S4 E18: Dr. Georgia Fourlas on Uncovering the Roots of Addiction

Beyond Theory

In this episode of Beyond Theory, a podcast by Meadows Behavioral Healthcare, host Dominic Lawson interviews Dr. Georgia Fourlas, Executive Director of Rio Retreat Center. Dr. Fourlas shares valuable insights into the center's approach to treating addiction and underlying trauma through intensive, specialized workshops.

Rio Retreat Center offers a unique treatment model focused on uncovering the roots of addiction and mental health issues. Their signature "Survivors" workshop is a five-day, group-based program that takes a deep dive into childhood trauma and family of origin issues contributing to adult challenges. By addressing these core problems, rather than just treating symptoms, the center aims to provide a foundation for lasting recovery.

Dr. Fourlas highlights the positive ripple effect of recovery on all aspects of life – relationships, work, finances, and overall wellbeing. As individuals experience these benefits, they become motivated to continue their healing journey. Rio Retreat Center's workshops serve as a powerful entry point for those hesitant about committing to long-term treatment, offering an intensive, transformative experience in just five days.

The center's approach emphasizes the importance of ongoing support in maintaining long-term sobriety. Workshops help address new issues that may arise in recovery before they escalate to crisis levels. This comprehensive, long-term perspective sets Rio Retreat Center apart in the field of addiction treatment.

For parents dealing with back-to-school fears and challenges, Dr. Fourlas advises addressing one's own unresolved trauma to avoid projecting anxiety onto children. By focusing on providing love and support, parents can promote their children's resilience and wellbeing.

Ultimately, Dr. Fourlas finds hope in the power of human connection and the resilience of the human spirit during difficult times. She believes that by coming together with compassion and kindness, we can overcome even the darkest of challenges.

Key Takeaways:

1. Addressing Core Issues: Rio Retreat Center's intensive workshops, like "Survivors," focus on uncovering and healing childhood trauma and family of origin issues that contribute to addiction and mental health challenges in adulthood.

2. Comprehensive Approach: By addressing root causes rather than just treating symptoms, Rio Retreat Center provides a foundation for lasting recovery and holistic healing.

3. Power of Intensive Workshops: The center's five-day, group-based workshops offer a transformative experience that can be a powerful entry point for those hesitant about committing to long-term treatment.

4. Maintaining Long-term Sobriety: Ongoing support is crucial for maintaining long-term sobriety. Rio Retreat Center's workshops help address new issues that may arise in recovery before they escalate.

5. Parenting and Trauma: Addressing one's own unresolved trauma is key for parents to avoid projecting anxiety onto children. Providing love and support promotes children's resilience and wellbeing.

6. Hope in Human Connection: Dr. Georgia Fourlas emphasizes the power of human connection and the resilience of the human spirit in overcoming challenges and finding hope during difficult times.

7. Innovative Addiction Treatment: Rio Retreat Center offers an innovative approach to addiction recovery by combining intensive workshops, a focus on root causes, and ongoing support for lasting transformation.

Through this conversation, listeners gain valuable insights into Rio Retreat Center's innovative approach to addiction recovery and trauma healing. By addressing root causes, harnessing the power of intensive workshops, and emphasizing ongoing support, the center offers a pathway to lasting transformation for individuals and families.

Dr. Georgia Fourlas is the Clinical Director of Workshops for Rio Retreat Center, part of Meadows Behavioral Healthcare. She has worked in behavioral health for more than 20 years and has extensive experience working with adults and children as a crisis counselor, trauma therapist, and addictions therapist. Find out more about her work at rioretreatcenter.com.