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Hosted by SRPMIC Assistant Community Manager, Lena Jackson-Eckert, this podcast takes a closer look at the programs, services, and people that help shape our Community. From everyday resources to unique stories and conversations, we’re here to share what matters. So let’s go ahead and zoom in.
Welcome to Lena's Lens. I'm Lena Jackson Eckert, one of the assistant community managers with the Salt River Pima Maricopa Indian Community. From helpful resources to unique conversations, we're on a journey to explore our community. So let's go ahead and zoom in. All right, hello, and welcome back to A Closer Look Through Lena's Lens.
Lena:Today, we're going to take a closer look at our Journey to Recovery program and hear a little bit more about the good work that they're doing. Today we're joined by Doctor Troy Melendez, who's the Clinical Manager for JTR, and Doctor Nate Velez, the Chief Behavioral Health Officer at HHS. Today we're going to talk a little bit about what they're seeing in the Community, the challenges, and what's giving them hope for the future.
Lena:Welcome, guys.
Dr. Velez:Thanks for having us.
Lena:Thanks for being here. Maybe we can start by each of you giving us a little bit of a background about yourself and maybe what brought you here, how long you've been here, and your journey through this career.
Dr. Melendez:I, let's see. Well, I grew up in Wisconsin, made my way out here for grad school in the nineties.
Lena:At ASU?
Dr. Melendez:At ASU. Nice. Yep. Didn't ever want to leave, went up to Flagstaff for a little bit, briefly back to the Midwest, and then found my way back here in 2007. Mostly was working in universities, worked for ASU, worked in the community colleges.
Dr. Melendez:Always did a lot of stuff around substance use education and prevention in the universities, and then did a lot of public or personal risk management with Greek letter societies in universities. Went the through my own recovery experience about six years ago now and
Lena:Congratulations.
Dr. Melendez:Thank you, thank you. And connected with Doctor Velez.
Dr. Melendez:I met Doctor Velez twenty one, twenty two years ago back in Winslow.
Dr. Melendez:That in was my first job with my PhD and Doctor V. was working as a juvenile probation officer. So we started collaborating with some of his clientele early on.
Lena:So you started off working with kids?
Dr. Melendez:Working with juveniles. Yeah, most of my outplacement stuff during my training was with high school, junior high students. And then got into the kind of the university ages. When I got back from my sober living experience, I reached out to Doctor V. and we started chatting and I started getting into positions within recovery centers.
Dr. Melendez:And I was at a couple before I made my way here, worked in outpatient for a few months and then when JTR was ready for a PHP program, we moved over there.
Lena:So what's PHP?
Dr. Melendez:Partial hospitalization Program. So it's a step down from residential.
Lena:Okay.
Dr. Melendez:So usually comes with supportive housing, like sober living, and then it's a full day of programming, typically five days a week. It's kind of that first step down.
Lena:Yeah, right. And that's where you're at now.
Dr. Melendez:And yes, yeah, I was doing the PHP for about four years and just recently, last December, stepped into the clinical manager role.
Lena:Nice. How about you, Doctor. V?
Dr. Velez:Oh, yeah. My journey here has been awesome. I'm from Northern Arizona, I'm a person in recovery as well. My experience started early in working with youth in the juvenile detention center, actually, after I got sober in Navajo County, and that's my home county. And so, working in Holbrook, in the jail there.
Dr. Velez:And I loved it. I fell in love with working with kids. Yeah. And it just kind of continued my passion for working with families, because I felt myself working with the parents, too, and trying inspire them to change and be different and how can I help as a I person from the was a longtime coach in the community? You know, I coached varsity baseball and basketball for many years at Winslow High School.
Dr. Velez:I just pursued my studies, and I jumped. I always tease my wife because she's still in the probation work, so I jump from the dark to the light, I always tell her. And it just grew on me, inspiring working with people.
Lena:Yeah.
Dr. Velez:And so, you know, so I was a therapist for many years in Northern Arizona, bordered Navajo Nation and Hopi. Worked a lot in Hopi. Mhmm. Even as a probation officer, worked a lot on the Hopi Navajo res. And then I finished my studies at NAU and worked for Coconino County Probation and Juvenile Detention for many years.
Dr. Velez:Went back to Navajo. So I worked most of my career. The last twenty years was up north.
Lena:Yeah.
Dr. Velez:And then I was just lucky to learn about what the Salt River-Pima Pima-Maricopa Indian Community was doing here, and I've been here almost five years, and it's just been so, so good.
Lena:And so much has happened.
Dr. Velez:Oh, so much has happened in our five years.
Lena:Even, in your time here.
Dr. Melendez:Very much.
Dr. Velez:So that's really my journey down here, and and in my current role, I'm I'm really excited to have help with the Journey to Recovery Center, but my expanded role, I get to also work with all of our staff and the entire behavioral health division. And so it's been really good.
Lena:That's awesome.
Lena:I started off also as a juvenile probation officer.
Dr. Velez:Yeah, it's good work.
Lena:And juvenile corrections, too.
Dr. Velez:Yeah. There's a lot of therapeutic stuff that happens in there, so it's all relevant.
Lena:Good work, but hard work. Tell us a little bit about Journey to Recovery's program, and maybe if you can give their mission, the mission, in one sentence.
Dr. Velez:Well, the mission is simple. It's connect, support, love, and hope. And it's designed around our philosophy of care is to be sticky. The mission is to have people stick to us. And so if we look at and Troy and I talk about this a lot we look at what works in psychotherapy and in psychology is we know that there are certain things that account for the variance and change in people.
Dr. Velez:And they're two simple ingredients that don't have anything to do with anybody's education. It's just having relationships and providing an environment of hope. And when we do that well, people can stick to us. And so it's contagious, and it's a philosophy, and it's a model, and that's the foundation of our work.
Dr. Velez:Dr. Melendez, like, if you add to that, but we really ascribe to that and we call that forth in each other, in our relationships, and in our staff. Right?
Dr. Melendez:Right. Yeah. Yeah, the whole idea behind this culture of stickiness, I think it has even impacted our programming. Where folks will come in for thirty, sixty, ninety days in the residential, and then they've got an, you know, possibly equal amount of time in PHP, and then there's another step down to IOP, and then, you know, a couple of months after all that's done, folks can start to explore certification training as peer support. And so we really have an opportunity to keep people involved with us for up to and even beyond a year, which gives them really, really a heads up being successful with their recovery long term.
Lena:Do you think that that approach is unique to our system or are other treatment programs similar?
Dr. Velez:You know, it's unique. It's not unique in the field, but it's hard to capture it anywhere else. Yeah. So it's definitely unique to us in that we actually get to live it out. And I spoke to we had some folks touring from some tribes in Minnesota last week, and so I think the beauty of being able to live this out, like Doctor.
Dr. Velez:Melendez was talking about this, is when we live in our sovereignty and self governance, you have the ability to design things that don't exist anywhere else.
Dr. Velez:And so I think because of that, it actually amplifies that philosophy and it helps us. It's the X factor, for sure. It's the X factor.
Lena:Yeah, and I feel like it's been pretty successful so far, right? I mean, it seems like even I can see in the community this group of recovery, people in recovery. It's such a strong group. We see their talking circles every Sunday, and the AA meetings that we have within the community, and it feels like it's part of the conversation now, where maybe it hasn't been in the past.
Dr. Melendez:Definitely. Yeah, it seems like a very strong community has grown up around recovery and supporting each other and taking advantage of the services that have been available here. Yeah. It's really turning into something.
Lena:And I also think that what you guys have been able to do is kind of help calm that stigma or that idea that people have where you don't want to talk about it. Like, your family secret? Or maybe it's just something that you're not necessarily, of course, not proud of and maybe ashamed of as a family, so you don't talk about it. And now it seems like it's something we talk about.
Dr. Velez:It is. And I love that part of what we do. And I think, you know, to think about the stigma alone of mental health and recovery or being a survivor of substance
Dr. Melendez:use
Dr. Velez:disorders or addiction treatment, right, is there's a lot of taboo in that, especially in indigenous communities. You know, you think of blending this this model of of Western based medicine and non traditional ways or non cultural ways of healing with an environment that actually embraces that and needs that and wants that, and it's the foundation of that. You know, I think those two blends of that have really created a culture of two eyed seeing, if you will, or this way of healing that doesn't exist anywhere. And, you know, I think it is cool to be in recovery here at Salt River, right? It's just cool.
Dr. Velez:Like, you have so many people living in it, and the support and the network they have with each other, it's like there's a true recovery family, and it's okay to be going through that.
Lena:Right. And you talked a little bit earlier, or you mentioned hope. That's giving them hope that it's possible, and others hope that it's possible. So, what trends are you currently seeing right now in substance use in our community? Are there anything that people should be on the lookout for that you can see?
Dr. Melendez:I think the most troubling one recently, and this is probably within the last year, the xylazine fentanyl combination, tranq dope, I guess is what it's typically referred to as. These are when you see the videos of people slumped over just standing but passed Right. The biggest issue with this is there's no overdose blocker for the Xylazine. And so we can hit somebody with Narcan and it'll take care of the opiate, it'll take care of the fentanyl, but the Xylazine, they won't respond to that. Wow.
Dr. Melendez:And so there's, right now there's not even a UA kit, we can't really test for Xylazine, easily. There have been some test strips that have come out and have been, distributed at conferences and things like that so you can test drugs that you want to use and make sure there's no xylazine in them. Yeah, that's one of the biggest challenges right now because it's really, it has a big effect on people's safety around detox and then or overdose and certainly affects the recovery management process as well.
Lena:So when somebody shows up at detox, how do we know that that's something they're using, it's based off of It self
Dr. Melendez:would either be self report, but a lot of times folks don't even know, and so it'll really be the medical staff will recognize the signs that they're not responding appropriately to the NAR can.
Lena:Okay. So in the community, if you had somebody in your household who overdosed and they're not responding to the NAR can, most likely that could be what it is.
Dr. Melendez:Could be what it is, yeah, you need emergency services immediately. Yeah.
Dr. Velez:I think too, what Doctor. Melendez is talking about, a lot of folks don't realize that a lot of these illegal drugs are also laced with or include fentanyl in them. And so, you might think you're smoking marijuana or just smoking marijuana, but you're not. Right? And so, we're seeing what we would call and classify as a polysubstance use multiple substances at once they're testing positive for.
Dr. Velez:And so, that's been a common thing in the last year that we see in our detox facility, and it's a concerning thing, because folks don't realize what's out there all the time or what they're actually putting into Yeah, their
Lena:and it could kill you.
Dr. Velez:It could, yeah.
Lena:What misconceptions about substance use disorder do you wish more people understood?
Dr. Velez:Well, I think for me, when I think about that, is that it's a character flaw or some sort of moral issue between right and wrong, or why can't people just stop, you know, can't those people just get it together, or don't those people realize that they're hurting their families and their kids, you know? And if it was a matter of being of will and that easy, that it's not an actual disease of the brain or change the chemistry of how the brain works, I think that would help change the mindset of folks. And so we do our best to really provide that education around that, especially when we're out visiting districts from our council members that invite us to give education around that. I think that's a real big misconception around substance use disorders is that it's not easy to change. And so you're changing the chemistry makeup of how you're supposed to be operating and it takes a long time to heal.
Dr. Velez:A long time to heal that brain.
Dr. Melendez:Yeah, they've established patterns of behavior over a significant amount of time, and that's you know, the brain loves that. Brain likes a pattern, likes a familiar pattern, and it doesn't matter how destructive that pattern might be. If this is what we do, this is what we do. And so it's really a matter of being able to get outside of that pattern, establish a new pattern, and then deal with the triggers that would pull you back into the old ways of being. And so like Doctor.
Dr. Melendez:V mentioned, it's a lengthy process. I think it's complicated further. There's a disorder that's been identified, mostly working with patients with psychosis, anosognosia, and it's the inability for a person with a disorder to recognize I'm in need of help. And so we see that a lot with folks with psychosis, but we also see that a lot with folks with substance use disorders is that to them, I'm managing life. I'm taking care of what I need to.
Dr. Melendez:I'm only hurting myself. You know, they have this really narrow view of what their substance issues are and how it impacts themselves and people around them.
Lena:Yeah, and it makes me really think how important it is to have family involved in recovery, because family have to understand this too, or be educated about exactly what you're talking about. And a lot of times, unfortunately, I think with families, I'm sure you guys see this all too often, families are kind of tired of it. And so, not getting them to really participate and understand, that's a whole other level of recovery and treatment.
Dr. Melendez:Well, and understanding their role in It's a delicate subject because I think when we talk about our role or how we contribute, people automatically jump to blame. Well, it's, it's, it's, you're saying it's my fault. And it's like, well, no, but we all play a role in helping to support this idea or enabling or even just inappropriately addressing it, creating more dysfunction with that. But I think, you know, as families start to realize like, oh, here's how we play into this, here's how we can play into it in positive way. And they start to develop some of those skills, then we see more positive involvement from the family.
Dr. Velez:Yeah, and I think too, it's very complicated, right? Because there's a few things that come to mind with family, right? One of them is the best treatment involves family care. Yeah. And they're often the hardest to engage.
Dr. Velez:Because they're kind of Don't get And tired of they're tired of it. And so which also lends a lot of support to repairing that because the most thing that is quick to go away the fastest is trust, and it's often the last thing to get back. Right. And so that comes with reliability and consistency. But also, you know, Doctor.
Dr. Velez:Malin mentioned that, you know, the role of the family is so crucial, but often the family often guards that brain or that recovery as though it's their own. And so that can be very distressing for the family, but also creates additional stress for the person. Right? And so, it's complicated and convoluted. So we're real proud of our family program that we implemented.
Dr. Velez:Very. Yeah. Because we are actually working with the entire family, from littles, children, siblings, to the spouses, to parents. And so, during our family gatherings every week, we're able to work with every single developmental age appropriately and then bring them all together for healing, potluck meal, and I think what we're seeing is the family coming along with and understanding the role they play inside this person, their loved one's recovery, which is not to manage it.
Dr. Melendez:Right? It's take care of their own aspect of it. You know, these things are processes that need to occur outside of each other. And when people start to realize that, that, Hey, I've got some work to do, and that's supporting my loved one as well, while they do their work that I just don't need to pay attention to right now.
Dr. Velez:And then throw on it as a person from a community where family is often enmeshed or ingrained, right? Culturally, you throw on culture on top of that is, you know, we're meant to be with our family and cultures that we work in and live in, and so it also adds a whole another layer of complexity to it.
Lena:So if you could have unlimited resources, or as my boss would say, If you were Burger King and you could do it your way, what would you build or change?
Dr. Velez:We'll have a list.
Dr. Melendez:Yeah, yeah.
Lena:We don't want the list, just give us a couple. Yeah.
Dr. Melendez:Well, I've heard you know, rumblings of this, but a treatment center for adolescents would definitely be on and the top of my a group home for adults, for folks that have been through this a lot of times, especially with some of the newer, precursors they're using for methamphetamine. We're seeing a lot of more and stronger, meth psychosis. Some folks are just, you know, their history of use and homelessness and, institutionalization, it's just made it real difficult for them to live on their own. Yeah. And sending them outside of the community isn't always the most comfortable thing to do.
Dr. Melendez:Right. And so being able to have some place that we can care for them here, they can be home, they can be with people that understand the world the way they understand it, I think, would be great.
Lena:Those are two good ones, for sure.
Dr. Velez:Well, I would echo. I think the top of my wish list is an adolescent journey to recovery center. It's time. We send too many of our youth out of area, and I think it's time to keep them home. We can probably do it just as good, if not better, than we're doing for our adults.
Lena:What message would you want families struggling with substance use to hear today?
Dr. Velez:That there's hope. There's hope. Can change, things can change. And it takes work, but it's possible that change is possible, and so don't ever And here's the thing, you never know. You never know if it's this time or next time or You the eighth just never know.
Dr. Velez:But eventually, they'll
Lena:It'll get stick.
Dr. Velez:It'll stick. You know, we're a no wrong door, keep pushing, keep coming. But that's what I would want families to know.
Lena:Tell us a little bit, I heard that you have a new podcast coming out. Tell us a little bit about what we can expect from this podcast.
Dr. Melendez:So yeah, Pathways to Spirit.
Lena:Oh, that's a nice name.
Dr. Melendez:Pathways to thank Spirit. Yeah, we just look at we have more of a focus on substances at this time, but we are looking at more of a global healing, and counseling, and behavioral health, and spiritual health, and kind of more of a holistic approach to what we're doing here in BHS. So yeah, we'll highlight Journey to Recovery, we'll highlight some of the outpatient programming, we'll have some of our leaders come in and talk a little bit more about what we're doing in HHS and BHS. It's been exciting Nice, so
Lena:that sounds exciting.
Dr. Velez:Yeah, I think too, one of the things we want to do is get people's stories out, because I think that that also demonstrates the hope So and we plan on bringing some folks who have actually gone through the program and are surviving and working in it and living. And so that's gonna be really
Lena:Oh, I love that. Awesome. I can't wait to hear. Well, thank you, gentlemen. So if somebody in the community is looking for help and maybe is interested in some of your services, not only at Journey to Recovery well, let's just say Journey to Recovery today since we are talking about substance use disorder who would they contact or what number should they call?
Dr. Velez:Well, there's no wrong door. And we're so easy to get ahold of. You can literally walk into River People Health Center. You could walk right up to Journey to Recovery twenty four hours a day, three sixty five days a year. And so, the access is there, there's no wrong door, and if you really need the help, just come on over.
Dr. Velez:It's that simple.
Lena:Do you have a phone number you can throw out there?
Dr. Velez:Yeah, we do have a phone number people can call. It'll take them right to the unit. Our nurse will answer and it's (480) 362-5665. (480) 362-5665 and 20 someone will pick up that phone at any time to help you.
Lena:Awesome. Thank you, gentlemen,
Dr. Velez:for sharing You're welcome. Our Thanks for having us.
Lena:Yeah. Thank you. As we close today's conversation, one thing is clear: addressing substance use requires leadership, compassion, collaboration, and innovation, which is very clear we have it. Thanks to you guys.
Dr. Velez:Thank you.
Lena:I just wanted to express my appreciation for the work that you do every day to create opportunities for healing and recovery in our community. Also, the staff that are doing this every day. Know you have a whole team there that works every day of the year. And they work very hard and deserve some appreciation as well. So it's a good reminder that recovery is not just an individual journey, but it's a community effort.
Lena:And I think you guys did a good job letting us know about what you're doing today. Thank you for listening to Lena's Lens today, and be on the lookout for the JTR podcast. What'd you say it was called?
Dr. Melendez:Pathways to Spirit.
Lena:Pathways to Spirit. Thank you. Have a good day. See you next time.