From Addiction to Freedom: Your Path to Recovery Starts Here

Dr John Crimmins
Addiction Recovery programme
There is a way out. And your story doesn’t have to end here.
Whether you’re hooked, strung out, or chasing losses, when you’re in the grip of an addiction it can feel like a never-ending hell—one that leaves you trapped and without hope. But no matter how far gone you feel, recovery is ALWAYS possible. I’ve seen it time and time again, even in the most hardened cases. My own sister is living proof.
In the 1980s, my sister was caught in the grip of heroin addiction. It was a dark and painful time for her and our family. She went through decades of endless relapses, and there were moments when we felt there was no hope. But amazingly, she got herself clean and is now thriving as a successful artist living in London.
Click her to read my sister’s story. (Geraldine Crimmins featured on the BBC).
When I experienced the power of the family therapy aspect of her treatment, it inspired me to dedicate my life to helping others break free from addiction.
For over 25 years, I’ve worked across the spectrum of addiction services, starting during the heroin and HIV epidemic in Ireland in the 1990s. From needle exchange programs and harm reduction to managing a 12-week abstinence-based treatment center, I’ve treated people at every stage of their journey. I understand the fear of letting go, the pain, the chaos, and the courage it takes to even consider change.
My approach is rooted in compassion and proven methods like Motivational Interviewing, the Wheel of Change, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). I don’t just want to help you stop using—I want to help you build a life that feels worth living. A life where you’re not just surviving, but thriving.
You don’t have to do this alone. Whether you’re just starting to think about change or you’ve tried before and relapsed I’m here to support you. Recovery isn’t easy, but it’s possible. And it’s worth 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.
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.