Business Details
45 Years
experience
Expert Addiction Recovery Counseling in Sacramento
David Gust has dedicated his career to transforming lives through compassionate addiction recovery counseling. With over four decades of experience, he specializes in guiding adult men and their families through the complexities of substance use disorders, codependency, and dual diagnosis. His approach integrates evidence-based practices with holistic strategies, emphasizing lifelong sobriety through mindfulness, nutrition, and emotional healing. A pioneer in adolescent treatment, David developed the New Directions Program in 1981, establishing a groundbreaking outpatient model that remains influential today. His expertise extends to educating medical professionals, consulting with institutions, and mentoring counselors, while maintaining active involvement in community outreach and policy development.Recognized with multiple awards, including the Harold Cole Memorial Award and a lifetime achievement honor from the California Consortium of Addiction Programs, David combines personal recovery experience with academic rigor from his Hazelden Foundation training. His practice reflects a commitment to ethical standards, client-centered care, and continuous adaptation to evolving addiction science, ensuring clients receive both practical tools and spiritual guidance for sustainable recovery.
Services
Recovery Counseling
Family Therapy
Relapse Prevention
Dual Diagnosis Treatment
Codependency Counseling
Adolescent Program Consultation
Professional Training
Legal Expert Testimony
Details
- Year established: 1981
Highlights and features
- 40+ years pioneering addiction treatment models recognized nationwide
- Personalized recovery plans integrating medical, emotional, and spiritual health
- Proven success with complex cases including dual diagnosis and relapse prevention
- Founder of Sacramento's first adolescent outpatient treatment program
- Trained thousands of professionals while maintaining active clinical practice
Associations and certifications
- LAADC
- NCAC II
- CADC II
What people say
Life-changing guidance
Compassionate care
Proven recovery success
Family-centered approach
Expertise in complex cases
Services
Recovery Counseling
Individualized counseling for substance use disorders combines cognitive-behavioral techniques with holistic wellness strategies. Sessions focus on identifying triggers, developing coping mechanisms, and establishing sustainable recovery practices. Clients receive personalized guidance through the physical, emotional, and spiritual challenges of overcoming addiction.
Family Therapy
Specialized family counseling addresses relationship dynamics affected by addiction. The program helps families understand disease patterns, establish healthy boundaries, and participate in recovery planning. Sessions focus on rebuilding trust and creating supportive home environments for sustained sobriety.
Relapse Prevention
Customized relapse prevention plans incorporate evidence-based strategies for managing high-risk situations. The program teaches mindfulness techniques, stress management skills, and emergency response protocols. Continuous assessment ensures evolving needs are addressed throughout the recovery journey.
Dual Diagnosis Treatment
Integrated treatment for substance use combined with mental health conditions. The approach coordinates psychiatric care with addiction counseling to address both issues simultaneously. Specialized protocols help clients manage symptoms while maintaining recovery progress.
Professional Training
Comprehensive training programs develop addiction treatment professionals through hands-on mentorship and evidence-based curriculum. Participants learn specialized techniques for adolescent and adult treatment while gaining practical experience in recovery counseling methodologies.
People
David Gust
Founder & Lead Counselor
Addiction recovery specialist with 40+ years experience, founder of New Directions Program, author of two books on adolescent treatment, and internationally recognized trainer in chemical dependency counseling.
Questions
What makes your approach to addiction recovery unique?
Our approach combines evidence-based therapies with holistic wellness strategies, personalized to each client's needs while addressing physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of recovery.
Do you work with families affected by addiction?
Yes, we provide family counseling to help loved ones understand addiction patterns and develop supportive recovery environments through structured therapy sessions.
What experience do you have with complex cases?
With 40+ years treating substance use disorders, including dual diagnosis and relapse prevention, we've successfully guided thousands through complex recovery challenges.
How do you support long-term sobriety?
We develop customized relapse prevention plans incorporating mindfulness techniques, stress management strategies, and continuous progress assessments to maintain long-term recovery success.
Are your services covered by insurance?
We recommend contacting your provider directly, as many insurance plans cover addiction counseling services when provided by licensed professionals.
