An Interview With Wanda Malhotra
Don’t let perfection hinder your progress. Understand that occasional relapses are part of the journey. Embrace each setback as an opportunity to restart your journey towards sobriety.
In a world where the journey towards recovery is often challenging and deeply personal, understanding the pathways and strategies for achieving and maintaining recovery is crucial. This series aims to provide insight, encouragement, and practical advice for those who are on the road to recovery, as well as for their loved ones and support networks. As a part of this series, I had the distinct pleasure of interviewing Dr. Hyong Un.
Dr. Hyong Un, MD, is the Chief Medical Officer, at Recovery Centers of America (RCA). He leads the development and implementation of the clinical behavioral health strategy for RCA, and his clinical interests are in psychopharmacology, workplace mental health and determinants of overall health and wellbeing. Dr. Un has served on multiple boards including advisory board to the Director of National Institute of Mental Health, APA’s Center for Workplace Mental Health, Association for Behavioral Health and Wellness, and National Depression Center of Excellence.
Thank you so much for joining us! Before we dive in, our readers would love to “get to know you” a bit better. Can you tell us a bit about your ‘backstory’?
Prior to joining RCA, I served as the Chief Psychiatric Officer at Aetna and CVS for over 22 years. In this role, I gained a national perspective on issues concerning addiction treatment. One key concern I identified was the necessity to promote the adoption of medication-assisted treatment (MAT) across our provider network. While many providers were interested in integrating MAT into their practice, various barriers hindered their efforts. My goal was to address these barriers and facilitate the widespread adoption of evidence-based treatment approaches. Now, at RCA, I have the opportunity to work directly with providers to further this mission and improve access to quality care for individuals struggling with mental health and substance use disorders.
Can you share with us the most interesting story from your career? Can you tell us what lessons or ‘takeaways’ you learned from that?
RCA, like many other places, has a lot of remarkable individuals who are devoted to the mission of saving lives. Inspiring stories come up on a daily basis thanks to the unwavering dedication of our team across all roles, from the frontline staff to nurses, medical directors, therapists and counselors — they are the backbone of our execution, and I’m inspired by each and every one of them.
One lesson learned is the importance of clearly defining organizational goals and creating a system to track our progress. When we are all working towards the same objectives, we can continue to save lives, even for those not yet ready for treatment.
You are a successful individual. Which three character traits do you think were most instrumental to your success? Can you please share a story or example for each?
Compassion and empathy, leadership, and commitment to continued learning.
Compassion and empathy go hand-in-hand, and are crucial in establishing a nurturing atmosphere where patients feel supported and understood. Building connections on a personal level fosters trust and encourages open communication, which is vital for successful recovery journeys.
Effective leadership inspires teams, promotes collaboration and ensures the center operates efficiently, ultimately providing the best possible care to patients.
A commitment to continual learning and staying updated on the latest research and treatment methodologies is essential for providing evidence-based care and adapting to emerging trends in the field.
Are you working on any exciting new projects now? How do you think that might help people?
Currently, RCA is focused on developing projects aimed at enhancing the continuum of care for patients, ensuring they transition smoothly between different levels of care without any progress getting lost along the way. One initiative involves piloting contingency management care, where patients are awarded for remaining drug-free. Collaborating closely with treatment sites, we ensure patient consent is prioritized. We’re also exploring the concept of a “Digital Tether,” where medical professionals are digitally connected to individuals in need, expediting their access to treatment and support services. These projects aim to revolutionize the way we approach addiction treatment, providing timely interventions and support to those who need it most.
Ok, thank you for all that. Now let’s shift to the main focus of our interview. How would you advise individuals who are contemplating the journey to sobriety but might be hesitant or unsure about taking the first step? Are there key considerations or strategies that can make this initial phase more manageable?
Embarking on the journey to sobriety can feel daunting, but it’s essential to remember that perfection isn’t the goal. The first step is to begin building a team around you, including friends, family, employers, and support groups like AA or SMART Recovery. Seeking an assessment with both your support group and a professional can help identify your struggles and the best approach for you. At RCA, treatment is available around the clock, providing continuous support. Going for an evaluation, even without committing to treatment, can provide valuable insights and guidance.
Sobriety often comes with its unique set of challenges. Can you share insights on how individuals can effectively navigate obstacles or triggers that may arise during their journey? Are there specific tools or support systems that you find particularly helpful in overcoming these challenges?
We need to recognize that despite addiction, individuals possess inherent strengths that can help them throughout recovery. Activities like yoga, meditation, and other wellness practices can help individuals stay grounded and focused on their recovery journey. At RCA, we monitor group engagement, emphasizing the importance of participation in supportive group settings. Group therapy is particularly beneficial as addiction tends to isolate individuals and fosters self-criticism. In a group setting, individuals can reflect on their journey, share experiences, and learn valuable coping skills from one another. It’s one thing for a doctor to provide a recommendation, but it’s always beneficial to be encouraged by a peer in recovery. The mutual support provided in these groups counters feelings of stigma and shame commonly associated with addiction.
Maintaining sobriety is a long-term commitment. From your experience, what are the essential factors that contribute to the sustained success of individuals on this journey? Are there lifestyle adjustments or mindset shifts that prove crucial for the ongoing pursuit of sobriety?
It’s crucial to develop a recovery plan, understand that relapses may occur, and be compassionate with yourself throughout the journey. Staying in treatment significantly increases the likelihood of remaining in recovery. Additionally, focusing on stabilizing and building recovery capital with your family, addressing stressors, and creating healthy environments is key. This involves identifying specific coping mechanisms, managing difficult emotions and self-criticism, challenging substance-related stigma, and establishing healthy boundaries in relationships. These strategies can make the initial phase of sobriety more manageable and set a strong foundation for long-term recovery.
Based on your research or experience, can you please share your “5 Things You Need To Begin, Navigate, & Sustain Sobriety”?
1. Don’t let perfection hinder your progress. Understand that occasional relapses are part of the journey. Embrace each setback as an opportunity to restart your journey towards sobriety.
2. Develop a recovery plan that acknowledges the possibility of relapses. Practice self-compassion and refrain from being overly critical of yourself as you take steps towards recovery.
3. Commit to staying in treatment, as consistent engagement significantly increases your chances of maintaining recovery over the long term.
4. Find stability and establish your recovery support, including support from family, managing stressors, and creating healthy environments conducive to sobriety.
5. Implement specific strategies and coping mechanisms personalize to your needs. Identify effective tools to navigate challenges and reinforce your commitment to sobriety.
Community support plays a vital role in the journey to sobriety. How can individuals find and engage with supportive communities or resources that align with their specific needs and goals? Are there online platforms, local groups, or initiatives that you recommend for fostering a sense of connection and understanding during this process?
There’s an abundance of resources available, but how does one trust and believe what they see online? Work with your healthcare professional and support groups to identify credible sources beyond mere advertising. Seeking recommendations from trusted professionals and peers can help navigate the array of options. Online platforms offer accessibility and readiness for individuals at various stages of readiness for change. However, hybrid community resources provide valuable in-person support networks.
Organizations like the National Institute of Health offer reliable information and resources. Following peer groups and support group sites can provide ongoing support and connection. RCA’s alumni community has proven to be an invaluable resource for patients navigating the path to sobriety as these individuals can offer relatable advice and mentorship. Additionally, recognizing the importance of diversity and equity in accessing resources is crucial to ensuring inclusivity.
What is the best way for our readers to continue to follow your work online?
RCA’s Resource Center has a variety of informative content: https://recoverycentersofamerica.com/resources/
This was very inspiring. Thank you so much for the time you spent on this. We wish you only continued success.
About the Interviewer: Wanda Malhotra is a wellness entrepreneur, lifestyle journalist, and the CEO of Crunchy Mama Box, a mission-driven platform promoting conscious living. CMB empowers individuals with educational resources and vetted products to help them make informed choices. Passionate about social causes like environmental preservation and animal welfare, Wanda writes about clean beauty, wellness, nutrition, social impact and sustainability, simplifying wellness with curated resources. Join Wanda and the Crunchy Mama Box community in embracing a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle at CrunchyMamaBox.com.
Dr Hyon Un Of Recovery Centers of America On How to Begin, Navigate, & Sustain Sobriety was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.