Stress is a top trigger for anxiety, depression and relapse. STOP is a quick technique for recognizing and managing stress.
Read MoreLive More Recovery!
Origin: Before 900; Middle English liven, Old English lifian, libban; cognate with Dutch leven, German leben, Old Norse lifa, Gothic liban 1. Having Life. 2. To pass through or spend the duration of time. 3. To exhibit vigor, gusto, or enthusiasm. " "lived life to the fullest" 4. To experience first hand 5. To be thoroughly absorbed by or involved with. 5. To act or be in accordance with. Synonyms: Be alive, abide, exist, pursue, continue, reside.
Stress is a top trigger for anxiety, depression and relapse. STOP is a quick technique for recognizing and managing stress.
Read MoreWhen a loved one is in trouble we want and need to take action, but how do we tell the difference between helping and enabling? How do we get through the situation, "guilt-free" and still in tact?
Read MoreOver the years we have matured as an industry and have grown to realize that there are many pathways to recovery. To limit ourselves to just one methodology can limit the possibilities of long term recovery. Below is the working definition developed over several years with input from professionals, laymen and individuals in recovery from across the country. Published and developed by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
Read MoreRecently I received an email from my doctor listing their holiday hours. On the bottom was this little "Oh by the way" type filler which I'm sure most people wouldn't even scroll down to. (I did because I'm learning about social networking etc.). When I read this I thought the patients might have been better served placing this information first followed by holiday hours. I mean, this is good helpful stuff! Yes, much is common sense but always a good reminder. Flu and cold season, holidays, stress, finances. etc. This is a relapse trigger time of year! Apparently even the CDC knows our vulnerabilities! Taking care of the simple things can help prevent a lot of BIG things. Click on this for some helpful steps to keep you and your loved ones safe and healthy.
Read MoreMarie Kondo is an organizing consultant who became well known for organizing method that is based on choosing to keep only items that speak to your heart rather than deciding what to get rid of. Watching her show on Netflix she would ask her customers, “Does this spark joy”? If the answer was positive, they would keep the item and if it was negative they would discard the item. The philosophy being, “Don’t clutter your life with things and stuff that don’t bring you joy”. What if we were to do the same thing with our intellectual and emotional energy? Reality is we are going to have to do some hard things. Sometimes we will get stuck, but do we have to live in constant paralyzing stress and cognitive overload? When this happens we have to take the steps to get unstuck and find a way to spark joy into our recovery.
Read MoreOld English manig, of Germanic origin; related to Dutch menig and German manch . 1. comparative of much. 2. to a greater extent. 3. extremely (used before an adjective conveying a positive feeling or attitude) Synonyms: to a greater extent, further, some more, better,
Board Member/Co-Founder/Executive Director
After a 30 plus year hiatus in the non-profit industry James Frye has returned to serve as the Executive Director of Live More Recovery Services, Inc. He served as a senior counselor with Palmer Drug Abuse Program from 1985 through 1990. Upon having children he left the non-profit world to pursue a career in sales where he was an independent salesman of industrial/construction fasteners for 14 years. Over the past 20 years he has served as the Regional Vice President of Sales for an international company within the same industry. God always pulled on James’ heart strings to serve others and he found it possible to do so in the construction industry, however in March of 2023, he felt called to come back to the non-profit world in an administrative role. He believes God has been preparing him for this particular role ever since he stopped serving as a counselor and became a business man. Hence 34 years later he brings his heart, experience and knowledge to help build Live More Recovery Services, Inc. When James is not working, he can be found spending time with his wife, kids and grandchildren. He is also passionate about motorcycle riding, rescue animals, and the homeless. He believes in spreading kindness everywhere he goes and to help others with no expectations to be paid back. He only asks that they pay it forward. James is an active member of the Texas Association of Addiction Professionals, National Association of Addiction Counselors and San Antonio Addiction Professions Collaborative
Board Member/Founder/Director of Operations and Program Services
Trish is a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor, Certified Restorative Therapist, and Certified Daring Way® Facilitator. In addition, she maintains a practice as a Certified Interventionist. She has over 35 years of experience working with youth, adults, families, and communities addressing substance use, process addictions, families, and related issues. She has spent the majority of her career serving in the non-profit world. Previously, she has worked in therapeutic and leadership positions in outpatient and inpatient treatment centers in both Denver, Colorado, and San Antonio. As a person in long-term recovery, Trish balances passion and professionalism finding creative ways to carry the message of hope to others. Currently Trish is continuing her education at Arizona State University fulfilling her passion for knowledge about neuroscience. In her free time she can be found facilitating a HealthRHYTHMS® drum circle, building Lego, attending an improv class or simply hanging out with her husband and family. Member of the Texas Association of Addiction Professionals, National Association of Addiction Counselors and Faces & Voices of Recovery.
Board Member/Co-Founder/RSPS Supervisor
Dawnya is both a person in long-term recovery and a professional possessing a degree in psychology. She is currently a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor-Intern and a Recovery Support Peer Specialist trainer and supervisor. Dawnya has over 20 years of experience working with individuals and families suffering from mental health and substance use disorders. She has served in many capacities in both inpatient and outpatient settings. In addition to providing direct client services, Dawnya has also spent many years working in the accounting industry. She is a wife, mother, grandmother, and builder of all things Lego. Member of Texas Association of Addiction Professionals and National Association of Counselors
Board Member/Recovery Support Specialist
Mark is a person in long-term recovery and a certified Recovery Support Peer Specialist (RSPS). He has many years of experience serving in the recovery community and is passionate about helping individuals overcome their struggles to live a fulfilling life. As a retired investment broker and political consultant, father and grandfather, Mark demonstrates positive leadership through his ability to adapt and maintain a balance of professionalism and fun within the recovery process. Mark is an incredible example of what it means to "give back" to the community and mentors others to do the same.
Board Member
Bruce is an experienced addiction professional with over 35 years of experience in the industry. Prior to entering the field of counseling, Bruce served in the United States Navy and is a proud veteran of his service to the country. He is a licensed chemical dependency counselor (LCDC) and a certified clinical supervisor. With his combined experience as a former executive director of a non-profit organization, work in other modalities, and many years in clinical supervision roles, he brings a wealth of wisdom to Live More Recovery.Bruce has served on numerous boards throughout his history and is currently the board president of the San Antonio chapter of the Texas Association of Addiction Professionals. Bruce is a strong advocate for people seeking recovery as well as those who serve them. He was recently elected to serve as a board member on the state board of the Texas Association of Addiction Professionals.
Board Member
Bob Pfennig is a dedicated and experienced board member who brings strategic leadership and expertise to our team. Bob plays a crucial role in guiding our organization towards success. As a board-certified chaplain who often works with individuals suffering from substance use, frequently at end of life, he possesses a deep understanding of how substance use effects people and their families. Prior to being called to become a chaplain, Bob worked in information technology and accounting, including numerous international assignments. He holds certificates in accounting and IT auditing. He enjoys cycling, running, and being with his family, especially his precious granddaughter.
Board Member
Brian is a Licensed Master Social Worker dedicated to supporting individuals and families in their fight against substance use disorders. With a deeply personal journey that informs his work, Brian excels at connecting with those seeking help, guiding them toward stability and a brighter future. His unwavering belief in the inherent goodness of every person fuels his passion for transmitting hope and positivity to those in need. Brian earned his Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, graduating summa cum laude from Texas State University, and later graduated at the top of his class from The University of Texas at San Antonio with a Master’s degree in Social Work. With seven years of leadership experience in both inpatient and outpatient treatment settings, he is committed to serving the community with expertise and compassion. Profoundly impacted by those who supported him during challenging times, Brian is driven to pay it forward. His life’s mission is to be a beacon of support and inspiration to others. Outside of work, Brian enjoys playing chess, soccer, and golf, but he cherishes quality time with his wife above all else.
Origin: Late Middle English (denoting a means of restoration): from Anglo-Norman French recoverie, from recovrer ‘get back’. 1. A return to a normal state of health, mind or strength. Synonyms: recuperation, convalescence, return to health, process of getting better, rehabilitation, healing, rallying improvement, picking up, betterment, amelioration 2. The action or process of regaining possession or control of something stolen or lost. Synonyms: retrieval, regaining, repossession, getting back, recapture, reclamation, recouping, retaking, redemption
Happened on September 14th, 2024 at 2:00pm at the Whitley Event Center 285 Oblate, San Antonio TX. 78216
Thank you to everyone who made the first annual Compassion in Action event a HUGE success! Can't wait until next year!