Ativan is one of the brand names for lorazepam, a prescription medication used to treat anxiety and sleep disorders. Lorazepam is part of a group of drugs called benzodiazepines, commonly known as “benzos.” Benzos act on the central nervous system to create a calming...
Last updated Mar 17, 2022 | Published on Mar 11, 2022
Xanax is a Schedule IV Controlled substance, meaning it has a low potential for abuse and a low likelihood of addiction. Still, at least 13% of young adults reported misusing Xanax for recreational purposes in the past year. And at least 16% of opioid-related...
Last updated Jan 19, 2022 | Published on Jan 14, 2022
Benzodiazepines, often called “benzos,” are a class of drugs mainly used for treating anxiety. Benzos are psychoactive drugs that work very much like depressants to lower brain activity, making them ideal for treating anxiety, insomnia, and seizures. There are many...
Last updated Nov 22, 2021 | Published on Nov 22, 2021
Combining benzos and opioids can be extremely dangerous. Both types of drugs sedate users and suppress breathing, which is the most common cause of overdose. Not to mention, both drugs carry an incredibly high risk for abuse and dependence. Despite the known dangers...
Last updated Feb 17, 2021 | Published on Jul 17, 2019
Benzodiazepine Addiction Benzodiazepines are a class of drugs that include commonly prescribed substances such as Xanax and Klonopin. Benzodiazepines are different from each other regarding the specific symptoms they treat and whether they’re short-, medium-, or...
Last updated Nov 24, 2020 | Published on Jul 17, 2019
The Effects of Benzodiazepines Benzodiazepines are a class of drugs that are most frequently prescribed as short-term treatments for anxiety and panic disorders. They may also be prescribed to treat insomnia in the short-term as well. Benzodiazepines are among the...
Last updated Nov 24, 2020 | Published on Jul 17, 2019
What Are Benzodiazepines? Benzodiazepines are a certain class of drugs that are among the most commonly prescribed psychiatric medications. More than 15 specific benzodiazepines are approved for use by the FDA, and they are used to relieve anxiety and panic disorders,...
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.
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.
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.
CORI BAIZA
FINANCE ADMINISTRATION MANAGER
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.
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.
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.