Exploring Life & Business with Daniel Hochman

Today we’d like to introduce you to Daniel Hochman.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
In medical school, I was so in the mode of science that I approached addiction as a problem that could be improved with better logical choices. I still remember one guy with cirrhosis (in his case from decades of drinking) looking to me as if I had the answers, and I thought I had them. I sat there trying to explain to him how much better his life could be if he spent his time and money elsewhere, along with other superficial advice. Looking back, I could not have been more unhelpful, but at the same time, it helps me understand how most people try to approach self-destructive behaviors and fail. It’s not easy to make sense of, but with years of sitting with people in their actual place of suffering, you learn how addiction works.

I chose this field because of my fascination with human behavior, particularly how we can knowingly do things that hurt ourselves even when we don’t want to. I transitioned from training to become an emergency room physician to a psychiatrist after I realized how meaningful the career could be. It has been rewarding the whole way, and my fascination with how we work has only grown.

I’ve had the fortune to work under renowned addiction specialists who further sparked my interest in the field. By focusing on my curiosity about human behavior, I learned to follow the root causes of symptoms. This led me to develop a more comprehensive approach to addiction treatment, which ultimately led to the inception of the Self Recovery Program.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Most people are led to believe that to have a full recovery from addiction, you need to go to rehab. What most people don’t know – even after getting treatment for years – is that the rehab industry has an average success rate of 3-5%. Because of this well-deserved pessimism about treatment it makes it difficult for someone like myself with legitimate training to earn people’s trust. People with addiction have an added layer of distrust because so many people count them out or make it an issue of morality. I try my best to overcome all of these hurdles by offering a very humanistic and relatable approach.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
The Self Recovery Program guides you to understand what actually causes your addiction and solve your personal puzzle. Our approach looks underneath the surface at the deep-seated emotional triggers that lead to self-destruction and teaches you how to deal with them in a productive way. We don’t just treat symptoms or give superficial advice – we address the root cause so that you can heal from all levels of addiction.

We have six modules: Foundations, Addiction, Cravings, False Pleasures, Emotional Pain/Distress, and Health. Since we target root causes, it works for typical addictions like drugs, alcohol, and prescriptions, as well as behavioral addictions like porn, food, gaming, and other vices.

What sets me apart from others is that I’m not a traditional Psychiatrist. While I do make diagnoses and prescribe, I went out of my way to train in several deeper forms of therapy that provide a richer understanding of how we work. My patients appreciate that we can cover all kinds of questions and territory without fragmenting their care between different disciplines.

With Self Recovery, I’m most proud that we’re reaching people who would otherwise never have found treatment. We are now in 40 countries, and it’s special to know you provided a solution for someone living in an area of war or too remote for treatment or a mother who can do this in her evenings after the kids are in bed.

What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
I love the feeling that LA captured historically and is still true today – that it’s where you come to make a better life of your own. I enjoy the cultural vibrancy, the natural beauty, and the entertainment industry draws in dreamers from around the globe. But I hate the traffic and the high cost of living that keeps young creatives out and drives only more inequality. The city’s homelessness also casts a shadow that needs to be figured out.

Pricing:

• SELF-RECOVERY FULL PROGRAM ($99/month) This is our flagship program that guides you through every aspect of your addiction step by step. You’ll change in ways you never expected. 3+ months program. Includes weekly live groups. Self-paced. Certificate of completion included. https://www.selfrecovery.org/enroll/
• ADDICTION RECOVERY TOOLBOX ($79) This brief course covers the science of addiction, cultural myths, how it develops, and an introduction to a holistic approach to ending it. Takes 1-2 days. Self Paced. https://www.selfrecovery.org/addiction-recovery-toolbox/
• 6-DAY HABIT CHALLENGE ($6) This 6-day challenge walks you through an effective model and provides thought-provoking questions and tips. https://www.selfrecovery.org/6-day-unwanted-habit-challenge/
• ADDICTION TOOLBOX FOR CLINICIANS ($79) Learn the most important concepts, methods, and resources so you can feel comfortable treating addiction. Takes 1-2 days. Self Paced. https://www.selfrecovery.org/addiction-toolbox-for-clinicians/
• ADDICTION TOOLBOX FOR LOVED ONES ($79) It’s hard having loved ones who are struggling, and it feels like there’s nothing we can do to help. This course gives you actionable tools. Takes 1-2 days. Self-paced. https://www.selfrecovery.org/addiction-toolbox-for-friends-and-family/

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.selfrecovery.org/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/selfrecoveryhealth/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Selfrecoveryhealth
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielhochmanmd/
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@selfrecovery
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/self-recovery-austin