Dr. Dan Mierlak, Medical Director at Freedom Institute, publishes The Spanish Molecule: Adventures in Addiction Psychiatry

Freedom Institute is best known for the high calibre and expertise of its clinical team. Our Medical Director since 2008, Dr. Dan Mierlak is one example. Psychiatrist and author, Dr. Mierlak first introduced his readers to his brand of gritty, clinical storytelling in Twelve Cases. He now turns his full attention to drug and alcohol addiction in The Spanish Molecule. Through actual cases from his twenty-five years of practice as an addiction psychiatrist, Dr. Mierlak candidly describes the struggles of the addict, their loved ones, and his own as a physician enlisted to help. The ambiguities inherent in these struggles are not watered down for the reader, and while the author often questions his utility, one comes to understand that the house of addiction is full of trap doors for any and all who step inside. The Spanish Molecule is nota slick self-help book, but rather an unvarnished account of the front line battle against the scourge of addiction.

Dr. Mierlak joined the Freedom Institute in 2008. He completed his residency in Psychiatry at Weill Cornell Medical College in 1993, and his fellowship in Addiction Psychiatry at NYU Medical Center in 1996. He served as Director for Psychiatric Services at Smithers Treatment Center prior to joining Freedom Institute. Dr. Mierlak maintains a private practice in general and addiction psychiatry in Manhattan and Montclair, NJ and is as passionate about his work now as he ever has been.

The Spanish Molecule by Dr. Dan Mierlak is available here.