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Celebrate Sobriety: 10 Exciting Ways to Welcome the New Year

New Years blog

We believe that celebrating your sober journey should be anything but dull. That’s why we’ve curated a list of 10 exciting and unforgettable ways to welcome the new year in style.

Introduction to Sobriety and the New Year

The start of a new year often makes us think of setting goals and making positive changes in our lives. It is a time for reflection and growth, as well as celebrating all that we have accomplished in the previous year. For those who are on the journey to sobriety, the new year can hold even more meaning.

Sobriety is a personal choice that requires immense strength, determination, and courage. It involves breaking free from harmful habits and addictions and learning to live a healthier and happier life.

Perhaps you are just starting your journey towards sobriety, or maybe you have been sober for some time now – either way, the start of a new year is a great opportunity to reinforce your commitment to recovery. 

Reflecting on Your Sobriety Journey

As the new year approaches, it is natural to take a step back and reflect on the past 12 months. For those who have embarked on a journey towards sobriety, this reflection can hold even more significance. It is important to not only celebrate your achievements, but also to acknowledge and learn from any challenges or setbacks you may have faced.

Acknowledge Your Accomplishments

The first step in reflecting on your sobriety journey is to acknowledge your accomplishments. This could include milestones such as reaching a certain number of days or months of sobriety, successfully navigating through social events without drinking, doing something that scared you without drinking or using, or simply being able to say no to alcohol when it was offered. Take some time to write down all your achievements, big or small, and celebrate how far you have come.

Identify Triggers and Challenges

While acknowledging your successes is important, it is equally important to identify any triggers or challenges that you may have faced so far in your sobriety journey. These could be situations, people, or emotions that make it difficult for you to stay committed to your sobriety. Reflect on these triggers and think about ways you can better cope with them in the future.

Learn from Setbacks

It is common for individuals on a sobriety journey to experience setbacks along the way. Whether it was a slip-up where alcohol was consumed or a particularly challenging period where cravings were strong, these setbacks do not define your progress in recovery.

Setting Intentions for the New Year

As the new year approaches, it is common for individuals to reflect on the past year and set goals for the upcoming one. For those in recovery, this practice takes on a special significance, as it marks another milestone of sobriety. Setting intentions for the new year can be an empowering way to continue your journey towards a healthier and happier life.

The first step in setting intentions for the new year is to reflect on your past experiences. Take some time to think about where you were at the beginning of your recovery journey and how far you have come since then. What challenges did you face? What accomplishments are you proud of? Reflecting on these moments can help you gain a better understanding of what areas of your life need more attention and what aspects you want to improve upon.

Once you have reflected on your past, it’s time to look towards the future and set intentions for yourself. These intentions should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART). Instead of vague resolutions like “be healthier,” try setting specific goals such as “go for a 30-minute walk three times a week” or “incorporate more fruits and vegetables into my meals.”

It is also important to set intentions that align with your values and priorities in life. This could include improving relationships with loved ones, finding new hobbies or interests, or focusing on personal growth and self-care. By choosing intentions that are meaningful to you, you will have more motivation to stay committed throughout the year.

 

10 Sober Activities to Celebrate the New Year

The start of a new year is often associated with celebrations and parties, but for those in recovery from addiction, these traditional ways of ringing in the New Year may not be an option. However, this does not mean that sober individuals cannot still have a fun and memorable celebration. Ther are plenty of exciting activities that can be enjoyed to welcome the New Year without alcohol or drugs. Here are some ideas for sober activities to celebrate the New Year:

Host a Game Night

Gather your friends and family for a night filled with fun and laughter by hosting a game night. This can include board games, card games, or even video games. Not only is it an enjoyable way to spend time together, but it also allows you to strengthen your relationships while staying away from substances.

Attend a Concert or Show

Many cities host concerts or shows on New Year’s Eve that are alcohol-free. This is a great opportunity to enjoy live music or entertainment without any pressure to drink.

Have a Movie Marathon

Invite some friends over for a cozy movie marathon on New Year’s Eve. Choose your favorite movies and stock up on snacks for a relaxing yet entertaining evening.

Volunteer at a Local Charity

Giving back to the community is always fulfilling. Look into local charities or organizations that need volunteers on New Year’s Eve and spend your evening making a positive impact.

Plan Outdoor Activities:If you live in an area with mild weather, plan outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing, or ice skating. Not only will you get some fresh air and exercise, but it’s also a great way to spend time with loved ones while avoiding alcohol.

Have a Spa Night

Treat yourself to a relaxing spa night at home. Take a bubble bath, do some face masks, and give yourself a manicure or pedicure. You can even invite a friend over for a DIY spa night.

Attend a Sober New Year’s Eve Event

Many cities have sober events on New Year’s Eve specifically for those in recovery. These events often include music, dancing, and other fun activities without any alcohol or drugs.

Host a Potluck Dinner

Gather your friends and family for a potluck dinner where everyone brings their favorite dish to share. This is not only budget-friendly, but it also allows for a variety of foods to be enjoyed together.

Reflect on the Past Year

Take some time to reflect on the past year and set intentions for the upcoming one. This can be done alone or with loved ones and can help promote personal growth and positive change.

Plan for the Future

Use the new year as an opportunity to plan for the future and set goals. This can be anything from career aspirations to personal development goals. It’s a great way to start the year with a positive mindset.

Remember, there are endless possibilities for having a fun and memorable New Year’s Eve without alcohol or drugs. Surround yourself with supportive and sober individuals, and don’t be afraid to try new activities and traditions. Happy New Year!

 

 

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As we continue to grow Amatus Health, the need to stay competitive and differentiate ourselves in unique ways is crucial. Building creative approaches to reach more people will take our company to new heights. This is why I am pleased to announce that we are officially rebranding. Our new national name, TruHealing Addiction & Mental Health Treatment, will eventually replace Amatus Recovery Centers.

You may be asking, “Why are we doing this?” This new name will give us national uniformity and help brand ourselves as a whole, which will be done in phases. You will still see our existing facility names co-branded with TruHealing for the time being.

Healing is what we do. Everyone who comes through our doors is in a moment of profound struggle in their lives. We support them through a life-changing process of healing and recovery, and they leave our facilities changed. This new name is a representation of that process. As mentioned above, it also allows us to have a national brand, which will make us a recognizable name in the addiction and mental health field.

In summation, these changes present an excellent opportunity for our organization to develop our mission, vision, and purpose. I look forward to prosperous growth as we head in a new and positive direction.

Sincerely,

Mark Signature

Mark Gold
CEO
Amatus Health

Dr. Adam Cusner, PhD is an organizational psychologist by training and has brought his decade-plus experience to the healthcare field serving as the Executive Vice President of Operations for a 22-facility portfolio of skilled nursing facilities, assisted living and independent living centers across Ohio and Arizona, with an annual revenue over $250MM. While serving in this position, Dr. Cusner brought accelerated growth to these facilities, while increasing employee retention and workflow optimization. Dr. Cusner has a proven track record in the healthcare industry of providing successful leadership through his financial acumen, strategic planning, interpersonal skills, along with his ability to build strong, effective teams.

 

Dr. Cusner’s credentials include a Philosophy Doctorate in Organizational Psychology (PhD) from Cleveland State University, a Master of Arts in Psychology (MA) from Boston College with an emphasis on Psychology of Work, a Bachelor of Science in Psychology (BS) from Boston University with an emphasis in Organizational Behavior in Business and is a board-certified Nursing Home Administrator (LNHA). He has published and presented research articles in the field of organizational psychology at national healthcare conferences. Dr. Cusner is completing a book on organizational psychology in the healthcare field, which is expected to be published late early summer 2022. He is also a member of the American Psychological Association (APA), has served as the APA’s Division 17 communications chair, is a member of the Society for Industrial Organizational Psychologists (SIOP), and was selected as a professional reviewer for national conference research presentations.

 

Dr. Cusner is an advocate for his employees and is drawn to the tie between culture and quality. His extensive strategic and operational skills have delivered a high degree of success across all department levels. Dr. Cusner facilitated the establishment of an in-house financial team to provide billing and collections, accounts payable, vendor management, along with financial reporting. This provided $1.5MM annualized savings. Further, he developed department efficiencies for: Medical Staff recruitment, service-line growth, quality and safety, corporate accountability of budgetary expectations balanced with direct reporting to investor groups.

 

Dr. Cusner coordinated the financial turnaround of a 300 bed CCRC (skilled nursing, assisted living and an independent living center) in Arizona, which has been epitomized as the most financially challenging state to manage CCRC facilities. Dr. Cusner also strengthened the business growth of the Ohio facilities by 12%. He was recognized by the Governor for demonstrating a “care-conscious approach” during COVID, when Dr. Cusner carefully consolidated facility residents to accommodate staff and improve clinical care. Dr. Cusner demonstrates a results-driven culture by delivering a high-quality level of care and employee engagement.

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Yaffa Atias is the Director of Special Projects at Amatus Health. Atias is a leadership professional with a decade of experience in healthcare. She holds a BA in interdisciplinary studies from Thomas Edison State College, and a Master’s in Healthcare Management with a concentration in project management from Stevenson University. She completed her graduate capstone at Mosaic Community Services, now an affiliate of Sheppard Pratt.

 

In her role at Amatus, Atias leads and manages interdisciplinary team projects, creates solutions for any operational gaps, and continually strives for quality improvement in all processes. Atias led the organization’s COVID-19 preparedness strategy, resulting in all facilities remaining operational, and in 600 employees being retained as staff without resigning out of fear. In her role so far, she implemented licensure for three new states.

 

Atias believes Amatus Health and TruHealing stand out because every employee, from corporate to center staff, has a real passion for helping people. Atias shares this passion, “My natural compass always tugged me to behavioral health. I’ve always been fascinated by the human psyche. I have also been intimately privy to those suffering from mental illness and substance use. I later understood that my experiences weren’t unique, and quickly realized how pressing the need really is to effectively prevent and address. Moreover, how life-changing proper intervention truly is.”

 

Atias was born in Los Angeles, California and grew up in Israel and Maryland.

Melissa McCarthy is the Vice President of Business Development at Amatus Health. With a decade of experience in the behavioral healthcare and addiction treatment industry, McCarthy is passionate about recovery. She has her finger on the pulse of marketing trends, with the end goal of helping businesses grow so they can serve more people in need.

 

McCarthy has worked at large enterprise recovery centers across the country spearheading business development teams. She has a wide range of experience, including transforming a third-party digital marketing and client acquisition services company into a full-continuum behavioral healthcare provider, managing several successful rebrands, and growing annual revenue fivefold.

 

As VP of Business Development, McCarthy leads a team of over 20 business development professionals nationwide. She manages client acquisition, coordinates in-service trainings with various referents and hospitals, and presents at conferences on addiction and mental health disorder treatment.

 

“Sadly, many individuals die waiting for access to life-saving behavioral healthcare services,” says McCarthy. “I am in relentless pursuit of better—better access, better care delivery and better outcomes. I consider it a privilege to work in an environment where miracles unfold daily.”

 

McCarthy lives in Maryland with her daughter.

Hometown: Saugus, MA

 

Passions & interests: The greatest passion of mine is being able to dig into the work with men in early recovery. There is nothing better than witnessing and being a part of the change. My journey in long-term recovery has taught me to value the little things in life that I am now able to do. I love to do anything that allows me to be present with my wife, family, and friends. My wife and I enjoy traveling, trying new foods, and taking long motorcycle rides with our friends. If I am not on the road working or with my wife, I am studying or playing softball.

 

The best part of my job is being able to show up for my team and clients; they all mean the world to me. I get to brainstorm and strategize with tons of different personalities. A lot of the team does not know, but I love learning from them. If I am not learning something about our industry or workplace, I am certainly learning how to effectively collaborate with different types of individuals.

 

Together, we can change the narrative and be a part of the solution to better treat those trapped in the problem.

Allison was born in Columbus, Ohio and was raised in South Florida. She graduated from the University of Florida’s College of Journalism and Communications. After college, Allison started working at the largest talent agency in the world, William Morris Endeavor. There, she learned marketing from top leaders specializing in global PR and endorsement campaigns, in both the Latin and English markets.

 

Through strategic public relations and creative campaign concepts, Allison has secured more than 200 national broadcast and print media placements for behavioral healthcare organizations. She brings over 15 years of marketing and PR experience, with a strong background in leading communications strategy for addiction treatment and behavioral healthcare facilities. In her role as VP of Communications, she oversees branding, public relations, social media, marketing, events, and content creation.

 

In her spare time, she loves cooking, boating, yoga, and traveling. She and her husband Bryan reside in Boca Raton, Florida.

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Avi Burstein is VP of Clinical Services at Amatus Health. He manages all therapeutic programming at all facilities nationwide.

 

Avi is originally from New York, and graduated from Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology. He brings over 13 years of experience in the Behavioral Healthcare Industry, in both the public and private sectors. He is passionate about therapeutic communities and the fellowship they foster between patients. Through his work in LGBTQIA, urban, rural, and religiously observant populations, Avi recognizes that each patient is unique. Therefore, he strives to ensure clinical approaches, staffing, administration, and education meet the expectation of each community Amatus Health serves.

 

“Our work must also include ending the societal stigma surrounding such conditions by building safe and supportive networks that include clients’ families whenever possible,” Avi said. “By valuing change and owning imperfections, we can strive to be better providers and walk through the door of recovery with our clients.”

Avi Burstein is VP of Clinical Services at Amatus Health. He manages all therapeutic programming at all facilities nationwide.

 

Avi is originally from New York, and graduated from Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology. He brings over 13 years of experience in the Behavioral Healthcare Industry, in both the public and private sectors. He is passionate about therapeutic communities and the fellowship they foster between patients. Through his work in LGBTQIA, urban, rural, and religiously observant populations, Avi recognizes that each patient is unique. Therefore, he strives to ensure clinical approaches, staffing, administration, and education meet the expectation of each community Amatus Health serves.

 

“Our work must also include ending the societal stigma surrounding such conditions by building safe and supportive networks that include clients’ families whenever possible,” Avi said. “By valuing change and owning imperfections, we can strive to be better providers and walk through the door of recovery with our clients.”

Marty Markovits is the Chief Information Officer at TruHealing. He oversees the people, processes, and technologies of the whole organization to ensure the business is running smoothly.

 

Markovits grew up in Brooklyn, NY (which he calls “the greatest city on Earth”) and graduated with a degree in Clinical Psychology from Queens College.

 

Markovits is a veteran in Information Technology within the healthcare field. He ensures that IT processes are simple, cost-effective, and secure. His expertise spans the entire healthcare domain, from billing and claims, to clinical, to Human Resources. He says, “My passion is to provide fully automated and operationally meaningful Business Intelligence analytics, with absolute data integrity.”

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Hometown: Savannah, GA

 

Passions & Interests: I spend my time outside of work with my wife and children and am actively involved in various community needs and causes.

 

The best part of my job is knowing that we are creating a safe, healthy, nonjudgmental environment where people can come and better their lives. There is nothing more satisfying than helping others learn to live again and piece their lives back together as they become strong, productive members of society.

Together, we can bring families back together and promote healing and well-being.

MARK GOLD, CEO OF AMATUS HEALTH BIOGRAPHY

With over 16 years of proven executive leadership and driving company growth, Mark Gold’s momentum for success isn’t slowing down anytime soon. He serves as the CEO of Amatus Health, one of the fastest-growing, behavioral healthcare organizations in the country.

Possessing an excellent handling of clinical compliance and high performance standards, Mark established 14 CARF/JCT accredited addiction and mental health treatment centers and three ancillary healthcare businesses. Mark’s natural leadership skills as well as his creative thought process to generate new revenue strategies make him one of the most sought-after professionals in healthcare. Mark has a track record of leading organizations to outstanding ROI on overall portfolio performance. In addition, his expertise includes workforce planning, growth revenue, high client and investor satisfaction.

Aside from daily business oversight, Mark invests in his staff and helps build their professional development. His commitment to his colleagues and employees toward advancement and inclusiveness helps them achieve goals, builds connections, and provides a competitive advantage in the healthcare field.

Corporate and Charitable Leadership

Mark has been instrumental in building healthy communities and providing access and quality healthcare to underserved populations. His service in the community is a testament to his passion and selfless dedication to the cause of eradicating addictive disorders and stigma.

He launched several prevention and education programs and created the first-ever “Social Justice” scholarship fund of over $750,000.00 to help communities of color into inpatient drug treatment. Mark says, “The best part of my role is the knowledge that what we do impacts countless lives, with far-reaching effects,” he said. “It is incredibly rewarding to be part of a team that guides individuals onto a safe and accessible path to healing and recovery.”

He is a board member of Ahavas Chaim, a non-profit that offers at-risk teenagers crisis intervention and mental health support. He is also a committee member of the organizations Bonei Olam and Chai Lifeline Mid-Atlantic.

Personal and Educational Background

Mark studied Talmudic Law at Yeshiva’s Mir Yerushalayim in Israel. In Mark’s free time, he loves snowboarding, boating, and spending time with his wife and children.