Click here to watch the KRQE Interview Video
Addiction isn’t just a personal struggle—it’s a public health crisis, a family burden, and often, a lonely road. But in the heart of New Mexico, there’s a clinic rewriting that story. Renew Health, featured in a recent KRQE spotlight, is doing something remarkable. They’re not just treating addiction—they’re treating people. With empathy, innovation, and evidence-based telehealth models, they’re helping New Mexicans reclaim their lives every single day.
This blog dives deep into the story behind that news segment, unpacks the challenges New Mexico faces in the addiction landscape, and reveals why Renew Health addiction care is so much more than a service—it’s a movement. Whether you’re someone struggling with substance use, a family member desperate for help, or just a New Mexican who cares about your community, this post is for you.
We’ll explore how Renew Health’s virtual-first model works, what makes their approach so different (and effective), and why accessibility, consistency, and human connection are at the core of everything they do. You’ll also hear about real people—like Teresa Reyes, a patient advocate turned employee—who show what recovery can truly look like.
Let’s dive in.
The Addiction Crisis in New Mexico: What We’re Up Against
New Mexico is no stranger to the devastating impact of addiction. For decades, the state has faced disproportionately high rates of substance use disorders (SUDs), particularly involving opioids, methamphetamines, and alcohol. According to the 2023 New Mexico Department of Health report, overdose deaths in the state are among the highest per capita in the country.
Why is this the case? A few reasons:
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Geography and access: Many communities in New Mexico are rural or remote, with limited access to healthcare facilities.
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Generational trauma: Historical inequities and systemic challenges have left some populations more vulnerable.
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Limited local resources: There’s a chronic shortage of addiction treatment providers in the state.
This is where Renew Health addiction care steps in—not with judgment, but with solutions.
Meet Renew Health: A Different Kind of Addiction Care Provider
If you watched the KRQE feature, you met Teresa Reyes. Teresa is one of those people you don’t forget—radiating hope and purpose, she’s a living testament to what compassionate care can achieve. Once a patient at Renew Health, she’s now an employee helping others on their recovery journey.
Renew Health isn’t your typical clinic. They specialize in outpatient addiction recovery using a telehealth-first model. That means patients can receive high-quality, evidence-based treatment from the comfort of their own homes. Appointments, medication management, therapy—it’s all virtual. But don’t confuse virtual with impersonal.
As Reyes put it, the clinic doesn’t just “hand out Suboxone and say, ‘See you later.’” Instead, Renew Health offers a robust mix of medical support, counseling, and patient advocacy to address the whole person.
This isn’t just innovative—it’s essential. For many New Mexicans, especially those in rural areas, telehealth may be the only feasible way to get consistent addiction treatment.
Why Telehealth Matters for Addiction Care
When we think about healthcare, we often think about buildings: hospitals, clinics, offices. But for someone battling addiction—especially in a rural state like New Mexico—getting to a facility can be half the battle.
Enter telehealth.
Renew Health’s virtual model solves several problems at once:
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Geographic barriers disappear: No car? No problem. All you need is a phone or computer.
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Flexible scheduling: Many patients are working jobs or caring for families. Appointments can happen during lunch breaks or after hours.
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Reduced stigma: Patients can access care discreetly from their own space.
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Continuity of care: Frequent, consistent contact with providers helps build trust and accountability.
Telehealth isn’t a compromise. When done right, as Renew Health shows, it can be even more effective than traditional in-person care. A 2022 study published in JAMA Psychiatry found that patients receiving telehealth-based opioid use disorder treatment had outcomes comparable to or better than those in brick-and-mortar clinics.
It’s Not Just About Medication—It’s About People
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is a cornerstone of modern addiction recovery. Renew Health uses MAT tools like Suboxone (buprenorphine-naloxone) to stabilize patients, reduce cravings, and prevent relapse. But medication is just one piece of the puzzle.
Renew Health pairs MAT with wraparound services:
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Licensed counselors for trauma-informed therapy
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Peer support specialists who’ve walked the recovery path themselves
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Care coordinators to help with housing, employment, or food security
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Patient advocates like Teresa, who ensure no one falls through the cracks
This holistic approach recognizes that addiction isn’t simply a chemical dependency—it’s often tied to mental health, socioeconomic status, and life circumstances. Effective recovery means addressing all of that.
The Power of Lived Experience in Recovery
One of the most powerful assets in Renew Health addiction care is its people—especially those who have lived through addiction themselves.
Take Teresa Reyes again. She spent years struggling with substance use and found traditional care models cold and judgmental. “I felt like a number, not a person,” she said during the KRQE interview. When she found Renew Health, things changed.
Today, she’s a patient advocate helping others navigate the system. Her empathy, insight, and no-nonsense support create a connection that clinical training alone can’t replicate. Peer support isn’t a bonus—it’s a necessity.
Studies back this up. According to a 2020 report by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), peer support can significantly improve outcomes in recovery, increasing retention and lowering relapse rates.
Accessibility Isn’t Optional—It’s Life-Saving
One of the standout aspects of Renew Health is their focus on accessibility. This isn’t just about having a Zoom link. It’s about reducing all the barriers that prevent people from getting help:
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No long waitlists: Patients can usually get seen within a few days.
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Flexible payment options: They accept Medicaid and most insurance, and offer sliding-scale fees.
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Multilingual support: Services are available in English and Spanish.
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Evening and weekend hours: Because crises don’t clock out at 5 p.m.
In the KRQE video, patients repeatedly emphasized how Renew Health made treatment possible—not just in theory, but in practice.
Accountability Meets Compassion: The Renew Health Philosophy
Some clinics emphasize structure, while others lean into empathy. Renew Health combines both.
Every patient at Renew Health has a care team that works collaboratively to set goals, monitor progress, and celebrate milestones. But what sets them apart is the tone of the relationship. It’s not “do this or else.” It’s “we’re in this with you.”
This builds trust. And trust is everything in addiction care.
A 2023 study in the American Journal of Public Health found that patients who felt respected by their providers were 2.5 times more likely to stay in treatment. Renew Health isn’t just offering a service—they’re building relationships that heal.
A Case Study: Teresa’s Full Circle Moment
Let’s go back to Teresa one more time.
Before Renew Health, she cycled in and out of treatment centers. She felt unheard, unseen, and unsure if recovery was even possible. At Renew, she found something new: consistency. Her provider showed up. Her advocate listened. Her counselor remembered her name and her story.
That experience didn’t just help her get sober—it gave her a new mission. Today, she’s on the other side of the call, helping others like her. It’s not just a job. It’s a calling.
And it’s a story that’s being replicated across New Mexico, one patient at a time.
How Renew Health Addiction Care Supports the Whole Family
Addiction doesn’t happen in a vacuum—it ripples through families. Renew Health gets this. That’s why they include family education and counseling as part of their broader care model.
Whether it’s a mother trying to understand her son’s opioid use or a spouse supporting their partner through early recovery, families need guidance too. By empowering families with knowledge and support, Renew Health strengthens the entire recovery ecosystem.
What to Expect When You Reach Out to Renew Health
Thinking about contacting Renew Health? Here’s what you can expect:
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No judgment—just help.
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Quick intake process: You’ll speak with a real person and often schedule your first appointment within days.
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Customized care: Your treatment plan is built around you—your history, your goals, your needs.
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Ongoing support: This isn’t a one-and-done visit. You’ll have access to a team committed to your recovery journey.
The first step might be hard—but it could be the one that saves your life.
Actionable Takeaways: Getting Help That Works
If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, here’s what you can do today:
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Call Renew Health at 575‑363‑HELP. You don’t need a referral.
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Visit their website to learn more about their programs and see if you qualify.
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Download a telehealth app if you don’t already have one—this will make future appointments easy.
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Ask about peer support—talking to someone who’s been there can make a big difference.
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Set realistic goals—you don’t have to change everything overnight. One small step is a victory.
Most importantly: don’t wait. The sooner you start, the sooner things can get better.
Conclusion: Renewing Lives, One Patient at a Time
In a state grappling with addiction, Renew Health stands as a beacon of hope. They’re not just filling a gap in services—they’re redefining what addiction care looks like in the 21st century. With telehealth, compassion, and an unshakable belief in human resilience, they’re helping New Mexicans heal.
Whether it’s Teresa’s transformation from patient to advocate or the hundreds of others reclaiming their lives, the message is clear: recovery is possible.
And Renew Health is here to walk that journey with you.
Renew Health: Your Partner in Addiction Care
Phone: 575‑363‑HELP (4357)
Website: www.renewhealth.com
