Alcohol and other Addictions
If you are familiar and comfortable with the Alcoholics Anonymous 12 step approach, and a focus on dealing effectively with relapse triggers and relapse prevention, my approach will be a good fit for you. My intention is to work on moving you or a loved one in this direction, but to respect those entering treatment and meet/accept you where you are. On occasion, clients who may be philosophically opposed or simply resistant to the AA 12 step program ask for an alternative. The SMART Recovery 4-Point Program® is a smaller program that provides a group setting and supportive social space to work on addictive behaviors. Overwhelmingly though, clients opt for the 12–step AA model.
Other addictions such as internet/sexual compulsions or compulsive overeating, as well as issues such as codependency often appear in my practice. Although these issues may differ from the more frequent alcohol/chemical dependency ones, the overall principles of treating addictive behaviors are going to be more similar than different.
The challenges of alcoholism and addiction are not limited though to the individual who faces them. The effects on the family can be profound, especially when the person suffering from addiction, or loss of control, is resistant to treatment. A roller coaster of conflicting emotions – finger pointing, guilt, anger, and hopelessness – can pervade the lives of those dealing with a loved one suffering from addiction. Individual therapy and support groups such as Al-Anon or CODA ( Co-Dependent Anonymous) can be key in both helping you support a loved one seeking help, and coping with your own issues surrounding his or her recovery.
Alcohol and other Addictions
If you are familiar and comfortable with the Alcoholics Anonymous 12 step approach, and a focus on dealing effectively with relapse triggers and relapse prevention, my approach will be a good fit for you. My intention is to work on moving you or a loved one in this direction, but to respect those entering treatment and meet/accept you where you are. On occasion, clients who may be philosophically opposed or simply resistant to the AA 12 step program ask for an alternative. The SMART Recovery 4-Point Program® is a smaller program that provides a group setting and supportive social space to work on addictive behaviors. Overwhelmingly though, clients opt for the 12–step AA model.
Other addictions such as internet/sexual compulsions or compulsive overeating, as well as issues such as codependency often appear in my practice. Although these issues may differ from the more frequent alcohol/chemical dependency ones, the overall principles of treating addictive behaviors are going to be more similar than different.
The challenges of alcoholism and addiction are not limited though to the individual who faces them. The effects on the family can be profound, especially when the person suffering from addiction, or loss of control, is resistant to treatment. A roller coaster of conflicting emotions – finger pointing, guilt, anger, and hopelessness – can pervade the lives of those dealing with a loved one suffering from addiction. Individual therapy and support groups such as Al-Anon or CODA ( Co-Dependent Anonymous) can be key in both helping you support a loved one seeking help, and coping with your own issues surrounding his or her recovery.