Overcoming addiction

A lot remains to be understood by society when it comes to alcohol and substance addiction. It can be difficult, even for those addicts who desperately want help to seek it out, because there is a good deal of blame directed at them for their choices.

Fortunately, there are a large number of rehabilitation options right here in Pasadena.

Larry Burton has helped hundreds of people move forward in their lives using holistic techniques to deal with underlying and lingering issues surrounding addiction. While he wholly endorses traditional 12-step programs like Alcoholics Anonymous, he believes a combination of approaches is necessary to address those deep-seated issues that dont go away the second someone stops drinking alcohol or using drugs.

Part of the challenge of recovery is that you can help someone get off drugs, but how do you help them cope with stress, anger, guilt and shame? Burton asked. You can take away their drugs but what have you given them? We work through the bodys subtle energy system, through scientifically established principles of psychology. I think everything at its core is a form of energy. The pain is disrupted energy, and you need to balance that out in order to resolve the underlying issue and remove the source of the pain. Then you no longer need the drug.

For the past three years, Burton has worked with Jubilee House in Pasadena, a sober living facility serving female addicts in recovery. Many women he has worked with carry shame stemming from sexual abuse or assault.

David Ripley, associate director of programs at the Pasadena recovery home Casa de las Amigas, agrees with Burton that addicts, especially women, need to combine traditional approaches to recovery with other options, such as counseling and group work. Casa de las Amigas offers residential treatment services for women.

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Overcoming addiction