As of 2020, the number of drug-involved overdose deaths reached an all-time high of 91,799, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. At least 74.8% of those deaths involved opioids, 14% involved heroin, 26% involved psychostimulants, primarily...
Last updated Apr 25, 2023 | Published on Nov 4, 2022
Trazodone hydrochloride (known as “trazodone”) is an FDA-approved antidepressant and sleeping pill developed in the 60s. It was initially not favored by the medical community because it had side effects such as dizziness, fainting, irregular heartbeat, and priapism...
Last updated Jul 20, 2023 | Published on May 18, 2022
There is no standard definition of rehab. Consequently, there is no standardized way to measure the success of addiction treatments. However, this is also common for other chronic conditions. Estimates believe anywhere between 40 to 60 percent of patients who attend...
Last updated May 12, 2022 | Published on May 12, 2022
Beginning with no understanding of addiction, scientists have understood more and more about it over time. In the early 20th century, some doctors believed that people with addictions were morally weak and needed to learn self-control—they lacked the willpower...
Last updated Jun 27, 2023 | Published on Apr 28, 2022
Almost 92,000 people in the United States died from a drug-involved overdose in 2020. Accidental drug overdose is one of the leading causes of death among people under 45. Synthetic opioids, psychostimulants, cocaine, and prescription opioids were the most common...
Last updated Aug 28, 2023 | Published on Oct 8, 2021
It's impossible to talk about drug overdose deaths nowadays without fentanyl being mentioned. One of the most powerful opioids in existence (it’s easily 100 times more potent than morphine), fentanyl is the driving force behind the opioid epidemic currently sweeping...
Last updated Aug 1, 2023 | Published on Sep 8, 2021
Cyclobenzaprine, better known as the brand name medication Flexeril, is a muscle relaxant used to treat muscle-related pain such as tenderness and spasms from strains and other types of muscle injuries. Despite being deemed low to no-risk by the DEA (Flexeril is not a...
Last updated Sep 18, 2023 | Published on Aug 20, 2021
Colleges and universities are thought of as beacons of hope and self-betterment, but these institutions of higher learning also have a dark side. Sexual misconduct is a frighteningly common occurrence at even the most prestigious of establishments. It affects both...
Last updated Aug 1, 2023 | Published on Jul 29, 2021
The human body has a remarkable ability to heal itself. The skin, liver, and even your brain can bounce back from major damage and injury. Although our regenerative powers are considerable, it does have its limits. Veins, the delicate tissues that circulate blood from...
Last updated Aug 1, 2023 | Published on Jul 14, 2021
Addiction is an all-consuming disease that can have us do, say, and think things we never would otherwise. It can cause us to abandon our instincts for self-preservation and ultimately turn us into a version of ourselves that we no longer recognize. It’s only natural...
Last updated Aug 1, 2023 | Published on May 12, 2021
Hormones are the chemical messengers of the body and function similarly to the red and green signals of a stoplight. These powerful molecules can both regulate or disrupt everything from organ function to human development to mood. Mounting evidence has shown that...
Last updated Aug 1, 2023 | Published on May 6, 2021
The connection between addiction and conditions such as stress or mental illness is one that is well documented. These afflictions can literally alter the brain, making individuals more prone to experiencing negative emotions which in turn, results in higher instances...
Last updated Jul 24, 2023 | Published on Nov 24, 2020
Teenage substance abuse is a disturbing trend that has continued upwards over the past few decades. It can have a major impact on their mental and physical development and sometimes completely alter the trajectory of their lives. In fact, 90% of adults with a current...
Last updated Aug 1, 2023 | Published on Nov 11, 2020
Although people struggling with addiction are encouraged to seek treatment, they don’t always do. This is mainly because addiction isn’t treated the way cancer or cardiovascular disease is treated. Much of this can be attributed to the stigma of addiction. One study...
Last updated Jul 31, 2023 | Published on Nov 11, 2020
Whether it be for anxiety, depression, or heightening one’s sexual performance, there is a drug that some use to self-medicate; this drug is referred to as Kratom. According to those who use it, the drug offers relief from pain. Some even claim it helps their...
Whether you or your family member is struggling with addiction, you are not alone in this journey. Explore our expansive addiction resources, including our guides for teens, parents, and spouses, as well as relatable recovery stories from Amethyst Alumni.
Laurel, as the Director of Corporate Compliance for USR, is responsible for ensuring that the facility follows all federal and state regulatory requirements, accreditation standards and industry best practices. Laurel has over twenty years’ experience in legal and regulatory affairs in both the public and private sectors. She attended the University of Kansas where she studied political science, and she is designated by the Council on Licensure, Enforcement and Regulation (CLEAR) as a Certified National Investigator and Inspector (CNII). Prior to joining Amethyst, she served as the Director of Enforcement for a state regulatory body.
Brie Rodriguez
Director of Human Resources
Brie joined the Amethyst Recovery team in 2017 as an HR assistant. Her over 15 years’ experience working in healthcare administration and management quickly launched her into a leadership role. Now serving as the Director of Human Resources since 2018, she leads our organization through the intricate requirements of recordkeeping, recruitment, staff development as well as compliance. While also directing all aspects of HR including payroll, benefits administration, performance management, and compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws, as well as licensing and accreditation standards.
Brie graduated as a high school valedictorian with a major in Health Technologies and continued her studies at Springfield Technical Community College with a focus on healthcare. She served in Operations and HR for a finance company for ten years, before returning to healthcare and eventually arriving at USR.
Brie works closely with the leadership team to develop and implement effective HR strategies that support our organization’s goals and values. As an HR professional, Brie’s primary focus is on ensuring that our organization attracts and retains the most talented and qualified individuals to help us fulfill our mission of providing compassionate care to those struggling with addiction. With a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by those working in the substance abuse field, Brie is committed to creating a positive and supportive work environment where employees feel valued, respected, and empowered to make a difference in the lives of others.
Brie is known for being compassionate and empathetic as well as for her ability to navigate complex and sensitive situations and find solutions that benefit everyone involved. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and their fur babies!
CORI BAIZA
DIRECTOR OF FINANCE
Cori’s key responsibilities include supervising financial operations, and daily financial reporting and account management. Cori’s goal is to ensure all patient’s needs are met in an accurate and timely manner. She is a Certified Recovery Residence Administrator with The Florida Certification Board and licensed Notary Public in the state of Florida. Her experience includes accounting and finance training.
JOHN GAU
DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS
John’s key responsibilities include maintaining the day-to-day operations from both a clinical and housing perspective. John’s goal is to monitor every department to ensure proper policies and procedures are in place and client care is carried out effortlessly. John joined Amethyst as a behavioral health technician where he quickly developed strong personal relationships with the clients through support and guidance. John understands first hand the struggles of addiction and strives to provide a safe environment for clients. John is a Certified Recovery Residence Administrator.
MARK GUDIM
DIRECTOR OF FACILITIES
Mark’s key responsibilities include handling day-to-day maintenance matters and oversees our Environment of Care management plan in conjunction with Joint Commission and DCF regulations. Mark’s goal is to provide a safe environment where distractions are minimized, and treatment is the primary focus for clients and staff alike. Mark received a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, with a minor in Economics from the University of Rhode Island. He is a licensed residential home inspector in the state of Florida and relates his unique experience of analyzing a property and/or housing condition to determining any necessary course of action at our facility.
Jeffrey M. Bishop, D.O.
Medical Director, Board Certified in Addiction Medicine
Dr. Jeffer M. Bishop was born and raised in Florida. He joined the U.S. Navy while attending the University of Nebraska for this undergraduate degree in Medicine. When he left the Navy, he went on to graduate from e Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine in 1985.
He worked in Family Medicine for 35 years before retiring from his practice. He then went on to be the Chief Medical Officer at Wellington Regional Medical Center for an additional seven years until resigning from his position in 2013 and started Addiction Medicine.
He is a member of over a dozen professional medical associations and in his free time enjoys a number of different activities. Although now retired from racing, was a member of the International Motor Sports Association and Sports Car Club of America. Dr. Bishop is also a certified open water scuba diver, he enjoys fishing, traveling, and hunting.
Call our 24/7 helpline now to speak with an admission specialist.
AMANDA MARINELLI, DNP, BBA, AG NP-BC, PMHNP-BC, CARN-AP
PSYCHIATRIC NURSE PRACTITIONER
Amanda Marinelli is a Board Certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP-BC) with over 10 years of experience in the field of mental health and substance abuse. Amanda completed her Doctor of Nursing Practice and Post Masters Certification in Psychiatry at Florida Atlantic University. She is a current member of the Golden Key International Honor Society and the Delta Epsilon Iota Honor Society.