Chris Martinez, who has struggled with substance use for 16 years, is among the patients seeking help at The University of New Mexico Hospital Addiction & Substance Use Disorders Treatment Clinic, known as the Alcohol & Substance Abuse Program (ASAP). Martinez described his challenges with addiction and past attempts to quit using methadone while incarcerated. “I’m tired of being out there with nothing, not having a car, depending on food stamps,” he said. “I just want to work and go to school and do it all the right way.”
The UNM ASAP Clinic provides outpatient treatment for people dealing with addiction to substances such as opioids, methamphetamine, and alcohol. The clinic also treats co-occurring psychiatric disorders including major depression, anxiety, and PTSD.
John Kavanaugh, MD, MS, an assistant professor in the UNM School of Medicine Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences and attending psychiatrist at the clinic, emphasized the importance of a non-judgmental approach. “We have a wonderful team who bring a non-judgmental, meet-the-patients-where-they're-at approach, recognizing that it takes a lot of courage just getting in the door,” Kavanaugh said.
He noted that many patients have faced stigma both personally and within the medical system. “That's the starting point when talking with all of our patients, addressing the fact that a lot of them have experienced the stigma in their personal lives, but also from the medical system,” Kavanaugh said.
Kavanaugh added that building trust helps encourage continued treatment: “It's really rewarding to see the difference this non-judgmental approach and offering these treatments can make. You see people getting their lives back, and people getting reconnected with family, and people moving toward their goals.”
New Mexico has seen significant impacts from substance use disorders. In 2021 there were 1,029 overdose deaths statewide according to data from the New Mexico Department of Health. Although overdose deaths decreased by 8% since then across New Mexico (https://www.nmhealth.org/news/information/2024/3/?view=2077), fentanyl was responsible for 65% of overdose deaths in 2023 while methamphetamine contributed to 51%.
Terrence Baker serves as a community health worker at ASAP Clinic and helped organize Recovery Resolana—an event taking place September 23 as part of National Recovery Month—to recognize recovery journeys within the community. He explained that resolana refers to gatherings where ideas are shared: “My idea is to highlight all the different ways we're experiencing recovery… It's a time for folks to talk about community issues, how to advocate for change… an overall place to find that connection.”
The event will feature three ASAP patients sharing their experiences with recovery from drugs or mental health challenges.
Martinez expressed hope about his own path forward: “I don't want to use anymore… My baby's mom got clean… She made that step and it motivated me.” He hopes his story can inspire others: “Just do it. I mean, it's going to be hard and you're going to have to quit eventually. If not there's only two outcomes – death or prison.”
Recovery Resolana will take place on Tuesday Sept. 23 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m., at UNM ASAP Clinic located at 2600 Yale Blvd SE in Albuquerque.
The clinic offers morning walk-in hours for same-day treatment; appointments can be scheduled by calling 505-944-7999 or through its website.
For more information on addiction resources visit https://www.nmhealth.org/about/phd/idb/ibeb/sapb/.
