An addiction is a repeated behavior that people feel compelled to persist in despite the negative consequences they experience as a result. It is a progressive and chronic disease. Just as with any other chronic disease, it often worsens if it remains untreated. All addictions, whether they are chemical or behavioral, are signs of distress. People seek out external remedies to control intolerable internal and external experiences.

In order to alleviate their physical and/or psychological pain, many people take refugee in mind-altering substances or behaviors. These in turn deregulates their brain’s reward system and eventually lead to loss of control and compulsive use. What starts as a pull toward excitement, pleasure, and reward turns into a vicious cycle of withdrawal, craving, and compulsion. At this point, the addictive substance or behavior becomes the organizing principle of the individual’s life, sidelining relationships, job, and values.

Although an individual’s addictive cycles may appear differently based on the specific behavior and the background of the individual, there are several characteristics that are common among the many people who struggle with various addictions. These include:

• Inability to stop the behavior despite evidence of harm
• Preoccupation and compulsive engagement with the behavior
• Lack of control over the behavior
• Engaging in the behavior longer than intended
• Spending great deal of time on activities related to the problematic behavior, alcohol, or drug

I am a clinical psychologist and a leading expert in the field of impulse control disorders, and I offer private consultation and personally customized treatment options for high-functioning individuals, including executives and other professionals.

I have extensive experience and training in the treatment of various chemical and behavioral addictions including:

• Alcoholism
• Prescription drug addiction
• Cocaine addiction
• Heroin addiction
• Opiate addiction
• Sex addiction
• Gambling and trading addiction
• Binge eating disorder
• Internet addiction
• Video game addiction

Whether your goal is to achieve abstinence or cut back on your current use, I can help you successfully navigate your way to leading a life worth celebrating. I will start by conducting a comprehensive evaluation to examine your relationship with substances and behaviors to tailor a unique treatment to meet your particular needs.

In our sessions, we will uncover the root of your dysfunctional behaviors, and I will teach you effective approaches to cope with your unhealthy habits and dysfunctional impulses. I offer a unique treatment that honors my client’s individuality, drives, and aspirations, since they are an important part of their recovery.

I use the best evidence-based treatment modalities, including:

• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
• Motivational Interviewing (MI)

My evidence-based treatments will help you stop your uncontrollable behaviors and obsessions that feel secretive, shameful, and abusive. Our sessions will focus on giving you the tools you need to stop these painful and troublesome patterns and move on to living a blissful life!

Oasis2Care provides counseling services either in my office in Torrance (the South Bay region of Los Angeles County) or online depending on your unique circumstances and treatment needs.

If you or loved one needs effective addiction treatment, contact Oasis2Care now at 1-(310)-600-9912