Daniel Hochman M.D. on Life, Lessons & Legacy

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Daniel Hochman M.D.. Check out our conversation below.

Hi Daniel, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: Have you ever been glad you didn’t act fast?

I am usually one to reflect and analyze, so it’s typical of me to act slower than most. That has tradeoffs. Sometimes it means I make good and careful decisions, but it also means I can miss out on opportunities that require quick decisions before factors can be weighed. 

One of the biggest decisions that acting more slowly helped was in deciding my medical specialty. At the time I was in medical school, I was on a path towards emergency medicine. Because I had the chance to make a slow motion decision towards the end of medical school, I had time to thoughtfully adjust and choose Psychiatry. I’m lucky to say I truly enjoy my work as a result.

Wonderful, so what should our readers know right off the bat? Can you give us a brief introduction?

Throughout my study, I worked with some of the leading minds in addiction work, who got me even more interested in addiction work. My focus on the root causes of symptoms led me to creating a more holistic approach to addiction, which eventually became the Self Recovery program.

After recognizing the lack of quality care most people are able to find, I created Self Recovery as a simple way for anyone to save themselves from ineffective help. People are so relieved they can get better privately, and that not everyone needs rehab or daily groups.

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 richer understandings of how we work. My patients appreciate that we can cover all kinds of questions and territory without fragmenting their care between different disciplines.

As Self Recovery is an online addiction recovery program, I’m most proud that we’re reaching people who would otherwise never have found treatment. We are now in over 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.

Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who taught you the most about work?

I would say Jonathan Shedler has been the biggest influence and mentor in my professional life. I went into Psychiatry residency with a very basic idea and experience of how to do therapy. He consistently pushed my understandings of human nature, our inner workings, and how to translate into improvement for a patient using words. I learned there is more science to this than I ever imagined. 

He would listen or watch me, word by word, when I was performing therapy, able to offer wisdom at every turn. Just when I’d begin to think I had things figured out, he would add another layer of complexity. This is actually a similar process to what we do collaboratively with patients, and I have him to thank.

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?

I would want to teach myself at a younger age that life can really be what you want it to be. As a kid I held a vague belief that everything is serious, and we need to do our best for some abstract idea of success. That led me to sometimes try and perform well for the sake of performing well.

What would have been a more natural and comfortable way to push myself would have been to simply follow my own curiosities. Trying to perform well in itself sounds nice, but it comes with a state of pressure and rigidity. I could have felt more permission and reassurance to pursue my more unique interests if I knew this lesson earlier. Fortunately I learned it for myself and can appreciate a life of more freedom at this stage.

Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
Regarding my work, my friends who know me best would recognize that I want to reach people who would otherwise never have found treatment. We are now helping people in over 40 countries, many of whom I know would never have found a better life without this program.

Personally, I hope my family and closest friends  would say I am available, loyal, and loving to everyone close in my life. I hope I am always thought of as serious in my commitments, while being silly and fun along the way.

Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What will you regret not doing? 
I really love adventure. If I don’t make enough time in my life for really rich experiences, travel, and getting lost, I will regret not making the time for it. It’s tough to set the boundaries needed to do that once you get into a career and have a family.

I find myself often in the typical trap where we imagine having time in the future to get around to those things. But when we wait too long, we simply can’t engage in adventure in the same way at an older age.

Contact Info:

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