“The only way to break the chain of addiction is to build a bridge to hope.” – Deepak Chopra
Addiction recovery isn’t just about breaking free from substance abuse. It’s also about understanding the complexities of the mind, body, and spirit. Only a few individuals exemplify this holistic approach more than George Patriki, the Director and Dual Diagnosis Consultant at Gold Coast Addiction and Treatment Rehab.
George’s journey from battling addiction to becoming a leader in the addiction recovery space is one of resilience, empathy, and an unwavering commitment to helping others. His story begins with personal struggle as he was once an addict himself. His experience provides him with a profound understanding of what it takes to escape the grips of addiction.
“I have around seven years of lived experience as an ex-addict myself,” George shares, reflecting on the beginning of his journey. After exiting the drug culture in 1983, he dedicated his life to helping others overcome similar struggles.
George didn’t immediately step into the role of a counselor; he spent over 10 years in various treatment and recovery programs to address the underlying issues that led to his addiction. This period of self-discovery and healing shaped his perspective on recovery and paved the way for his career as a professional therapist. With 29 years of clinical experience under his belt, George has become a beacon of hope for people seeking freedom from addiction.
Since 1992, George has focused his full-time career on Dual Diagnosis. “I’ve spent countless hours helping thousands of people affected by drug and alcohol issues as well as concurrent mental health concerns,” he says, summarizing his extensive work as a therapist and educator.
George’s dedication extends beyond clinical practice—he is deeply involved in court advocacy, outreach programs, and running community forums for drug users and their loved ones. For George, it’s about addressing the root causes of addiction and mental health challenges.
For the Mind, Body, and Spirit
George’s passion for addiction recovery led him to establish Gold Coast Addiction and Treatment Rehab, where he developed a unique approach that sets his clinic apart from others.
“Over the last 29 years, working in Substance Abuse Addictions and Mental Health, I began to observe issues that were not being addressed in patients’ treatment strategy, which was causing relapses in their recovery,” George explains. It was this observation that inspired him to create the Integrative Holistic Framework, a model that unites the biological, psychological, spiritual, and social dimensions of a person’s life.
This integrative approach is what makes Gold Coast Addiction and Treatment Rehab so effective. By addressing all aspects of a person’s wellbeing, George and his team maximize treatment outcomes, helping patients achieve sustainable recovery.
“We take a similar approach to treating addictions and mental health that Dr. Daniel Amen uses—bio-psycho-spiritual-social,” George notes, referencing the multidisciplinary model that influences his practice.
But what does this holistic approach look like in practice? Gold Coast offers a wide range of treatment modalities tailored to each individual’s needs, from psychotherapy and psychoeducation to narrative therapy and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing).
Allied health services like massage and acupuncture are also used to help calm the limbic system, particularly for patients struggling with anxiety and PTSD. “We offer a diverse set of modalities and approaches that are tailored to a person’s individual needs,” George says, highlighting the comprehensive nature of the treatment program.
Beyond therapy, George encourages patients to explore their biochemistry through consultations with integrative doctors. By addressing deficiencies in essential nutrients such as Omega 3, zinc, and antioxidants, George believes patients can improve both their mental health and overall well-being. This commitment to personalized, integrative care is what distinguishes Gold Coast Addiction and Treatment Rehab as a leader in the rehabilitation space.
Molding Challenges into Opportunities
Operating a rehabilitation center comes with its fair share of challenges, but George sees them as opportunities for growth. One of the most significant hurdles is making treatment accessible to those in need.
“Helping people access affordable treatment has always been a challenge for healthcare providers,” he says. However, Gold Coast Addiction and Treatment Rehab is proactive in finding solutions, such as assisting patients in funding their treatment through programs like ‘Release My Super,’ which allows individuals to access their superannuation early for medical purposes.
George’s dedication to overcoming these challenges has helped solidify his reputation as an industry leader. His clinic adheres to the National Framework mandated in Australia, ensuring that all treatment interventions are evidence-based and aligned with best practices. This focus on compliance and quality care has earned Gold Coast Addiction and Treatment Rehab the respect of both patients and professionals alike.
Innovating with Technology and Support Systems
George is also an advocate for innovation in the addiction recovery space. He is deeply interested in the latest technological developments that can enhance patient care. “There are many interventions that can help people suffering from either physiological health problems or mental health issues,” George says, listing examples like Neurofeedback and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation. These advanced therapies can be especially helpful for individuals dealing with treatment-resistant conditions, offering new hope where traditional methods have failed.
However, George firmly believes in the power of support systems for long-term recovery. At Gold Coast Addiction and Treatment Rehab, aftercare is a critical part of the recovery process.
“Support is an essential aspect of recovery—before, during, and after treatment,” George explains. His clinic promotes the Tripod of Support, which includes weekly counseling, support groups (such as Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous), and regular check-ins with a sponsor. This comprehensive support network helps individuals stay grounded and committed to their recovery, even after formal treatment ends.
George’s philosophy is clear. “Recovery is a lifelong journey, and it requires ongoing support and innovation.” His clinic is not just a place for healing; it’s a community that offers hope and practical tools for lasting change.
A Vision for the Future
As George looks to the future, he is optimistic about the continued growth and impact of Gold Coast Addiction and Treatment Rehab. He envisions expanding the reach of his programs and incorporating even more cutting-edge treatments and technologies into his practice. “We try to include as many innovative and helpful interventions as possible,” he says, pointing to emerging treatments like NeuroElectric Therapy, a non-pharmacological option for detox.
George’s commitment to innovation and patient-centered care has positioned him as a thought leader in the addiction recovery space. His advice to budding entrepreneurs in the rehabilitation space is simple but powerful: “I encourage practitioners to develop and expand their integrated approach to treatment to offer people more options to improve treatment outcomes.” George’s ability to blend tradition with innovation is a testament to his vision and leadership.
“We are currently expanding our Intensive Day Treatment,” he reveals, describing a new program designed for patients who need to balance recovery with work or family commitments.
Located in a beachfront office, this program offers 16 full days of one-on-one treatment, allowing patients to receive care during the day while maintaining their responsibilities at home. This kind of flexible, innovative treatment model showcases George’s forward-thinking approach to addiction recovery.
In 2024 and beyond, George aims to continue scaling his services, reaching more individuals in need of compassionate, holistic care. Through his commitment to excellence, empathy, and innovation, George Patriki is transforming lives—one person at a time.
