Addiction to Drugs/Expert Profile


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Expertise

I am available to answer any questions about substance use, abuse, and dependence. I can also offer perspective on treatment options and how to motivate someone to get help. I have over 25 years of experience as a substance abuse treatment professional, working with adolescents and adults in a variety of treatment settings. I feel I can answer just about any question in this topic area but can also access reference sources, or direct you to these for additional information gathering or education on your own.

Experience in the area

I am a professional addictions counselor working in a very highly respected treatment center, as well as having a private practice in two states.

Education/Credentials

Masters Degree in Behavioral Science Licensed Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor in Massachusetts, Vermont, and New Hampshire. Also an Internationally Certified Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor

What do you still hope to achieve/learn in this field?

I am interested in a holistic approach to addiction treatment, looking at the benefits of diet, exercise, acupuncture, for example, in improving client outcomes. I would like to explore ways of integrating these elements into traditional methods.

Something interesting about this subject that others may not know:

Not everyone believes that addiction is a disease!

Something controversial or provocative about this subject

As above, there is emerging debate about whether addiction is a disease, and to what extent substance users how the power of choice. I find this an intriguing debate, not the least in which it elicits very impassioned responses from both camps.

Average Ratings

Recent Reviews from Users

Read More Comments

    K = Knowledgeability    C = Clarity of Response    T = Timeliness    P = Politeness
UserDateKCTPComments
mckenna11/21/0910101010thanks for your advice
Marsha11/09/0910101010Comments and direction were thoughtful and considerate .....
Tracy11/08/0910101010 
William11/02/09101010 

Recent Answers from Peter L.

2009-11-19 how do i cope?:

Hi Mckenna, You are getting to know the difficulty and struggle involved in recovering from addiction. Opiate addiction (heroin) is one of the toughest drug problems to overcome. The behavioral signs

2009-11-17 Helping a friend:

Hi Chelsey, Your friend says she has stopped using opiates (and hopefully got some treatment) but her using prescription drugs IV suggests she still has very serious substance abuse problems. Nobody

2009-11-10 how to know when someone is crying for help?:

Bo, Other than being supportive there's not a whole lot you can do. This woman needs treatment, but you can't force her to get it. The only way she will be mandated to treatment is through the legal

2009-11-09 how to know when someone is crying for help?:

Hi Bo, When one is as addicted as this friend of yours seems to be, there's a lot of confusion, indecision, and outright denial. Sometimes people in the worst of their addictive behaviors can appear

2009-11-08 21 yearold daughter...drinking and drugging again:

Hi Marsha, Your situation with your daughter is complex and difficult, and I can understand your struggle. I sense you want to continue supporting her, as letting her go on her own does not necessarily

 

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