While addiction is a complex and often controversial subject, my philosophy of addiction, treatment, and recovery is very clear:
- Addiction hurts us all
- Counseling works
- Recovery benefits us all
I believe untreated addiction to be the number one public health threat facing the United States and a global epidemic that directly and indirectly impacts us all in terms of cost, mortality, lost productivity, shattered families,corrosion of personal values, and loss of hope. As a Clinical Social Worker, Certified Addictions Counselor, and person in long term recovery, it is critical that I operate from a compassionate- evidence based perspective as I respond to individuals, families, and communities needing addiction counseling services.
In terms of recovery, I am a strong believer in the 12 step design for sober living and yet I realize there truly is, “no one size fits all” approach to recovery or healing for that matter.
Untreated addiction negatively impacts all areas of one’s life. (Biological, Psychological, Social, and Spiritual) Therefore, any effective addictions counseling should address all these areas and not just an individual’s alcohol /drug use or unwanted behavior(s).
Recovery is about developing and adopting effective lifestyle habits that promote continuous self- examination, community, meaningful connections, personal growth, and service to others… A Priceless Gift to All!