Addiction Therapists in Newport Beach, CA.

I've worked in inpatient chemical dependency, researched the use of videotaped feedback in alcoholism treatment, & taught a university graduate course in Substance Disorders & Treatment. While active addiction is generally best treated inpatient, outpatient counseling can be an indispensable support both preparing for and after initial recovery, preferably in conjunction with a strong 12-step program, for relapse prevention and for learning a new concept of self and building the skills and tools needed for sober daily living, such as boredom-avoidance, assertiveness, and relationship building and maintenance.

While most treatment approaches to addiction include 12 step programs, rehabs, and now sober living houses, Grey Matters International, Inc. provides a wildly successful alternative to traditional models of addiction treatment----that keeps the brain in mind. That is, talking to the conscious brain while the primal brain is deciding things even before you are consciously aware? Well, that is the problem to solve in addiction. We have the solution utilizing a new cutting edge neuroscience-centered brain rebalancing system. Contact kevin@kevinflemingphd.com or call 877-606-6161.

Most often, nothing becomes an issue until it starts to interfere with your own level of functioning. Depending on the level of addiction, may depend on your level of treatment. Outpatient therapy is focused on those who are more stable within their addiction, and are wanting continued accountability and personal growth as their focus. Treatment may be more collaborative at this level (psychiatrist, physician, sponsor) to ensure that progress is continuing. Types of addiction treated in my practice: drug/alcohol use, food/exercise, shopping and co-dependency issues.

Scientists have researched for years to isolate and locate a physiological marker that would identify someone’s predilection for addictive behavior. However, even if they were successful, any addict could tell you that addiction is much more than a physical problem. No matter the addiction, multiple factors contribute to the descent into this common form of mental illness. Physiological factors do play a role in addictions, as well as do family, cultural, environmental, and psychological considerations. So, which is it for you? If you are a typical addict, all of them apply to a certain extent. Relapses into addiction after typical rehab treatments, usually occur when all factors haven’t been ....

We are talking about craving for substances or behavior that gets in the way of relationships, work, and general health. First, treat yourself to sharing with a professional what is going on because you are unlikely to be able to solve this all by yourself if you are still suffering. Talking is obviously not enough and you will learn to take the steps to change these destructive habits.

There is so much guilt surrounding addiction. You get angry at yourself for not being "strong enough" to combat it. Your addiction has been your way to cope. No, it is not healthy, but you first must have some compassion for yourself and what got you here. Overcoming addiction requires intensive treatment, support, and a plan. Will power is simply not enough. I can help you create a plan that will give you the best advantage to overcoming the chains of addiction so that you can be free to live your life and enjoy your loved ones, and regain trust in yourself again.

Addictions are a complicated area of work. Often the specific addiction is a symptom for much deeper discontent and shame. Along with the physical body addiction, many times the psycho-emotional issues have been present for a long time. Gaining insight and understanding to these usually very early aspects of oneself can be a useful life long tool in recovery and maintaining that recovery.

In the initial stages of addiction, many addicts need to get involved in rehab. programs, support groups and many other important interventions. While I do get involved at any stage in the addiction process, frequently I am not as involved in the early stages. By this I mean simply that I do not involve myself in the "wrestling the addict to the ground" to convince them they need to quit. I get involved when the addict, who wants to learn to live successfully in terms of accepting life, addressing the complicated world of emotions, relationships and the living of a healthy, but fulfilling lifestyle.

Are you preoccupied with the addictive or dysfunctional behavior of a close friend or loved one? Do you worry about controlling his or her behavior? Do you feel compelled to solve his or her problems? Are you always anticipating his or her needs? I would like to help. Recovery from codependency is possible. When you place another person’s health, love and safety before your own, your own needs and desires can become hidden, lost and forgotten. I would like to help you re-connect to yourself and build healthy and intimate relationships.