Top addiction therapists in Avondale, Chicago.

Unlike what we commonly believe, addiction is not a chronic brain disease. Rather, it’s a symptom of compulsions — compulsions that help us escape from dealing with our underlying emotional issues. If their underlying issues are not addressed, the addicts will be back through the revolving door, with addiction resurfacing in another form. Please note: what addicts truly seek is not a drink, a substance or a gaming fix itself. The drink or the gaming fix is merely a displacement of something else they really seek. Something interpersonal. The key to therapy lies in coaching them to use proactive actions to address their underlying feelings more directly, instead of running away from them

Our team of professionals includes several clinicians with addiction treatment specialties. We understanding that the treatment of addiction involves understanding and treating the underlying problems of addition. We employ a holistic approach to addiction treatment involving counseling, medication management, and referral to outside support groups.

One of the most amazing things is witnessing people free themselves from the depths of addiction. I use multiple treatment approaches to first help an individual stabilize the addictive process. Then I help them work to fully understand the underlying reasons as to why they are addicted in the first place to help avoid relapse. Stopping is only one part of the process - understanding is another.

Addiction comes in many shapes and sizes. Often when one stops one addition, it starts up somewhere else. Once sobriety has been achieved, then the individual can begin the work on developmental issues, relationships and codependency. Addiction may never be "cured", but, the client can practice recovery for the rest of their lives without all the deleterious effects of addiction.

This therapy treats substance abuse, sex addiction, overspending, overeating, gambling and internet shopping addictions. Working in collaboration with other 12-step programs in the community, together we will develop a plan to help you and your family through the difficult decisions and process of change of defining, understanding, and coping with addiction. We also offer toxicology screening, breathalyzer readings, and liaison services for those who are court mandated to treatment.

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.

Although substance abuse issues are primarily recognized as addictions, I am aware of the many other forms of addiction, such as gambling, sex, and internet. My philosophy is that any form of addiciton is simply a way for the individual to cope with their stressors. I would encourage the use of positive coping techniques; I would not be judgmental in any way. I believe that seeking assistance is a show of strength.

Addiction Counseling is nearest and dearest to my heart. I am in recovery (Alcohol 30+ years) (Nicotine 20+ years), am certified in addictions and can help you to address and manage your addiction(s) including alcohol, drugs, gambling, internet, shopping and spending, smoking. Your addiction and recovery is unique to you and we will work together to determine the plan, strategies and tools that will work best for you to manage addiction, recovery and relapse prevention.

If you have an addiction you will be able to (1) know what causes your addiction (2) develop three steps to take to overcome the addiction (3) find resources to help you continue to not have the addiction (4) learn how to respond to relapse and prevent relapse experiences (5) know what relationships in your life will help you to not have an addiction any longer

In my general practice, I employ many of the same approaches and strategies as the famed "12-Step" program. I have worked with drug and alcohol addicts who are able to function at school and work. I do not work with serious drug or alcohol addictions as I am not so qualified. However, I work with families of functional and non-functional addicts.

Additions can often be understood as an effort to numb the pain resulting in one’s failure in their relationship with the self. Feeling unable to experience adequate levels of self-esteem can reflect difficulty in loving and caring for yourself or accepting love from others. Feeling vulnerable and exposed can reflect difficulties in feeling able to protect yourself resulting from difficulties with setting effective boundaries, while losing yourself in the face of other’s beliefs can reflect difficulties with identifying and sharing who you know yourself to be. These and other symptoms can lead you to seeking to numb yourself from the pain of feeling overwhelmed. Reconnect with yourself.

Not only do we treat addictive disorders of all kinds, we also tackle the underlying mental illness that often accompanies substance abuse. At Barn Life Recovery our licensed clinicians and doctors help each client achieve a sober lifestyle as well as receive the finest mental health care available at this time. Our long term care modalities help clients make lasting changes in their lives.

If you are looking for help with an addiction, substance abuse or codependency, make certain that you work with a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC). I am a CADC and work closely with several residential and outpatient programs that treat addictions and mood disorders. The greatest testimony that a therapist can have is that her referrals are from satisfied clients and from other clinicians. I have established that reputation. Call or email to set up an appointment with me to discuss the various treatment approaches that I offer. It's time to be give yourself the opportunity to find greater satisfaction in your life and to be free from unwanted and destructive behavior patterns.