Beyond Shame

BEYOND SHAME presents a comprehensive, compassionate model for thinking about addiction that harnesses the latest in scientific and clinical knowledge about the complex factors that contribute to the disease. The author, Jeff Georgi, offers an original theoretical framework as well as practical therapeutic strategies to show the multi-factorial nature of addictive disease as 

Having a biologic component: addiction is not just a brain disease even though the central nervous system and its limbic energy play critical roles in the illness.

Triggered by psychological liability: when the needs of childhood are not met, an internalized sense of shame tied to the belief that "I'm not good enough" can make people vulnerable to addiction.

Reinforced by social context: We live in a culture that continues to stigmatize people who have addiction, and the cultural judgment further reinforces their disease. 

Existing in spiritual bankruptcy: Addiction takes people out of the present moment and challenges their ability to be in relationships, often leading to loneliness and disconnection.

Framed by individual experience: Individuals are driven to seek relief through alcohol and drug use when their life choices or experiences continue their shame cycle.

In particular, Jeff draws specific attention to the role that spirituality can play in helping people integrate the different dimensions of their lives to fully understand the nature of their illness.

As a Handbook for Practitioners, BEYOND SHAME offers clinicians and counselors a flexible, research-supported approach to guiding their patients and families through recovery.

Jeff Georgi has been a clinician for over 40 years, helping thousands of people achieve lasting and stable recovery from active addiction. Licensed in the state of North Carolina as an addiction specialist, clinical supervisor, and as a certified group psychotherapist by the American Group Psychotherapy Association, Jeff is the former clinical director of the Duke Addictions Program, has served in the Duke Medical Center's departments of Surgery, Obstetrics and remains a Consulting Associate in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science. With his wife, Becky Georgi, Jeff founded Georgi Educational and Counseling Services (GECS), an educational and training organization, which works with agencies, treatment centers, and practitioners to improve patient care. Their seven-year commitment with the South Carolina Department of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Services (DAODAS), Columbia, South Carolina is one of their many success stories.