Pura Vida Recovery Services

09/05/2026

Exercise doesn't just tone the body — it can actually rewire the brain.

It's called neuroplasticity: the same mechanism that lets the brain adapt to addiction also lets it adapt to healthy new habits. Regular cardio has been shown to improve memory and reduce cravings. Group exercise builds accountability and belonging on top of the physical benefits. Even 30 minutes a day, structured into the routine, gives early recovery something addiction took away: a reason to get up and something to look forward to.

At Pura Vida, that's shown up as everything from group hikes to wakeboarding and rock climbing through our recreational therapy programming. Joy for Living, one workout at a time.

Physical exercise is just one of the many ways Pura Vida is helping to rebuild a Joy for Living in our clients. Call today or visit our website to learn more.

Read the full post: https://pvrecovery.com/blog/how-exercise-can-help-addiction-recovery/

09/04/2026

Accreditation isn't just a badge on a website. It's what tells you a treatment center is actually held to a standard.

Pura Vida is accredited by The Joint Commission — the same national quality body that accredits hospitals — and licensed by California's Department of Health Care Services (DHCS). Neither of those happens by accident, and neither is a one-time achievement; both require ongoing compliance, regular review, and real clinical standards behind the scenes.

When you're choosing a treatment center for yourself or someone you love, ask about accreditation. It's one of the clearest signals of legitimacy in an industry where marketing can otherwise say almost anything.

09/03/2026

Common Addiction Misconceptions:
- Willpower alone should be enough
- Ma*****na isn't addictive
- A relapse means all the hard work was for nothing

These remain some of the most persistent barriers to engaging or re-engaging treatment. Evidence-based care shows measurably better outcomes than punitive or purely willpower-based approaches. This can be easy to forget in the midst of watching a loved one struggle, but it's important to remember when someone you care about is needing help.

Pura Vida offers confidential, free, and highly personalized SUD screenings by phone to anyone interested in exploring the impact of alcohol and/or drug use on their lives. There's no commitment or obligation. Even if we're not the right fit, our expert staff is available to offer guidance and resources for the recovery journey ahead.

Full post: https://pvrecovery.com/blog/misconceptions-and-facts-about-drugs-alcohol-and-addiction/

09/02/2026

Meet our team: Jenny Sederholm, LCSW — Primary Therapist

Jenny has spent over 18 years as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, supporting individuals and families through some of the hardest chapters of their lives — including her own recovery journey, which shapes how she shows up for clients here.

In her own words: “I feel honored to both walk alongside people as they navigate substance use and addiction, as well as celebrate them as they embrace sobriety & lasting recovery. I am so deeply grateful to be part of such a compassionate and collaborative team here at Pura Vida.”

📍 Santa Rosa, CA

09/01/2026

Relapse doesn't happen all at once. It happens in three stages, and the earlier you catch it, the easier it is to interrupt.

Emotional relapse comes first: bottling up feelings, skipping meetings, isolating, poor sleep and eating, usually with no conscious thought of using yet. Left unaddressed, it can slide into mental relapse: fantasizing about using, romanticizing old friends or places, minimizing the risk, even scheming ways to "use safely." Only the final stage, physical relapse, is the part most people picture when they hear the word.

If you catch yourself in that mental-relapse stage, a few techniques actually help: 1. Play the tape through. Imagine what really happens after you use, not just the first five minutes.
2. Reach out to someone before you act on it, and wait it out. Most urges peak and pass within 15 to 30 minutes if you can distract yourself through them.

Relapse rates for addiction sit around 40-60%, comparable to relapse rates for other chronic diseases like hypertension. That's not a life sentence. It's a signal to reevaluate the plan.

If you or a loved one has had a lapse or relapse in their recovery journey, we're here to help. Call our skilled admissions team to be connected with the right resources for your needs, even if it's not with us.

Read the full post: https://pvrecovery.com/blog/what-are-the-warning-signs-of-an-impending-relapse/

08/31/2026

Pura Vida opened its first sober living home in 2015. Over ten years, and thousands of transformed lives later, we are a thriving full-continuum treatment hub at the heart of Sonoma County's recovery community.

How did we get here? The answer may surprise you. It wasn't luxurious resort-style amenities, it wasn't flashy pop-psychology buzz words — just a guiding belief that recovery works better rooted in community, accountability, and fun! That idea hasn't changed since day one. Our skilled counselors, therapists, and staff have built countless futures on that premise and we look forward to keeping that momentum going for many decades to come!

08/31/2026

08/31/2026

More photos from Food Not Fentanyl in Petaluma.

This is what it looks like when a community comes together in the name of public health, education, fighting stigma, and saving lives.

Every loss from drug overdose & addiction is a strike against our shared humanity and we cannot allow our grief to make us silent. Today, we celebrate the memories of those we’ve lost by sharing food, music, and community resources as a way to show the world what life can be when we stop letting fear, ignorance, guilt, and shame hold us back.

Pura Vida is all about fostering a Joy for Living in recovery and this event was the living embodiment of that philosophy. We are so honored for the opportunity to attend and for the astonishing accomplishments and continuing collaboration with Micah's Hugs, who put this incredible afternoon together!

Thank you Micah & Michelle! You guys are a force of nature in this community!

08/31/2026

Representing at the Food not Fentanyl event for Micah’s Hugs! If you’re out here come say hi and grab some PV swag!

08/31/2026

Representing at the Food not Fentanyl event for Micah’s Hugs! If you’re out here come say hi and grab some PV swag!