What is addiction really? It is a sign, a signal, a symptom of distress. It is a language that tells us about a plight that must be understood. - Alice Miller Breaking down the Wall of Silence. No society can understand itself without looking at its shadow side. Loss of self control is at the heart of addiction, whether it is the frantic self-soothing overeaters and shopaholics, or the obsessions of gamblers, sexaholics and compulsive technology users or even the socially acceptable gym rat or workaholic. Drug addicts are dismissed and discounted as unworthy of empathy or respect. There are many questions you need to ask such as what are the causes of my addictions? What is the nature of my addictive personality? What happens physiologically to the brain of addicted people? How much choice do I really have? What are some treatments without the use of drugs and how do we begin healing? What are the stress-related coping patterns and the fear of exposure or professional risk? Early treatment is critical-both for long-term wellbeing and sustained personal and professional success. Addictions often develop silently in high-functioning adults and can remain hidden while affecting performance, relationships and health. We will assess patterns and triggers in a discreet, nonjudgmental setting. We will work to regain control and healthy routines. we will work to manage stress, work demands and relational impact to prevent relapse and develop long term maintenance. 

We get to the heart of the matter -  the underlying feelings that create addictive behaviors. The addiction is just a symptom of the problem.