From Addiction to Freedom: Your Path to Recovery Starts Here

Hooked. Strung out. Dope sick. Trapped. Chasing losses. Whatever you call it, you’re in hell. A nightmare that wont end, and you can’t see any way out. My philosopy is that there is no such thing as a “no hoper”, The most hardened addicts have got clean, sober or stopped gambling and you can do it too. 

For over 25 years, I’ve worked in addiction treatment, but my journey into this field began much earlier. In the 1980s, my sister became addicted to heroin, and I saw firsthand the devastation it brought. That experience set me on a path to become an addiction counselor in Ireland during the heroin and HIV epidemic of the 1990s. Since then, I’ve worked across the full spectrum of addiction services—from needle exchange programs and harm reduction models to managing a 12-week abstinence-based treatment center for heroin addiction. I understand the complexities of addiction and the unique challenges at every stage of recovery.

My approach is grounded in compassion and evidence-based methods, drawing from Motivational Interviewing, the Wheel of Change, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). I want to help you break free from this cycle and step into a life that is not just free from addiction, but one that is truly fulfilling. There is a way out—and I am here to help you find it.

Understanding Your Journey

Addiction is a complex issue with physical, psychological, and social dimensions. Whether you’re struggling with substance abuse or behavioral addiction, I provide a safe and confidential space to explore the underlying causes of your addiction and develop personalized strategies for lasting change. My approach recognizes that every individual’s journey is unique. I’ve worked with individuals at all stages, from initial recognition of a problem to long-term recovery maintenance, and I’m here to support you every step of the way. I understand that taking that first step can be daunting, but it’s the most important one.

I provide support for a wide range of addictions, including:

• Substance addictions (heroin, cocaine, alcohol, prescription drugs, cannabis, etc.)
• Gambling addiction
• Sex and pornography addiction
• Internet and gaming addiction
• Social media addiction

My Approach

My approach to addiction counselling is grounded in evidence-based practices, including Motivational Interviewing, the Wheel of Change, and CBT, and tailored to your specific needs. I believe in empowering individuals to take control of their lives and develop the skills necessary to maintain long-term change. My philosophy is rooted in the belief that everyone has the potential for change, even if they don’t feel it right now. We’ll work together to:

• Build Motivation: If you’re not quite ready to leave your addiction behind, we’ll explore your ambivalence and work toward increasing your readiness for change. I understand that change is a process, not an event.
• Identify Triggers and Develop Coping Mechanisms: Using CBT techniques, we’ll identify the thoughts, feelings, and situations that lead to addictive behaviors and develop healthy coping strategies.
• Address Co-occurring Mental Health Issues: Addiction often goes hand-in-hand with other mental health challenges. We’ll address any underlying issues like depression, anxiety, or trauma to support your overall well-being.
• Rebuild Relationships and Support Networks: Addiction can strain relationships. We’ll explore ways to repair damaged connections and build a supportive network to help you in your recovery.
• Develop a Relapse Prevention Plan: Relapse is a part of the recovery process for some. We’ll work together to create a plan to identify warning signs and prevent relapse, or to manage it effectively should it occur.
• Explore Healthy Lifestyle Choices: Recovery is about more than just stopping the addictive behavior. We’ll explore ways to incorporate healthy habits into your life, including exercise, nutrition, and mindfulness practices.

Experience You Can Trust

My extensive experience spans the full spectrum of addiction services. From working in needle exchange programs and harm reduction settings, where I learned the importance of meeting people where they are, to managing a 12-week abstinence-focused treatment center for heroin addiction, I’ve witnessed firsthand the transformative power of recovery. I’ve seen individuals from all walks of life – from highly successful business professionals to those experiencing homelessness – find their path to healing.

One particular story stands out. A man, referred to our treatment center from the prison service, was a hardened criminal with a 20 year history of Heroin use. No one, on my team thought he was serious about recovery, Yet, he stayed the 12 week course and found within himself the sprit to find fight and stay clean. His journey was not without its hurdles and slips and relapses but that is story of most recoveries, very few people get clean on the first attempt. This guy  not only got clean but also rebuilt his life. He regained custody of his wife and children, left the drug scene behind entirely, and started anew. This experience, along with countless others, has reinforced my belief that there’s no such thing as a “no-hoper.”

Take the First Step

If you’re ready to begin your journey to recovery, I encourage you to reach out for a confidential consultation. 

Right now I  can only offer a private service, and due to the level of individual support I provide, I can only work with a few people at a time. There is a cost involved, with an initial assessment fee of £150 (approximately 690 AED). Assessments can be conducted via Zoom, and my service is primarily online. However, I do offer in-person sessions in Dubai or Abu Dhabi on select occasions.

If you are at the end of your rope fill in the form below and take the first step.