Serving the High Plains
Serving the High Plains
A new digital resource designed to help adults address challenges associated with alcohol, other drugs and behavioral addictions has been made available for free to New Mexico residents.
The 5-Actions Program, at NM5actions.com, was announced by the New Mexico Crisis and Access Line in partnership with ProtoCall Services Inc. and with Digital Therapeutics Group LLC.
Funding for the program comes from the New Mexico Human Services Department, Behavioral Health Services Division.
“The 5-Actions Program offers an important, scientifically-based resource to all New Mexicans looking for an immediately available resource to help them evaluate and, if they so choose, to take action that can alter a pattern of substance use creating problems for them or their families,” Behavioral Health Services Division Director Dr. Neal A. Bowen said. “It also offers the potential of supplementing the efforts of therapists, emergency departments and peers to accompany people undertaking the challenging path of change.”
The program comes at a time when the COVID-19 pandemic increasing rates of substance use and overdose. A benefit is it can be accessed 24 hours a day from one’s home.
It also addresses a gap in those who could benefit from an intervention but are unable to access care.
The program offers learning and intervention tools specific to alcohol, opioid and polysubstance use, as well as content that addresses the underlying drivers of addiction including adverse childhood experiences, trauma and other co-occurring disorders.
It also contains tools for those wanting to help a loved one or friend struggling with addiction.
The 5-Actions Program comes with 24-hour phone support in partnership with the New Mexico Crisis and Access line.
In addition, the Peer-to-Peer Warmline lets people talk with someone who has “been through it.” Another benefit of the program is it can be used in combination with addiction medications to support and enhance treatment efforts.
In addition to resources for helping people understand addictive behaviors and set change goals, the program includes features such as:
• Over 100 videos organized into learning modules;
• Self-help assessment tools to explore substance use and addictive behaviors;
• COVID-specific resources for those struggling with addiction;
• Support for family members wanting to help a loved one or friend with addiction.
The program can be accessed on most computers, tablets and mobile friendly devices that have access to a high-speed internet connection.
“The 5-Actions Program addresses all addictions, substance and behavioral, as a package of behavior,” said Dr. John Fitzgerald, creator of the program. “Most people who struggle with addiction suffer from multiple addictions. Intervening with one addiction while leaving others unaddressed results in poor outcomes and high relapse rates. The 5-Actions Program encourages people to identify and address all addictions as a package of behavior.”
The program incorporates evidence-based theories of change and encourages the use of healing relationships as the primary pathway to healing and wellness.
For more information, go to nm5actions.com.