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For over 25 years, I have treated psychiatric patients, chemically - dependent patients, as well as patients with a dual diagnosis of psychiatric and chemical dependency issues. In 2007, I was pleased to take on the role of Medical Director at Texas Star Recovery and be able to devote my full energy to the treatment of individuals with the disease of chemical dependency.
I address chemical dependency as a chronic, self-induced central nervous system disorder. "Alcoholism" and "drug addiction" are terms for a chronic disease that can be managed with the help of education and various therapies. Teaching individuals to use the AA 12 Step Program as a tool for sobriety is a cornerstone of treatment in my opinion.
Medical detoxification is done initially, if necessary, so each client is safely and comfortably withdrawn from the alcohol or drugs. A complete medical and psychiatric evaluation is also completed to identify and treat medical or psychiatric problems associated with the chemical dependency. This is essential for many people to achieve sobriety. Ideally, the individual' s family is included in treatment, as the family has been greatly impacted during the course of the patient' s addiction -
often for years. Therefore, it is essential that they be a part of the solution and healing.
Texas Star Recovery is located on the grounds of Texas NeuroRehab Center in south Austin. The campus is a park-like, spacious setting with access to a ROPES course, swimming pool, physical and occupational therapies, a gymnasium, and beautiful walking areas with huge oak trees. I have assembled a top-notch staff of experienced social workers, counselors, nurses, and aides to assist me in this important work. A group of volunteers in recovery called "Volunteers at the Star" assist in Back to Basic meetings, AA/NA meetings, and Dual Recovery meetings on Texas Star' s campus.
I have published articles in the Travis County Medical Society Journal, the Texas Medical Society Journal, and Recovery Today. I also have numerous videos and DVDs of lectures, the most recent being a professionally produced 60 minute DVD entitled "Strategies for Sobriety." It is used to educate patients, treatment staff, families, and friends about the many facets of addiction. The need for education in this area is enormous and I am hopeful that institutions and treatment centers throughout the country will find it a valuable addition to their curricula.
I am also currently working on a book that chronicles my experiences and lessons in the field of chemical dependency. I hope that it will clearly depict what I have learned since 1981 when I first joined Stuart Nemir, MD and Ulysses ' Mac' McLester, LMSW-ACP in the pursuit of investigating Addiction and its mysteries.
As well as, my work in several Austin area facilities.
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