“A further sign of health is that we don’t become undone by fear and trembling, but we take it as a message that it’s time to stop struggling and look directly at what’s threatening us. ”
After decades of working with addictions of all kinds, I continue to feel great empathy, and respect for the individual who takes the courageous first step to get help. This almost always inludes joining a 12 Step program. I believe that AA, NA and other 12 Step programs are the critical element to long term recovery for the addict and family and friends who have become co-dependent in relation to the addict. Along with a 12 Step group, individual therapy is almost always necessary.
Addiction is a lonely, painful, humiliating illness which can leave people feeling devastated, hopeless and alienated from friends and loved ones. It wreaks havoc on not only the addict but everyone around them.
Addiction Treatment
Making the first appointment is often the hardest part. Is depression making one drink or is drinking making them depressed? After taking a detailed personal and family history, I engage the client in a kind of detective work. Together we investigate all aspects of the client’s pattern of using. It is only after doing this that we can ascertain what, if any, extra treatment is needed in conjunction with the therapy.
Once they begin a personalized treatment, the addict can work towards full recovery. Alcohol, drugs, pills, gambling, food, sex or spending no longer hold the addict hostage. “Clean and sober,” the recovering addict can regain their life and continue to grow emotionally, physically and spiritually.