After over 25 years treating addiction and codependence, I continue to learn about the power of addictions. But I have also seen the hope of recovery.

Addictions and codependency are related to physiological, emotional and spiritual problems. To be effective, treatment must address the whole person. Trauma frequently precedes the development of addictive disorders. Those disorders typically produce trauma, both for the person and their family. The behavior of an average alcoholic is estimated to impact sixteen people! Whether the person with the addiction gets well or not, the family most certainly can benefit from education and counseling.

I have trained with leaders in the fields of addiction, Claudia Black, Terry Kellogg, Patrick Carnes and Pia Mellody. I have a strong belief that addictions are a disease and do not view addictions or codependence as a moral or psychological failure.

Screening and self-assessment tools
If you think you or someone you care about may have an addiction or codependency, use the simple screening tests, below, for alcohol, drug, gambling and sex addiction.

• Characteristics of Codependency
• Compulsive Spending and Debt Self-Test
• Co-Sex-Addiction Self-Test
• Sexual Addiction Screening Test
• Alcohol Use Self-Evaluation
• Drug Use History Self-Test

The most important message is that there is hope.