THE DIFFERENCE DRY VS. SOBER

Stopping drinking is only part of the challenge. You need to find meaningful activities to substitute for drinking.

Sobriety is a lifestyle. At first it involves substantial planning to ensure that you do not relapse.

AA can help, but it's not enough for a vast majority of people. Other recovery groups like SMART and Rational Recovery offer cognitive based options in recovery.

If you want to stop drinking it's important to accept that this will be a life altering decision. Alcohol is ubiquitous- every restaurant serves it, and people will offer it to you for the rest of your life. Psychotherapy with a qualified counselor or physcian will help you prepare for the challenges ahead.

Drugs and alcohol also affects family members. It's important that the program you use, whatever you choose, has qualified professionals with specialized training in treating addiction and couples therapy.

LIVING WITH ALCOHOLISM

ALCOHOL WITHDRAWAL CAN KILL YOU

Of all the drugs, alcohol and benzodiazepines are the most dangerous to quit cold turkey. This shocks most people. If you have been drinking heavily (more than five drinks a day for more than two weeks) you shouldn't just stop. You need to consult with a physician and be monitored while you are being tapered off alcohol.

MEDICATION CAN HELP

Your doctor can prescribe medications which will minimize the risk of withdrawal seizures and a dangerous condition called "delirium tremens."

PSYCHIATRIC ILLNESS CAN CONTRIBUTE TO ALCOHOLISM

It's true. Most of my patients have untreated conditions including anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder and borderline personality disorder, that directly contribute to their inability to stay sober. Once the illness is treated, they find it much easier to control their drinking.

Insomnia is also a reason people become dependent on alcohol. To learn more about insomnia, click here

YOU CAN LIVE A LIFE FREE OF DRUGS AND ALCOHOL

It's not that you haven't been trying hard enough, but you need to try different things. The right psychiatrist can help you. Combining medication for your symptoms with a personalized and progressive series of psychotherapeutic techniques to help you strenghten your skills is the best way to get bettter.

GREAT TREATMENT FOR ALCHOLISM DOESN'T HAVE TO BREAK THE BANK

The single thing that disturbs me the most are doctors who take advantage of people in need. The "Recovery" Industry is filled with bad people who will take as much money as you are willing to give them. I recommend avoiding any clinician or treatment center that asks for money in advance. They are counting on your desperation!

MORE REASONS TO QUIT

Of all the drugs you can abuse, alcohol is one of the worst. The health consequences of chronic drinking are as bad a smoking. Alcohol is toxic to most tissues of the body. Alcoholics are at increased risk of liver disease, stroke, heart attack, bleeding disorders, and certain cancers. Quitting now will greatly reduce your chance of developing these illnesses.

To Schedule a Consultation, Please Call 310-593-4827

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