery and transform their lives. He is constantly working on expanding treatment options, directly engaging the evolving needs of our community.

Vanya Garabedian

LCSW – IOP Therapist

Vanya earned her MSW in Clinical Social Work in 2012. With her extensive experience and education, she brings a mindful, nonjudgmental, dialectic and trauma-informed approach to addictions treatment. She believes the goal is for all clients to leave treatment with an empowered sense of self and the skills necessary to obtain a life worth living in recovery. She is intensively trained in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). She brings an understanding and passion for the recovery process, knowing that addiction is not a moral failing, it is an illness which requires treatment and recovery.

Paul Weeks

IOP Therapist

Paul has worked with people struggling with addictions since 2008, providing guidance for individuals in recovery and facilitating supportive interactive group therapy. Paul grew up in upstate New York and, after receiving his undergraduate degree in sociology and philosophy from SUNY Fredonia and studying western literature at St. John’s College in Annapolis and Santa Fe, Paul came to Albuquerque to work as a VISTA Volunteer in a literacy program in the south valley. He received his master’s degree in counseling in 2007 from Southwestern College. Paul works toward a vision where everyone who wants recovery from substance abuse can achieve it.

Kumara Hampton LMHC LADAC

IOP Therapist

Kumara has his MA in counseling as well as his LADAC. He currently holds a temporary license (LMHC). He began his career in the field of addiction several years ago. Kumara’s passion is to help clients find their paths and a sense of inner peace. Kumara prides himself on holding a safe space for clients to process deep work in group therapy. Simultaneously he approaches every client in a very individualized manner. He realizes that although each person may share common characteristics regarding addiction, each client is a unique individual and should be treated and respected as such

Frances Kathleen Lopez-Bushnell (Kathy)

CNP APRN EdD MPH MSN

with substance use disorders for many years. She was awarded a substance-use disorder fellowship, has published on the topic of substance use disorders and continues to work in this area. Kathy facilitates patients going through alcohol, opioid, or other withdraw with non-addictive treatments. Because of her ability to use motivational interviewing and her many years of experience with substance use disorders and research, she is able to provide excellent care to patients going through withdrawal. This successful protocol helps individuals go through withdrawal with minimal symptoms

Dana Stratton

Detox Manager / Compliance Director

Dana brings over 30 years of experience in a diverse range of critical medical field applications, including the management of Urgent Care facilities, an Internal Medicine office, and domestic and international business development for a medical device manufacturing company. Her work as a key member and manager of the detox team begins with her passion for helping clients advocate for themselves and being part of each client’s recovery process. She holds certificates in healthcare administration and as a medical assistant.

Annette Curtis

Controller

Annette joined the Turning Point team with more than 20 years of experience in finance working for construction companies. Annette finds the reward of seeing lives change for the better as the essential reason to do the work she does.

Julia Herrera BA LSAA

Assessor

Julia graduated from the University of New Mexico’s Psychology department with a concentration in Addiction Counseling. She currently does assessments for Turning Point and assists with IOP groups when needed. She will soon be starting work on her master’s degree in Counseling. Julia has had training in crisis intervention and has experience in case management for low-income, refugee families. Working at Turning Point has been a life-changing experience for her. Seeing the passion that others have in their work is highly motivating for her in her own career development.

Shanelle Martinez

Facility Support

Shanelle considers herself grateful for the opportunities recovery has provided. She is encouraged knowing that her work supports the clients and the team at Focused Recovery and Turning Point.

Katie Ross BA

Receptionist

Katie went to school at NMSU and received her BA in speech and hearing sciences. She finds joy in helping others and seeing people succeed.

Mercy Serafin

Director of Patient Accounts

Prior to joining the team at Turning Point Recovery center, Mercy worked in management for federal contractors for more than 14 years and banking for over 10 years. She began as an intern at Focused Recovery of New Mexico, since then her career path within the organization has woven her back into supervising and finance. She enjoys working with a strong team that ensures compassionate client-care is the shared objective. She also likes working in a company that is constantly flourishing with innovative ideas. Mercy loves seeing her son grow and play sports, she loves live theater, musicals, and reading.

Thomas Salas CPSW

Peer support

An Albuquerque native, Thomas works as a peer support specialist to support clients through their process of recovery. As a recovering former addict, he can work on a closer, more personal level with clients outside individual therapy and IOP sessions, with the ability to relate intimately to the challenges and successes of recovery. He has recently started school at UNM pursuing a substance abuse counseling degree.

Alaina Goff

Dr. Gail Thaler

Sandra Spurlock

Sandra Spurlock, MA, LMFT, Certified Therapist in EMDR, and International Certified Gambling Counselor (ICGCG-II) Intake Assessor and Therapist: Complete Intake Assessments for new clients; work individually and in group (as needed) with clients in recovery, and work with Inpatient Detox and Outpatient Detox teams to help stabilize and encourage clients very new to recovery. Professional accomplishments include experience as a clinical supervisor and program coordinator for teams of clinicians working in recovery. Special interests in women in recovery; and trauma processing. Strongest value is in establishing a therapeutic connection that will activate and enhance healing. Have been a resident of Albuquerque since 1982 and love the mountains, rivers, and high desert of New Mexico, with a special interest in native plants and wild birds.. Live in the North Valley with my husband Greg and delightful cat Hannah (who is never allowed outside with the wild birds.)

Marissa Evans

Marissa Evans, Yoga Instructor, CPSW. A devoted student of yoga for 5 years, Marissa completed the 200-hr YTT in 2018 in the school of hot power vinyasa flow. An avid backpacker, trek leader and guide as well as runner and traveler, she has never looked-back. You will get a full-body workout with focus on alignment and form as you flow through a moving meditation and slide on into final meditation with an exhausted smile and and a calm, relaxed state of mind. Marissa continues to pursue further specialized teacher trainings and opps abroad this year to honor her path as a yoga teacher.

Lawrence Martinez

Lawrence Martinez is multitalented and very busy! He’s our Facilities Manager, taking care of maintenance, keeping all the facilities clean and operational including Turning Point and Focused Recovery, the recovery houses and the detox house. He cooks for our residential clients and makes sure there’s food on hand for the rest of us. But that’s not all! Well versed in IT maintenance and certified in Business Administrative Technology, he also takes care of our IT systems and makes sure everything is operational. He’s a computer enthusiast, but is also studying to become a Certified Peer Support Worker. How does he balance it all? As a loving husband and father of five, Lawrence is practiced at multitasking! He says, “I value honesty, hard work and the interpersonal relationships with my coworkers and clients.” We see those values in practice every day, in everything Lawrence does.

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Our Mission

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At Turning Point we are solely dedicated to our work helping those who struggle with addiction. We are New Mexico’s leader in providing safe, effective and evidence-based treatment. Every one of our clinicians and every member of our staff are dedicated to supporting you or your loved one recover from drugs or alcohol misuse. We work directly with you in a collaborative process to help you succeed.

Whether you are taking the first step towards sobriety, trying to get or stay clean, or struggling with a relapse, Turning Point can be your partner for a new and healthier way of life.

Our combined clinical team has decades of experience treating addiction to alcohol, heroin, opiates, methamphetamine, cocaine, prescription drugs, other “street drugs,” and every combination imaginable. Many of our team members are in long-term recovery. We understand the pain addiction is causing you and your family.

Please call us today and let us help: 505-217-1717.

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Turning Point Intensive Outpatient Program

The Detox House

Woodland Recovery House

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Medical professionals ONLY

Medical Professionals may contact us anytime at: 505.600.1633

Affordable CEUs for Therapists

To register for any of our courses, please call (505) 217-1717 or click Pay Now below. Payment can be made over the phone via credit card or through our online payment form and guarantees your spot in the class. Class size is limited. All classes are held at our TPRC office.

Past Classes for Therapists

February 29, 2020
Cultural Competency Basics

January 31, 2020
Ethics: Avoiding Common Mishaps

October 25, 2019
Cultural Competency Basics

July 19, 2019
Ethics: Avoiding Common Mishaps

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Upcoming Events

There are no upcoming events at this time.
View our full calendar of Events HERE!

Past Events

Albuquerque Celebrates Recovery
September 25, 2019

Rio Grande Urgent Care 1st Annual Health Fair
October 26, 2019 @ 10:00 am – 3:00 pm

Holiday Office Party
December 13, 2019 @ 11:30 am – 1:30 pm

Our Team

Our Mission

Turning Point Intensive Outpatient Program

The Detox House

Woodland Recovery House

Medical professionals ONLY

Affordable CEUs for Therapists

Past Classes for Therapists

Upcoming Events

Past Events

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