Can I be a moderate alcohol or drug user? Or must I quit completely?

Pre-requisite: Bridging Session
Dr. Marc F. Kern understands that not everyone is ready to abstain immediately – whether their substance is alcohol, marijuana, cocaine, amphetamines or pain medications. Even if you have what is called a “behavioral addiction” to gambling, spending, overeating, hyper-sexuality, the Internet or pornography, you may want to know if you can control your behavior and be a moderate user. Moderation may work for you. Or moderation may be an interim step along the way to complete abstinence. Dr. Kern will help you build an easier, more fulfilling life, whichever goal you choose.

A personalized treatment plan just for you.

Dr. Kern understands that you are a unique individual; you have arrived at this crossroads in your life following your own special path. The tools and strategies that will work for you might not work for the next person. Dr. Kern will help you develop a customized treatment plan based on the unique factors of your history, your present situation, and your goals and dreams for your future.

In private, confidential sessions, by phone or in-person, Dr. Kern will help you manage your problems with alcohol, drugs, or other excessive behaviors. In sharp contrast to years of traditional methods, Dr. Kern’s Harm Reduction approach is all about making gradual progress, one step at a time over weeks or months. Instead of shocking your system into “cold turkey”, he will work with you to modify the frequency and dangers associated with your current behaviors.

The dimmer-switch approach vs. “Lights out!”

The Harm Reduction treatment philosophy is the emerging paradigm for the 21st century. If you live in Holland, Canada, England, Australia and other western cultures, and go to a clinic for help with your alcohol or drug problem, you are automatically offered a “Harm Reduction” approach to abstinence. Those countries have fully embraced Harm Reduction because it is working for their citizens.

Here in the United States, the birthplace of the 12-step method and the torch-bearer of the “disease model” of alcoholism, Harm Reduction is considered “dangerous thinking.” It’s true that it isn’t for everyone, but neither is any other single method.

Abstinence can be the ultimate goal for some people who choose the Harm Reduction approach, the difference being that abstinence will be achieved gradually and safely, avoiding the potentially terrible repercussions of going “cold turkey.” For others, the ultimate goal of the Harm Reduction approach might be to never quit entirely but, instead, reduce their alcohol or drug usage to a less harmful level.

Session after session, with Dr. Kern’s nonjudgmental coaching, you will move closer to your behavior goals as you begin to see your life transform in front of you. In a surprisingly short time, your new life-management skills will help you gain new control, serenity, and energy as you create the life you’ve always wanted.

Fees for all of Dr. Kern’s services

Next Step:

Is Harm Reduction the right choice for you? Find out when you schedule a private and confidential Bridging Session with Dr. Kern.