Dec. 7, 2007:
Russian Visitors come for Texas Star's Expertise

On Friday, December 7, 2007, William Loving, MD and his staff were pleased to host Abbott Mefodiy Kondratyv and Father Sergey Goncharov of the St. Gregory’s Parish near Kineshma in the Ivanovo Region of Russia. Abbot Kondratvy and Father Goncharov serve the Russian Orthodox Church. They have church based recovery center and were in the United States to learn more about the latest information in addiction medicine.

They were accompanied by Missionary Ellen Smith and their interpreter, Marguarete. They were here to learn about Chemical Dependency and Detoxification treatment strategies in the United States. They spent one full day with Dr. Loving reviewing the 12-Step Program, medications, counseling theories, nursing protocols and spirituality. They interviewed a patient (with her consent), toured the living quarters, reviewed patient schedules, patient care issues, dual diagnosis issues, detoxification protocols and asked many, many questions. They interviewed a number of the staff including the Program Director, Kay Vossler who commented, “For us to be able to help Abbott Kondratyv and Father Goncharov was an honor. Chemical dependency is an epidemic in Russia and we were privileged to be a small part of challenge. We are going to maintain contact with them and possibly host an intern from their program in the future. It is grassroots efforts such as these that truly spread recovery. Recovery breeched cultural differences…we were all there for the same reasons – to help people in need find recovery. Language barriers did not keep us from bonding on a deep spiritual level.”

Dr. Loving will maintain an ongoing dialogue with the Russian visitors and will assist by email and telephone calls to help them further develop their program. It was an exciting and rewarding event for everyone involved.

Oct. 26, 2007:
A Magical Evening with Earnie Larsen

On the evening of October 26, 2007, a community of over 100 people in recovery were graced with the presence of EARNIE LARSEN! Texas Star Recovery hosted the event in Austin, Texas. Earnie is a pioneer in the addiction field, well known author, lecturer and healer. He has been spreading the message of recovery for more than 30 years.

Earnie described the spiritual and emotional process of healing and personal transformation. He shared stories of wisdom and profound insight from personal experience. His authenticity and humility shined brightly on all who attended.

Referring to the professionals in the audience who work with clients, Earnie, “If you are not coming from a place love – stay home.” As one Registered Nurse who is not familiar with recovery said, “Earnie’s message is not just for those in recovery, but something all of us can use in our everyday lives.”

Earnie, thank you for a magical evening!

May 14, 2008:
"The Neuropsychological Consequences of Substance Abuse" By: Dr. Kent Foster

On Wednesday, May 14th, Dr. Kent Foster, Psychologist for Texas Star Recovery Program and Listening Tree Counseling Center, presented to a room of 70 community professionals at The Oaks Treatment Center. His presentation on "The Neuropsychological Consequences of Substance Abuse" was very well received by the attendees. The presentation provided 3 free CEUs to all those who attended.

Texas Star Recovery Program and The Oaks Treatment Center co-sponsored the seminar, which allowed for the location, CEUs, and other hospitalities.

The presentation covered the following components:

• Introduction
• Three Functional Brain Systems underlying cognition
• The Mechanisms underlying brain damage from substance abuse
• Differences & Similarities in the disruption of cognition caused by substance abuse and depression
• Review/Questions and Answers

April 19, 2008:
3rd Annual Fun Fun Sober Run

On Saturday, April 19th, Texas Star Recovery Program helped sponsor University of Texas Center for Students 3rd Annual Fun Fun Sober Run.

Overall, it was a very successful event. It was fun, engaging, and helped raise awareness about the UT Center for Students in Recovery and recovery in general - something that we are all passionate about. In total 726 people registered for the race which was an increase from the previous year and over 50 people participated in the Wall of Dedication, which dedicated their race to a loved one.

If you wish to see the video and pictures from the site, click here: www.healthyhorns.utexas.edu/funrun