Q&A with Dr. Allen Berger

Stick with the Winners! –

January 15, 2021 – Dr. Allen Berger’s professional career spans over 49 years, since 1971. After returning from a combat tour of duty in Vietnam in 1971, USMC Corporal Berger became a counselor at the Koneohe Marine Corps Air Station – Drug Exemption Program, helping fellow marines who were returning from Vietnam with drug problems discover recovery.

This experience inspired him to become a clinical psychologist. A daunting task for a high school drop-out. In 1987 his dream came true when he graduated from UC Davis with a doctorate degree in clinical psychology.

Dr. Berger is a talented and gifted clinician. His clinical acumen was developed and honed by the fantastic clinical training he received from Dr. Walter Kempler, a pioneer in family therapy, and Dr. William C. Rader, a pioneer in addiction psychiatry.

Q. If you are in recovery, what was your Drug of Choice? and when did you stop using?
A. I have been in recovery since 1971. I was the third Marine admitted to a new program designed to help the Vietnam Veteran who was returning to the States with a drug problem. This past summer I celebrated 49 years of recovery.

Q. Do you think addiction is an illness, disease, a choice or a wicked twist of fate.
A. Yes I believe addiction is a medical disease. It is the result of the dynamic interaction of biological, psychological, sociological and spiritual forces. If I look at the function of addiction in our lives, I see it as an attempt to achieve emotional freedom. It’s the easier softer way, but at the time the only way. Recovery is about achieving emotional freedom or achieving a true independence of spirit.

Q. Do you log on to ZOOM 12-step meetings? How often? Do you share?
A. Yes I do, and speak often. In fact I started an Emotional Sobriety Anonymous meeting as a community service. It has become quite popular. We are currently discussing each of the 12 Steps of AA and how they operate to achieve emotional sobriety. It is on Thursday evenings from 7 – 8 pm PST. Zoom ID: 330-149-513. PW: 375-986: