Alcohol and substance addiction like eating disorders involve the use of the drug to help cope or numb painful and intolerable emotion. Most of us are well aware of the dangers of substance addiction. Popular films, television shows and novels have illustrated the scourge of addiction. Drugs predominate the person’s life. In severe cases, relationships with children, spouses, and other loved ones are damaged and may even fall apart. Career endeavors are also be jeopardized. The drug becomes more important than showing up to work.
Dr. Eig has been treating addictions in adults and teens for the past 20 years. He is known for his down to earth, tell it like it is style which gets results.
No one formula works best for every person. Psychotherapy for alcoholism or narcotic addiction can work well by itself, but it often needs supportive services like twelve step or day treatment programs. AA or NA, although highly effective, is not for everyone. Other ways of getting results exist.
The addict has to essentially rebuild healthy life habits in an environment that supports these new ways of living. Relationships with people rather than the drug need to be one’s main source of sustenance.