La Fuente Hollywood Treatment Center

08/26/2025

In this inspiring episode of "Have A Seat" , Manny Rodriguez sits down with Anil Patel, La Fuente Associate Executive Director—also known as Chanelta—to talk about his extraordinary journey from prison to earning the Miss Sobriety 2025 Crown. Once a top university graduate, Anil’s life took a dramatic turn that landed him behind bars. But through resilience, recovery, and service to others, he discovered his purpose and rebuilt his life.
Now celebrated as a pageant winner for his community work, Anil shares openly about the challenges of incarceration, the power of LGBTQ+ visibility, and the healing that comes with living authentically. This conversation dives deep into mental health, addiction recovery, and the importance of resilience in the face of adversity.
Tune in for a raw and uplifting story of redemption, identity, and the ways service can transform pain into purpose. Full episode is available on the La Fuente Hollywood Treatment Center YouTube Channel. Tune in, leave a comment, like and subscribe.

08/13/2025

Calling on Our LGBTQ+ Allies – In this powerful episode of Have a Seat, host Manny Rodriguez delivers a direct challenge to the mental health and addiction treatment community: Where are you when LGBTQ+ lives are under attack? From the elimination of the National LGBTQ+ Su***de Prevention Hotline to the rising wave of anti-trans policies, Manny calls out the silence of providers who once actively sought to serve this community. He reflects on the history of “LGBTQ tracks” in treatment programs, the trainings and advocacy that built bridges, and the pressing need for allies to speak out—loudly and now. This episode is a rallying cry for ethical responsibility, solidarity, and real action in defense of LGBTQ+ lives.

06/18/2025

Poppers are iconic in LGBTQ+ culture, but how much do we really know about their effects and risks? From their glamorized portrayal in media to their real-world use for enhancing intimacy, this video breaks down everything you need to know. Rory Hunter, LMFT and Clinical Director at La Fuente discusses what poppers are, their cultural significance, and the hidden dangers, especially when combined with ED medications or other substances like GHB. Whether you're a gay man curious about popper risks or a mental health professional supporting LGBTQ+ clients, this is your comprehensive guide to poppers. Stay informed and empowered!

05/27/2025

La Fuente is prepping for PRIDE Month. We will not shrink, we will continue to celebrate our community and we will rise up against hate and bigotry! 🌈🌈🏳️‍⚧️🏳️‍⚧️

05/06/2025

Manny Rodriguez, Have A Seat Podcast host and Rory Hunter, LMFT-La Fuente Clinical Director discuss how harm reduction is a vital approach for LGBTQ individuals, particularly gay men, navigating recovery and early sobriety, especially when re-entering s*xual and social spaces.
Meeting clients where they are: this model prioritizes realistic strategies over rigid expectations, emphasizing informed decision-making and risk management.
For those engaging in hookup culture or exploring sober intimacy, it's crucial to: -assess safety, -verify profiles, and -establish communication with a counselor, sponsor, or trusted support system.
By addressing fears like shame spirals or unsafe encounters, harm reduction promotes openness and proactive planning, helping individuals build confidence and maintain sobriety while reconnecting with their authentic selves. The FULL episode is available on the La Fuente Hollywood Treatment Center Channel. The audio version is available on Spotify, Apple, Amazon Music, iHeart and Podbean under Have a Seat with manny Rodriguez.

04/29/2025

La Fuente Clinical Director Rory Hunter, LMFT and Manny Rodriguez discuss how s*x positivity has helped many q***r people feel proud of who they are and how they love. However, when this open embrace of s*x mixes with drug use — especially crystal m**h — that same freedom can become risky for people in recovery.

The FULL episode is on the La Fuente Hollywood Treatment Center YouTube Channel. Please watch, subscribe-it's free, leave a comment and like. The audio version is available on: Spotify, Apple, Amazon Music, Podbean, iHeart-search Have A Seat with Manny Rodriguez

04/15/2025

Tune In, Subscribe, Like, Leave a Comment. In this episode of Have A Seat, we explore the complex intersection of chems*x, s*x positivity, cross addiction, and recovery in the LGBTQ+ community. La Fuente Hollywood Treatment Center Clinical Director-Rory Hunter, LMFT delves into the addictive nature of chems*x and its impact on mental health, while highlighting the importance of embracing s*x positivity to reduce stigma and promote healthier relationships with intimacy. Whether you’re new to recovery, a gay man navigating this journey, a concerned parent, or a therapist seeking insights, this discussion offers actionable strategies for fostering safer and more supportive recovery environments. Join us for a conversation that balances compassion, lived experience, and data-driven advocacy.

04/09/2025

"Drag Race star Jason De Puy aka Salina EsTitties opens up about the struggles behind their success, including losing his mom to cancer, a partner’s relapse, and rebuilding after personal and professional turmoil. Discover how he overcame it all to reclaim their identity, health, and purpose—and how doing the work and self-reflection were key to their inspiring transformation. The FULL episode can be seen on the La Fuente Hollywood Treatment Center YouTube Channel-"Have A Seat" with Manny Rodriguez and Guests. The audible version is available on Apple, Spotify, iHeart and Amazon Music.

03/18/2025

La Fuente is happy to share Episode 1. This podcast looks at Success vs Failure in LGBTQ drug rehab. .
Between 2020 and 2024, La Fuente gathered outcome data on all clients who were admitted to their facility. The data focused primarily on demographic information and success/completion rates of treatment. While this information only scratches the surface. It is exciting to be able to present what La Fuente believes is the first of its kind.
Rory Hunter, LMFT and La Fuente Clinical Director and Manny Rodriguez have an in-depth conversation about the findings and how the available information will be able to educate and be utilized to improve clinical care.

Success vs. Failure in LGBTQ Drug Rehab? There is a lack of outcome data in the addiction medicine field, combined with the lack of data on the LGBTQ+ commun...

01/22/2025

Research proves it—having the right people in your corner is a game-changer for long-term sobriety.

Why?

Because a strong support network reduces stress, offers encouragement, and helps you find a renewed sense of purpose.

At La Fuente, we’re here to help you build a community grounded in strength, hope, and connection. From weekly 12-step meetings to alumni events and volunteer work in our West Hollywood community, we create spaces where recovery thrives.

Ready to take the first step and join a supportive recovery community? Call us at 323.464.2947 today

For more information, check out this week’s article:

https://www.lafuentehollywood.com/rehab-blog/long-term-recovery-relies-on-community/

Long-term recovery thrives on community support. Learn how building connections can help you navigate challenges and maintain your sobriety

01/15/2025

Not all “LGBTQ-friendly” recovery programs are what they seem.

Some rehab centers throw around buzzwords or slap a rainbow flag on their website but don’t offer the care our community deserves.

When programs ignore the realities of discrimination, trauma, and family rejection, they risk leaving people more isolated than before.

Here’s how to spot real LGBTQ-affirming care:

🌈 Staff trained in LGBTQ-specific challenges like minority stress and internalized stigma.

🤝 Peer groups made up of other LGBTQ people for shared understanding and support.

📖 Tailored therapy tracks that go beyond generic programs.

At La Fuente, we don’t just claim to be LGBTQ-inclusive—we’ve built our entire approach around it. Ready to start healing in a space that gets it?

Check out this week’s article:

https://www.lafuentehollywood.com/rehab-blog/addiction-is-different-for-lgbtq-people-recovery-should-be-too/



Learn what makes LGBTQ addiction unique and why recovery requires unique approaches. Discover supportive, affirming care at La Fuente.

01/08/2025

Did you know that 19% of Americans are committing to healthier eating and 17% to exercising more in 2025?

For those in early recovery, these habits aren’t just resolutions—they’re essential tools for healing and renewal. Recovery impacts every aspect of your well-being, and focusing on nutrition and exercise can provide the foundation to rebuild and thrive.

Here’s how nutrition and exercise can support your recovery:

💪 Repair Your Body: Restore strength, repair damage, and feel energized again with proper nutrition and movement.

🧠 Boost Your Mood: Healthy food fuels your brain, and exercise triggers those "feel-good" endorphins!

🏔️ Build Resilience: Together, these habits reduce cravings, ease stress, and strengthen your ability to stay on track.

If you’re ready to take the first step toward lasting sobriety, we’re here to help.

Call La Fuente Hollywood Treatment Center at 323-464-2947 to learn how our holistic, LGBTQ-affirmative approach to recovery can support you.

https://www.lafuentehollywood.com/rehab-blog/nutrition-and-exercise-in-early-recovery/

Discover the role nutrition and exercise play in addiction recovery. Learn practical tips to enhance your health and well-being this new year.