Last week, I had the privilege to attend the Cape Cod Symposium on Addictive Disorders for the second year in a row representing Pretaa. It’s moments like these that remind me of the sheer dedication, unity, and vigor present in the Substance Use Disorder (SUD) and behavioral health treatment community – and how much fun I can have in recovery, without the use of substances!
Walking through the exhibit hall every day, every corner echoed with invigorating conversations about the latest research, groundbreaking therapies, and patient-centric approaches that are paving the way for a more effective and holistic treatment paradigm and improved care for all. I was also delighted at how frequently I heard references to the importance of detecting, measuring and improving outcomes. Throughout my multi-year journey through multiple treatment facilities, “outcomes” seemed like an afterthought. I am encouraged to see centers striving to understand and improve outcomes – and not just to ace their next accreditation review, but to help ensure sustained recovery for the individuals that were and are under their care.
Beyond the academia and the science, what truly left an indelible mark was the palpable passion of every attendee. From clinicians to researchers to policy advocates to outreach specialists, each individual present was driven by a shared mission: to better understand, empathize with, and assist those grappling with SUD and mental health concerns. Their resilience in the face of this overwhelming challenge was and is nothing short of inspiring.
It’s easy to forget, amidst the daily grind, that we are part of a larger community — one that’s tirelessly pushing boundaries and, thankfully, refusing to accept the status quo. The Cape Cod Symposium served as a powerful reminder of this fact. It reinvigorated my spirit, reinforced my commitment, and reminded me of the profound impact our collective efforts can have.
I’m returning from Hyannis with not just more knowledge, but also with a renewed sense of purpose. I’m grateful to each person I met, each story I heard, and every lesson I learned. Let’s continue this momentum, supporting each other in our endeavors and driving towards a world where SUD and behavioral health treatment is effective, compassionate, and universally accessible.
Here’s to all the change-makers in our community. Your work does not go unnoticed. And I, along with the rest of the Pretaa team, deeply appreciate you.
Eliza Foltz
Pretaa