Opioid Addiction and Prescription Painkillers: Understanding the Path to Dependence and Recovery

Harlow Gardens aims to be a premier integrated healthcare provider for individuals and families affected by mental health issues and substance dependencies. We aspire to cultivate a team of highly skilled and compassionate professionals who provide personalized care, supported by continuous professional development and clinical research. Our leadership promotes a collaborative environment with effective communication and trust, positioning Harlow Gardens as a national leader in exceptional treatment services and a standard-bearer for excellence in healthcare.

Josie Herndon is the Co-Founder and CEO of Addiction Therapeutic Services (est.2013) and Recoveryview.com/Villareal and Associates (est.2000), has been working in the field of Healthcare, Behavioral Health and Addiction Services since 1987. Josie serves on the Board of Directors of the Addiction Treatment Advocacy Coalition (2016-current) and Founding Board Member Women ‘s CEO Global Alliance (2012- current). Josie is co-founder of the Admissions and Marketing Symposium (2014-current) and Founder of the C-Suite Symposium (2016-current). Villareal and Associates, Inc is a national marketing and consulting agency established in 2000. The company works with new and existing treatments centers offering national marketing strategies/rebranding, licensing, accreditation, operations, budgeting, insurance contracts and building census. Recoveryview is an international online journal (est. 2007) with a large professional email data (over 60,000) and social media presence. Josie was the CEO and shareholder of Astoria Pointe 65 beds, Awakenings by the Sea 16 beds and Desert Palms 40 beds 2007-2013. During her tenure with this Corporate Group she headed the startup and expansion of Desert Palms 40 beds and Awakenings by the Sea 16 beds. Josie has been working with Avalon Pain Solutions since 2017 and looks forward to growing with the company as part of the leadership team.

Passion, dedication, and integrity define Steve Canino’s commitment to the recovery and sobriety community. As the Outreach and Patient Placement Specialist at Harlow Gardens, Steve brings a unique blend of personal experience and professional expertise to his role, ensuring that as many people as possible can access the life-changing support they need.

With a background spanning over 25 years in the financial side of the entertainment industry, where he also executive produced films and record albums, Steve’s journey took a transformative turn after achieving sobriety over six years ago. He chose to leave the entertainment world and relocate to the desert, dedicating his life to giving back what he had received through the 12-step recovery program.

Steve’s passion for recovery is matched only by his ethical commitment to honesty and integrity, values he upholds daily at Harlow Gardens. His unwavering dedication to helping others on their paths to healing makes him an invaluable part of our team and a trusted advocate for those seeking a fresh start.

Comprehensive Detox Support: Our medically supervised detox program provides a safe, comfortable environment to begin the journey to sobriety. We offer 24/7 medical and emotional support to ensure a smooth and secure transition.

Residential Treatment: Our residential care program is designed to provide individuals with a structured, healing environment where they can focus fully on their recovery. Residents engage in daily therapeutic activities, group sessions, and personal time for reflection in a serene, supportive setting.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Our trained therapists guide residents through CBT techniques to help reframe negative thoughts and establish healthier behavior patterns.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): DBT sessions provide tools for emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness, empowering residents to handle stress constructively.

Trauma-Informed Care: Understanding that trauma often underlies addiction, our trauma-focused therapies allow residents to address past experiences in a safe, compassionate space. We incorporate grounding techniques and mindfulness practices that encourage healing from within.

Nutritional Wellness: We believe in nurturing the body as well as the mind. Our in-house gourmet chef prepares healthy, delicious meals daily, using fresh, high-quality ingredients. Meals are designed not only to satisfy but also to support physical and mental recovery, balancing nutrients that promote energy, clarity, and overall wellness.

Personalized Dietary Options: For residents with specific dietary needs, our culinary team provides personalized meal options, ensuring everyone has access to nutritious and enjoyable food that suits their preferences.

Mindfulness & Meditation: We offer mindfulness and meditation sessions to help residents cultivate a calm, centered mindset. These practices are shown to reduce stress, enhance focus, and promote a lasting sense of well-being.

Physical Fitness & Movement Therapy: Regular movement is encouraged through yoga, light exercise, and outdoor activities, fostering a connection between physical health and mental clarity.

Creative Expression: Art and music therapy options allow residents to explore new avenues of self-expression, enabling them to process emotions and experiences in a constructive, healing way.

LGBTQ+ Affirming Environment: At Harlow Gardens, we celebrate diversity and offer a warm, inclusive space for all. Our team is trained to address the unique needs of LGBTQ+ individuals, promoting a supportive, respectful community without needing separate tracks.

Family Therapy & Support: Recovery often involves loved ones. We offer family counseling sessions to foster understanding, rebuild trust, and create a solid support network that continues well beyond the treatment phase.

Personalized Recovery Plans: We recognize that recovery is a lifelong journey. Before leaving Harlow Gardens, each resident works with our team to create a detailed aftercare plan tailored to their needs, including follow-up therapy, support groups, and practical resources.

Alumni Community: Graduates of Harlow Gardens join a network of supportive peers and staff who remain available for continued encouragement and guidance as they navigate their paths beyond the facility.

Awaiting construction of the Harlow Haven facilities, Mark Greenberg is currently residing in Summerlin, Nevada a suburb of the greater Las Vegas, NV area. After a 40-year professional career in the health care industry Mark is now working as a Supervisor of Guest Services for We Serve, Inc. of Las Vegas, NV.  Mark has also worked in Guest Relations with the Las Vegas 51’s, The Howard Hughes Corporation, the AAA affiliate for the New York Mets.  Prior to leaving Health Care, Mark was known for his work in implementing several inpatient, residential, and outpatient Substance Abuse Programs. Most notable was the near 20-years he worked with the former First Lady Betty Ford. Mark was selected in the late seventies to leave Minneapolis, MN, his home town and to move to California to help in the overall licensing and design of a new State License which allowed and led to the development of The Betty Ford Center. While with The Betty Ford Center, he served as both their Clinical Director and Vice Chairman of the medical and professional staff. During his time at The Betty Ford Center, Mark was instrumental in doubling the Centers occupancy with creation, licensing, and implementation of their Professional Day Residential Recovery Program. This program was designed particularly to assist VIPs, licensed professionals, and Professional Athletes suffering with Substance Abuse issues. A career highlight was Marks work with the former 38th President of the United States, Gerald R. Ford, in bringing awareness and need for Substance Abuse Treatment to the United States Congress, United States Senate, FBI, and the CIA as well in helping design Drug and Alcohol Policies and educational workshops to the National Football League. Mark has also worked extensively consulting and direct care with player personal in the National Hockey League and Major League Baseball. He had worked with the 1980 and 1984 United States Men’s Gold Medal Volleyball Team. Mark over the course of his career has been a frequent guest speaker and has appeared on national television programs including “Good Morning America” and ESPN. Mark holds the distinct honor of being selected four consecutive years to serve on the American Bar Association Commission Advisory Board on Lawyer Assistance Programs. He was personally trained in crisis intervention by the late Vernon Johnson, founder of the Johnson Institute in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and has officiated in hundreds of interventions nationally. Mark earned his BA and MA in Behavioral Science from National University in San Diego. He is also a graduate of the University of Minnesota’s Chemical Dependency Certification Program, and holds a life time instructor credential in Psychology with the California Community Colleges.