Spotlight On

Richard Poppy MA, LISAC
Owner, Chief Executive Officer
Desert Star Addiction Recovery Center

What is your journey into the field of behavioral health and substance use treatment?

I’ve been in this field since 1993. I went through treatment beginning in 1984 and got sober in 1988. A career change from the restaurant industry was necessary to stay healthy and sober. In 1990, I went back to school at the University of Washington, earned a degree in psychology, a master’s in clinical psychology from Seattle University, and a certificate in Alcohol and Drug Counseling. I started out by volunteering in a drug and alcohol treatment center. As my education and credentials increased, I worked at various treatment facilities and moved to Tucson. My recovery journey included treatment and counseling for alcohol addiction, depression, PTSD, and seasonal affective disorder.

In the early days, drug and alcohol addiction was treated by alcohol and drug counselors, and mental health issues were treated by mental health counselors. This led me to explore and understand how to treat both as co-occurring disorders. After working for eight years in the community behavioral field in Tucson, I opened Desert Star Addiction Recovery Center in 2009, just as the U.S. economy was entering a recession. Not necessarily the best timing, but it worked out!

My primary focus is to provide high-quality clinical care for individuals struggling with multiple mental health issues related to addiction. I’m also committed to building a knowledgeable and respected clinical team. Over the past 15 years, our facility has grown, and we’ve witnessed significant changes in the industry due to the Affordable Care Act and Mental Health Parity, which have expanded treatment options. Unfortunately, as this industry grew, unethical practices like patient brokering, insurance billing fraud, and questionable clinical practices emerged in some facilities leading to their closures.

What programs does Desert Star offer?

Oasis Program: Examines the relationship with drugs and alcohol along with co-occurring disorders. AM/ PM tracks. PHP, IOP, OP

Mental Health Matters: Addresses mental health issues: Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, Trauma, Grief & Loss, Bi-Polar, and more. AM/ PM tracks. PHP, IOP, OP

Mariposa Program: For women. Addresses trauma, boundaries and codependency, relationship difficulties, intimacy and sexuality, and /or history of unhealthy relationships. IOP, OP

Grace Program:  For men. Exploring unhealthy sexual and relationship patterns including sex addiction. Intimacy and masculinity issues and associated mental health concerns. IOP, OP

Sojourners Program:  Young adults 18-25. Addresses mental health and addictive behavior, co-occurring disorders and life transitions. IOP, OP

Stand along OP programs include: 

Mesquite: Disordered eating program. Nutritional support

Healthy Intimacy: gender specific for women

Men and Relationships: Gender specific for men

Emotional Well-being: exploring mental health issues

Family in Recovery Workshop: Offered monthly to family members with a loved one in treatment, promoting healthy communication, boundaries, and a focus on Al-Anon

Couples Workshop: Two part; Effective Communication Strategies, promoting healing and fostering deeper connections with their partner.

Continuing Care: Offers further support upon completion of any of our IOP or PHP programs

In-house 12-step meetings

Desert Star tailors each program to meet our clients’ individual clinical needs, preferences, and schedules. We combine groups and services and continually assess their needs as they progress through treatment. Our team of therapists regularly check in with clients between sessions to provide support, assistance, listening, coaching, and case management services as needed.

Beyond our young adult program (18-25 years old), we serve clients of all ages, even some in their 70s and 80s.

Have you noticed a trend in younger individuals seeking professional help for mental health and substance use issues?

Yes, they are seeking therapy services, and the stigma for this generation has lessened. There is more access and affordability to get help.  Encouragement and support from peers, friends and family to pursue therapy services is beneficial, along with some social media and celebrity influences.

How are younger people responding to treatment?

We must be mindful of their developmental needs, comfort in social settings, and the role drugs, video games, social media, and smartphones play in their daily lives and emotional well-being. By discussing life’s challenges and obstacles, we help them develop self-efficacy and positive ego strength.

We must avoid making assumptions about their treatment outcome or goals. We assist our clients in understanding the dangers of drugs and alcohol, emphasizing the risks of marijuana, even though it is legal. Education in this area is crucial. We stress that sobriety and abstinence may be the best solution.

What is your advice to families of addicted loved ones?

Don’t give up, be aware of what your loved ones are doing and experiencing.  Listen in a non-judgmental way.  Educate yourself.  SAMSHA, NIDA and NAMI are good resources.

Talk to friends, family, loved ones that have been through similar events.   Seek competent professional assistance. This is most likely going to be a journey and take time.  Patience and understanding are needed.  Pray if you are so inclined.  Be there for them, watch for clues on what may be going on that they are not talking about.  Listen to your gut and your instincts for guidance.

Learn more at desertStararc.com.  Call  520-638-6000