About David Gust

David Gust, LAADC, NCAC II, CADC II began his career at the esteemed Hazelden Foundation Chemical Dependency Counselor Training Program in 1977 as the youngest participant ever to complete their program.

Upon graduation David chose to move to California to work for an inpatient treatment facility for adults. Because of his extensive training, he quickly progressed from Senior Counselor to both Training Supervisor and Treatment Supervisor.

After working several years in inpatient treatment programs, he recognized a need for outpatient services in the Greater Sacramento area. In 1981, David founded the New Directions Program, specializing in substance abuse, addiction, codependency, and dual diagnosis issues.

Fulfilling a gap in services for adolescents, David developed a highly effective treatment model. His book, “Effective Outpatient Treatment for Adolescents,” details the foundation for implementing a successful treatment program with the young client in mind. (Gust, Smith, Learning Publications, 1994)

In addition to teaching courses in local private and public universities, David is a popular keynote speaker and professional trainer. He has provided technical assistance and various trainings to major treatment programs in the United States.

David wrote the book, “How to Help Your Child Become Drug Free” with his colleagues based on his work with adolescents and their families in response to what he saw as the needs of the community. (Gust, Walker, Daily, 2006)

David currently serves as a legal expert in addiction treatment. He has for over 30 years provided training to Marriage and Family Therapists, LCSWs, Family Practice Attorneys, Psychiatrists, Pediatricians, and Family Medicine Doctors.

In 1994, the Sacramento County Alcohol and Drug Advisory Board honored David with the Harold Cole Memorial Award for his outstanding contributions in the field of alcoholism and drug abuse outreach, prevention and treatment.

David received the James Fulton Counselor of the Year Award by the California Association of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors for 2001.

David was personally and professionally humbled by receiving a lifetime achievement award and being inducted into the Fellows Council of the California Consortium of Addiction Programs and Professionals 2011.