Hi! My name is Cyvonne Gaines and I am a Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialist. Now, just what does that mean? It means that I help people who are struggling with the effect and after effects of abusing chemicals to a point of causing any number of impairing situations in their lives.
Do you remember that first drink, hit, snort, etc?
It all seemed so harmless and probably brought on tons of fun. Never in a million years did one see that first hit as something that could cause the enormity of discomfort that one may now be experiencing!! There were no thoughts of the using as getting out of control.
Do these thoughts sound familiar?
What could be so wrong with partying with friends or relaxing after a hard day of work?
When was THAT time that it helped me forget my trauma, at least for the time being?
When did my family/friends start treating me differently?
When did I start hiding my using and lying about my spending or absenteeism from work?
When did I become afraid to be alone and had to use to ward off the fear?
When did I start experiencing the following?
Impaired control – spending lots of time, money and energy to get and use the impairing substance(s).
Social Impairment – experiencing various and often substantial harm and losses, including personal self-worth, family and friend relationships, positive social interactions in addition to jobs and other material assets.
Risky Use – having loss the ability to refrain even in the mist of eminent danger including operating machinery, driving and/or health hazards.
Pharmacological indicators – having built a tolerance to using and/or development of withdrawal symptoms.
If the loneliness and fear is engulfing you but you have to put on this face of togetherness and pretend it doesn’t exist, I can help you.
You don’t have to do it alone.
How do I know if I can help?
Because I’ve been there!
I would be fibbing if I said it was easy or that all you problems will go away.
What I can assure you is that I can help you live life on life’s terms without abusing alcohol or drugs.
And while personal experiences have made me relate-able, clinical and professional experience has made me competent. I received a B.A. in Early Childhood Education at the University of N.C. at Chapel Hill and a Masters in Special Education with an emphasis on the emotionally handicapped at N.C. Central University. I taught within the public school systems of N.C. and Texas for 16 years in both the traditional and special needs population. In 2007, I transitioned from the education to the mental health field. I received my License to practice substance abuse in 2008 and I receive 40 hours of substance abuse related continuing education credits every two years. After having hands-on experience as a substance abuse counselor and Qualified Professional, I became the Assistant and Clinical Director of a N.C. mental health agency, where I worked until the agency closed its doors in 2012. In 2013, I became the Owner and Operator of Gaining Ground LLC, located in Wadesboro and Albemarle N.C. where I provide DWI and other substance abuse services, including but not limited to DWI assessments, Alcohol Drug Education Traffic School (ADETS), DWI classes, and out of state DWI Reviews. Having successfully made an impact on a local level for those battling addiction, I’ve decided to expand my reach to improve the lives of addicts throughout North Carolina.
With 24/7 online scheduling, a secure client portal, and exclusive online convenience, I make it easy to fit therapy into your lifestyle so that you can have long term progress. And getting started is simple: Call 844 MY – TECH TALK and be on your way to recovery today. You’ll be glad you did.
