Mental Health, Dual Diagnosis and Addiction Treatment In Georgia

Dr. James Craig is Board Certified in Addiction Medicine and has served the Atlanta area recovery community for a number of years. He is the founder and managing partner of Craig Wellness and Recovery Dr. Craig has served on numerous boards across the state and is an associate professor at the Medical College of Georgia.

Dr. Craig graduated from Emory University with honors in biology and went on to receive his medical degree from the Medical College of Georgia. After getting board certified in Family Medicine, he then went on to receive another board certification in Addiction Medicine. Dr. Craig is one of the few physicians in Georgia who is certified by both the American Board of Addiction Medicine and The American Board of Family Medicine.

He is also the author of two books:

• Being a Drug Addict and Other Secrets of Life
• Push Down and Turn: Under and Above the Influence

Dr. Craig is one of the most knowledgeable and passionate medical professionals you will find in the field and Thoroughbred Wellness and Recovery is honored to have him overseeing the care that we provide.

My education consists of both a Master’s (MSW) and Bachelor’s (BSW) in social work from Florida Atlantic University and a Bachelor’s of Science in Psychology from the University of Central Florida. I have been fully licensed (LCSW) in both Florida and Georgia and an NASW and GSCW approved supervisor.

Throughout the various settings I’ve worked in, populations I have worked with, and roles I had, my approach remains the same- meet every person where they are at while encouraging change, “be firm in what you do and kind in how you do it.” I wholeheartedly believe in taking a non-shaming and non-judgmental approach, encouraging self-worth and self-empowerment, paving the path rediscovering your true and best self. Prior to joining the herd at Thoroughbred Wellness and Recovery, I served as the Clinical Director for multiple facilities that treated primary substance use disorders, mental health disorders, and eating disorders. I have several years of experience creating evidenced-based curriculums, providing individual and group clinical supervision, and program development in the field of substance abuse, mental health, eating disorders, and trauma. I also have direct experience and teaching Master’s level courses in the field of domestic violence, intimate partner violence, child abuse, and human trafficking. I have served as trained facilitator for the Intervention Project for Nurses (IPN) by providing support and monitoring to nurses and medical professionals with impairing conditions such as substance use disorders, psychiatric and physical conditions to protect the health, safety and welfare of patients while assisting each to maintain professional licensure. I am certified in Rapid Resolution Therapy (RRT), Psychodrama, Military Sexual Trauma (MST). I also serve as an Adjunct Professor for the Master of Social Work Program at Kennesaw State University and have served as a Supervisor for Master’s level Social Work Interns with various Accredited Universities. Prior to my professional journey in Georgia, I had the distinct honor to worked at Wayside House in Delray Beach, FL, which has been providing a safe and supportive haven for women grappling with alcohol and drug addiction since 1974. During my time at Wayside house, I served as a lead primary therapist in their residential, IOP, and Outpatient Programs. Working with mothers in recovery fueled my passion to help parents who struggle with addiction to resolve the shame, guilt, and stigma so many parents experience due to their addictions that they often keep hidden and stay silent about. My lifelong connection with horses and devotion in healing trauma fueled my passion for Equine Therapy, developing therapy programs and continued service work with rescue horses. As I often say, “I entered this arena,” over 16 years ago, not knowing what it would bring or where I would go. I say, “the arena,” rather than this field or profession, it is to reference the “Man In The Arena,” speech and the stable arena’s because there, what matters most is not how much you know but rather how much you care.

In all the journeys we take in our lives we must choose to either sit idle in the stands or act and enter the arena. It takes real courage to be the person who’s in the arena… who spends themselves in a worthy cause, who at best knows in the end, the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if they fail, at least they fail while daring greatly.”

“A Ship in Harbor is Safe, But That’s Not What Ships Are Built For.”

– John A. Shedd

Rebuild. Reconnect. Recover.

Caroline grew up in Texas and earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Mississippi in 2008. After a decade-long career in business and sales, she felt called to pursue a more meaningful path in helping families and individuals facing trauma and addiction.

Caroline earned her Master of Social Work degree from Kennesaw State University in 2024, gaining two years of experience in an outpatient addiction treatment setting during her field practicum. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, being a mom, spending time with her family, reading, and exercising.

I have been working in the field of addiction services for over three decades. I am certified through the Georgia Addiction Counselors Association (GACA) as a Certified Addiction Counselor Level II, as well as a National Certified Addiction Counselor Level II through NAADAC, the Association for Addiction Professionals, and as a Certified Clinical Supervisor, also through GACA. I have worked in most levels of addiction treatment services, including ASAM Level I, PHP/IOP, sober living, correctional services, residential treatment, and residential treatment with detox services. I have also co-owned and operated an IOP combined with sober living for 15 years in Decatur, GA. Additionally, I have worked overseas at an internationally recognized addiction treatment program in the Caribbean.

In addition to working in a broad variety of settings, I have gained experience in many roles: as a tech, counselor, primary therapist, clinical director, alumni coordinator, and business development. However, my true passion lies in working directly with individuals struggling with addiction and/or mental health challenges. I consider it a sacred privilege to be present while people turn their lives around and discover a life of meaning and purpose.

In my own life’s journey, I have come to the conviction that people are naturally drawn to authenticity—what feels real, honest, and genuine. Even when it leads to discomfort or confrontation, if it’s authentic, accepting, and non-judgmental, people can be open to change. My approach includes positive regard and acceptance of the individual, along with what I believe is honest, straightforward feedback and support, all aimed at providing the individual with the opportunity to explore themselves and begin the process of change, should they choose to do so.

I love to laugh, and I believe wholeheartedly that overcoming substance use and/or addressing mental health challenges such as anxiety and depression is not the end goal, but the beginning of a process of self-discovery that can lead to a life of meaning, purpose, and fulfillment—while having fun along the way! As someone who has often learned through my own mistakes, I bring a wealth of hard-earned experience to my work with guests, and I have found that this experience lends itself to non-judgmental acceptance of those I serve.