Educator

David Gust has been a mentor and teacher to me for over twenty-five years, whether he knew it or not.  I first met David at a community training he brought to El Dorado County. I remember the room being full of therapists, public health and school professionals, outreach specialists, and a young twenty-five year old addiction counselor really wanting to do good work for our teens struggling with drugs and alcohol. I had been one of those teens myself, fully in my addiction by fifteen, dropped out of high school and in my first inpatient drug treatment program by sixteen, followed by two more years of terrible progression before hitting a heavy bottom at eighteen, and finding a new direction into real recovery for the past thirty-two years.  (more…)

I had the pleasure of two trainings with David Gust and his colleagues back in March of 2001. David provides a comprehensive and well organized training experience. His depth of knowledge and warm personality create an optimal learning environment. Topics I found of particular interest included (1) the contrasts between adults and adolescent drug users, (2) dry drunk syndrome and (3) chemical abuse and the effects on family.  David is truly a pioneer in the field of chemical dependency and I look forward to his continued contribution to the recovery field.

I have asked David to speak to physician groups where he has been very effective and well-received. I am very pleased that he is continuing to offer consultation to individuals and families seeking understanding and hope regarding diagnosis, and to professionals and institutions seeking practical, meaningful, effective treatment for substance use issues.

David opened my eyes to the depth and the breadth of substance abuse rampant in Sacramento as well as the nation. To compensate for my son’s absence, I met with David for training, guidance, and support. For over 38 years David has been a source of information for me, and a resource for families in crisis.

You are about to embark on a journey with David Gust. I was fortunate enough to have been taught by him when he was a guest lecturer at Breining Institute.  He is a humble, intelligent, and compassionate person whom I have learned so much from. An excellent teacher who gets your attention with both extensive subject matter and humor.

I am writing this letter of recommendation for David Gust who was an amazing force to the education of a school district and many of its community members, including local public agencies. As the Coordinator of the Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Prevention Program in the late 80’s and 90’s for Yuba City Unified School District, I was responsible for implementing a district wide program to address alcohol and other drug abuse. I was extremely fortunate to discover that David had a very busy practice called New Directions in nearby Sacramento, counseling adolescents and their families dealing with these issues. He literally had written the book on these issues. As a result, I was able to contract with David to present on multiple occasions to district personnel and community members regarding alcohol and other drug abuse concerns. David’s knowledge is incredible, and what makes that even more important is that he has a gift (more…)