Click Here to watch the Part 3 Interview with New Mexico Living
Alcohol abuse is one of the most widespread and devastating forms of substance use in the United States. But for many struggling with it, especially here in New Mexico, finding real help can feel almost impossible. Too often, treatment options are rigid, generic, or simply out of reach. That’s why Renew Health is stepping in—not just to provide support, but to transform what recovery looks like. As highlighted in a recent segment on KRQE’s New Mexico Living, Renew Health is offering personalized, compassionate, and fully virtual care for those grappling with alcohol abuse. Their approach doesn’t just treat symptoms. It treats people. This blog takes you beyond the broadcast. We’ll unpack why alcohol abuse remains so difficult to address, how Renew Health is bringing fresh hope to those who need it, and what makes their virtual-first, person-centered model so uniquely effective. If you or someone you love is dealing with alcohol misuse, this might be the new beginning you’ve been searching for.
Alcohol Abuse in New Mexico: A Crisis Hidden in Plain Sight When people talk about substance use, they often focus on opioids, meth, or prescription pills. But alcohol quietly remains one of the deadliest—and most normalized—addictions across the country. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 140,000 Americans die from alcohol-related causes each year. In New Mexico, the crisis is especially acute. The state leads the nation in alcohol-related deaths per capita. A 2023 New Mexico Department of Health report showed that alcohol contributes to nearly one in five deaths among working-age adults here. That’s not just staggering—it’s heartbreaking. Unlike illicit drugs, alcohol is legal, easily available, and socially accepted in most settings. That makes it harder to identify problematic patterns until the consequences become severe: lost jobs, broken families, chronic illness, legal trouble, or life-threatening withdrawal. Yet many people struggling with alcohol misuse hesitate to seek help. Why? Because the dominant treatment models don’t fit their lives. They require time off work, long commutes, group therapy with strangers, or abstinence as a precondition for care. Renew Health recognizes these barriers—and removes them.
A Different Approach to Alcohol Abuse Treatment Renew Health doesn’t believe in one-size-fits-all recovery. That’s because addiction doesn’t look the same for everyone. Some people binge drink on weekends. Others start with one glass to wind down and end up finishing the bottle nightly. Some have tried rehab multiple times. Others are still wondering if they “really” have a problem. Wherever someone is on their journey, Renew Health meets them there. Their approach to alcohol abuse treatment is grounded in three things: personalization, accessibility, and evidence-based care. First, personalization means every patient receives a treatment plan tailored to their needs, goals, and lifestyle. For some, that includes abstinence. For others, it might begin with harm reduction. The plan can evolve over time. Second, accessibility means patients can engage entirely from home. All appointments happen via secure telehealth, eliminating the need for travel or time off. Evening and weekend hours are available. Insurance, including Medicaid, is accepted. Third, evidence-based care ensures that every component—whether it’s therapy, medication, or peer support—is backed by science and delivered by licensed professionals. This trifecta of personalization, convenience, and clinical integrity makes Renew Health alcohol abuse treatment not only different—but genuinely effective.
Telehealth as a Lifeline, Not a Compromise A common misconception is that virtual care is less effective than in-person treatment. That might have been true a decade ago, but today, studies consistently show that telehealth can match or even exceed traditional models in certain outcomes. This is especially true for alcohol use disorder (AUD). A 2022 study published in Addiction Science & Clinical Practice found that patients who received cognitive behavioral therapy for AUD via telehealth showed comparable reductions in alcohol use to those receiving in-person care—and were more likely to stick with the program. That’s no surprise to Renew Health. For patients juggling work, parenting, or rural living, a Zoom session is often the only realistic option. It reduces transportation barriers, lowers stigma, and creates more flexibility for follow-up and accountability. More importantly, it allows patients to engage with their treatment in a familiar, safe environment—without sacrificing quality. Renew Health ensures that every virtual session includes the same clinical rigor and human warmth as any face-to-face visit. And the data proves it works.
Meet the Team Behind the Care The heart of Renew Health’s model is its people. Each patient is supported by a multidisciplinary care team that includes: – A medical provider trained in addiction medicine who oversees diagnosis, medication management, and physical health – A licensed therapist who offers counseling using modalities like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing (MI), and trauma-informed care – A care coordinator who assists with appointment scheduling, insurance, and resource navigation – A peer support specialist with lived experience who provides emotional support, mentorship, and practical advice This team collaborates regularly to ensure each patient’s plan stays relevant, responsive, and respectful. They don’t just hand you a prescription and wish you luck. They walk with you through every phase of your recovery. The team approach also allows for care that’s both comprehensive and cohesive—mental, physical, emotional, and social health are all addressed together.
Medication for Alcohol Use Disorder: Yes, It Exists One of the most under-discussed elements of alcohol abuse treatment is medication. Many people don’t even realize there are FDA-approved medications specifically designed to help people reduce or stop drinking. Renew Health offers these options—when clinically appropriate—as part of a larger recovery plan. Some of the most common medications include: – Naltrexone: blocks the euphoric effects of alcohol, reducing cravings and the urge to drink – Acamprosate: helps stabilize brain chemistry in people who have quit drinking, easing symptoms like insomnia and anxiety – Disulfiram: causes unpleasant effects (like nausea or headache) when alcohol is consumed, acting as a deterrent These medications aren’t magic pills. But when used alongside therapy and support, they can dramatically increase a patient’s chance of success. In fact, a 2021 meta-analysis from the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews confirmed that medications like naltrexone significantly improve treatment retention and reduce heavy drinking days. Renew Health helps patients explore these options without judgment or pressure. The decision is always collaborative—and fully informed.
Harm Reduction and Abstinence: Two Valid Paths For decades, the addiction field focused almost exclusively on abstinence. And for some people, abstinence is the right goal. But for others, especially those in early recovery or ambivalent about quitting, harm reduction provides a more realistic and welcoming entry point. Renew Health supports both. Patients can set goals that reflect where they are—not where someone else thinks they should be. Harm reduction might mean cutting back from daily to weekend drinking. It might mean eliminating hard liquor while still enjoying a beer. It might mean staying sober during the workweek. These goals aren’t “less than.” They’re stepping stones. And often, as patients build confidence and trust in themselves and their care team, they choose to move toward abstinence. The key is autonomy. Renew Health doesn’t dictate a one-size-fits-all path. They help you build the one that fits your life—and walk it beside you.
Real Voices, Real Impact During the KRQE New Mexico Living segment, we heard from people who have experienced Renew Health’s model firsthand. One patient shared that after years of trying and failing to stay sober, it wasn’t until Renew Health offered a plan tailored to their lifestyle and psychological needs that things started to change. Another spoke of the value of peer support—how being able to talk to someone who’d “been there” reduced shame and created accountability. These stories are echoed across the state. From Santa Fe to Silver City, from Las Cruces to the Navajo Nation, Renew Health patients are reclaiming their lives—not in isolation, but in partnership with people who care. The clinic’s outcomes speak for themselves. Patients report fewer emergency visits, more stable employment, better mental health, and—most importantly—greater self-worth. That’s what real recovery looks like. And it’s happening every day.
Why Early Intervention Matters Many people wait until they’ve hit “rock bottom” before seeking help. But that mindset is dangerous—and outdated. Alcohol use disorder is a progressive condition. The earlier it’s addressed, the easier and more effective treatment tends to be. Renew Health encourages early engagement. You don’t have to be falling apart to deserve care. In fact, many of their patients still hold jobs, manage families, and function socially—yet privately struggle with alcohol’s growing grip. Whether you’re questioning your habits, managing high-functioning alcoholism, or coping with mounting consequences, the time to act is now. Early intervention can mean less intensive care, faster recovery, and fewer long-term health risks. Renew Health offers that on-ramp—with no shame, no pressure, and no prerequisites. If you’re worried about your relationship with alcohol, that’s reason enough to reach out.
A Better Experience for Families, Too Alcohol abuse doesn’t happen in a vacuum—it affects partners, children, coworkers, and entire families. Renew Health recognizes this and includes family education and optional family counseling in their care model. Family members often feel confused, helpless, or angry. They want to support their loved one but don’t know how. They fear enabling or overstepping. Renew Health helps families understand the science of addiction, set healthy boundaries, and become allies in recovery—not obstacles. This holistic support improves outcomes for everyone involved. When the family system heals, the individual has a much greater chance of lasting change.
Breaking Down Stigma, Building Up Trust One of the most powerful aspects of Renew Health alcohol abuse treatment is the culture it cultivates. From intake to follow-up, the entire experience is stigma-free. No judgment. No lectures. No shame. Just real people helping other real people make healthier choices. This environment makes it easier for patients to open up. To be honest. To keep showing up. Trust is the foundation of recovery—and Renew Health builds it intentionally. That’s why their model isn’t just effective. It’s transformational.
How to Get Started: Next Steps for You or a Loved One If you’re reading this and recognizing yourself—or someone you care about—here’s how to take the next step: – Call Renew Health at 575-363-HELP (4357). The line is confidential, compassionate, and staffed by real people. – Visit www.renewhealth.com to learn more, check insurance, and see what services are available in your area. – Don’t wait for a crisis. If alcohol is interfering with your health, work, or relationships, that’s enough reason to reach out. – If you’re unsure, ask about a consultation. Renew Health can help you assess whether treatment is appropriate—and what it might look like. – If you’re a family member, you can call too. Ask how to support your loved one, or how to set boundaries in a healthy, informed way. Recovery doesn’t start with perfection. It starts with a conversation. And Renew Health is ready to have that conversation with you.
Conclusion: A Personalized Revolution in Alcohol Abuse Care Renew Health isn’t just another clinic—it’s a new way of doing addiction treatment. Especially in the realm of alcohol use, where stigma runs deep and help often feels out of reach, their personalized, virtual-first approach is turning old assumptions upside down. Patients don’t have to fit into a program. The program fits them. They don’t have to hit bottom. They just have to reach out. With licensed professionals, cutting-edge therapy, peer support, and medication options all working together under one digital roof, Renew Health alcohol abuse treatment is more than a service. It’s a revolution in recovery. For New Mexicans struggling with alcohol, it offers something many have never truly had: a path that works for them. And the promise of a life no longer ruled by alcohol—but reclaimed through hope.
Renew Health: Your Partner in Alcohol Abuse Treatment
Phone: 575‑363‑HELP (4357)
Website: www.renewhealth.com
