STOP & FLOW in Action: Transforming Recovery with Mindfulness

Stress, pain, and cravings can feel like insurmountable barriers, especially for individuals on a recovery journey. But what if a mindfulness-based approach could transform these challenges into opportunities for growth?

In this blog, we’ll explore how Rita Martinez, an addiction treatment counselor with the STOP & FLOW program, helped her client RM reduce pain, stress, and cravings, paving the way for a balanced and fulfilling life.

RM, a 22-35 year-old Hispanic man, came to Rita in a difficult place. Though in remission from substance use, he still carried the weight of persistent challenges: intense back pain from an old injury, overwhelming stress, and cravings that disrupted his daily life. These obstacles made it hard for him to feel grounded and at peace. On top of this, the stigma around mental health in his community only added to his struggles. Asking for help felt like admitting weakness, and RM often felt isolated in his pain. Yet, he was motivated to find a way forward.

When RM began his journey with STOP & FLOW, he wasn’t sure what to expect. Rita started with simple but powerful mindfulness practices. She introduced him to stillness meditations like Stop Where I Am and Picture Positive, which allowed him to pause, reflect, and create a sense of calm. For RM, Picture Positive became a lifeline, helping him visualize a mental space where peace and clarity replaced the noise of stress and cravings.

From there, Rita guided RM through gentle movement techniques such as Sinking the Chi and Repulse Monkey. These exercises encouraged him to slow down and reconnect with his body. One movement, Sinking the Chi, stood out as particularly transformative. It helped RM release the physical tension that had been building for years, softening the pain in his back and bringing a sense of relief he hadn’t felt in a long time.

Over the course of six sessions, RM’s progress was remarkable. His back pain was reduced by 50%, stress levels dropped by 60%, and his cravings were completely eliminated. But the transformation went beyond numbers. RM began to describe himself as “relaxed, rejuvenated, and balanced.” He felt energized and confident, equipped with tools to maintain his well-being long after the sessions ended. For the first time in years, he felt like he was truly in control of his life.

Rita saw this transformation firsthand. She noted how RM’s self-awareness and confidence grew with each session. He started to embrace mindfulness not just as a technique but as a way of life—an anchor to keep him steady no matter what challenges arose.

RM’s story is just one example of how STOP & FLOW can create profound change. It’s more than a mindfulness program—it’s a bridge to a healthier, more balanced life. For individuals in recovery, like RM, or professionals supporting others on their journey, STOP & FLOW offers a way to reduce stress, ease pain, and eliminate cravings while building confidence and clarity.

If you’re ready to take the next step toward transformation, explore how STOP & FLOW can support you or your clients in creating lasting wellness.