The Estate News & Blog

As we celebrate Earth Day on April 22nd, let’s pause and consider how our earth can be a tool to help men recover from alcoholism and addictions.

On April 7, 2023, a remarkable event took place at Soberman's Estate in Cave Creek, Arizona, addressing the pressing issue of treating traumatic stress and addictions. The participants were serenaded by the calming sound of a local Native American Flute Artist, as well as savoring a remarkable lunch meticulously crafted and served by Chef Steve Sordo. Lunch was prepared with fresh ingredients from the greenhouse located on the estate property. The workshop was led by experts, Dr. Thomas Gazda, a board-certified addiction psychiatrist, and Jerry Ehmann, LPC, LISAC, NCC. Attendees had the opportunity to learn about the latest evidence-based treatment approaches for individuals struggling with trauma and addiction, followed by a tour of the facility and a chance to meet the therapeutic providers. In this blog post, we'll recap the key takeaways from the event and share our thoughts on the essential lessons learned.

It was the famed British psychoanalyst and pediatrician, Donald Winnicott MD who coined the term "false self" - a universal phenomenon that we all suffer from in a matter of degrees. To function in society we may have to say "please" when we are not pleased and "thank you" when we are not feeling any gratitude. This need to comply with social norms can go way beyond such niceties and can for instance suppress such basic human emotions as anger and sexual desire so that such expressions coming from the "true"self are unable to be processed, digested and made peace with.

“Staying clean” also known as not drinking or using, is easier while being cared for in a Residential Treatment Center. Although residential treatment teaches individuals the tools they need to succeed, it is said that the ‘real work begins’ once a client leaves rehab.  

Being Jewish, having family members in addiction recovery, and now working for a treatment center for alcoholism and addiction, I wanted to learn more about Purim, and the commandment to drink. I had the opportunity to (virtually) sit down and learn with Rabbi Dr. Chaim Meyer Tureff to learn about the roots of Purim, how serious is this commandment, and what does it mean for the recovery community and their and loved ones?  

Maybe your husband or loved one is exhibiting questionable behavior related to alcohol, and it doesn't feel right. Know that you are not alone. 12.7% of American adults have an alcohol use disorder, colloquially known as alcoholism. We’re going to talk about signs you’re in a relationship with an addict, as well as strategies to cope and heal.  

Janice Story has over thirty years of expert horsemanship. She is an Equine Therapy Coach, who trains and certifies fellow Equine Therapists. She is also a gifted Meditation Coach, Mind-Body-Spirit Practitioner, Reiki master, Published Author, Speaker, and Ordained Minister. In this article Janice shares the role of a horse in Equine Therapy, which is often misunderstood.

While there are many issues that are universal in treating addiction, professional men often have specific challenges that must be understood and addressed. The men we treat most often still have their careers and their families. They have been extremely successful in those careers and have done well financially. They often are highly respected by others, especially outside their family. These successes often cloud the reality of their illness and contribute to their denial. Often there are enablers in their lives who do not know how to intervene. They come to us following some type of crisis, be it related to work or their families. Just the act of coming to a rehab and admitting to others that they have a serious problem is difficult for them. They see themselves as strong, stable, intelligent and proud. So, when they arrive here, their defenses are going to be up, and they continue to portray this persona of having it all together. Losing control is abhorrent to them. Control is important to their success in life. Unfortunately, with the disease of addiction, holding on to the notion that you can control it can have deadly consequences.

Americans across the nation are experiencing varying degrees of social isolation, and it is a pressing matter for the general health of the populace. This is due to the fact that humans require social interaction in order to remain healthy. With a pandemic forcing people to distance themselves from each other in order to slow down the spread of the virus, social isolation is an inevitable occurrence. But what exactly are the risks of social isolation on people during a pandemic, and what options are available to mitigate its effect?

In these difficult times with COVID-19, we have seen many people find solutions to problems they thought they would never have.

Soberman’s Estate is responding innovatively to COVID-19.

With the elimination of in-person 12-step and group support meetings, Soberman’s Estate created an online directory of virtual meetings.