PAUL TESSEIN

CNMDAI, CNDAI, CNRRS, CRC, CCH

Paul is skilled and highly successful in the field of interventions. His credentials include Nationally Certified Master Interventionist, Certified Recovery Coach, Relapse Recovery Specialist and Certified K9 Handler. On March 20, 2022, Paul will reach another milestone in his personal recovery, celebrating 35 years free from alcohol and drugs.

Paul has had an incredible life that left him broke and homeless when he entered treatment in 1987 at the age of 23. As he explains, addiction is the only war that anyone needs to surrender to win, because it is nothing more than a self-made hell hole. Paul understands firsthand how his actions and desires were destructive when mingled with drugs and alcohol. Paul’s situation became so desperate he realized he needed to make a choice: did he want to live or die. Paul chose to live. Paul took what he learned in treatment and entered a 12-step recovery problem.

In 2013, Paul moved to South Florida from New Jersey. He has helped people from all walks of life, from executives, professional athletes, health care professionals, as well as law enforcement personnel and even teenagers across the country. His passion and dedication for helping people has resulted in thousands seeking detox and treatment, and ultimately living an alcohol and drug free life.

Paul knew he could do more and having so much experience within the recovery community he knew there was a greater need. Paul decided to take 6 months off to decide what direction he wanted to go. While he was contemplating what to do, Paul was in the process of getting a German Shepherd puppy. As a dog lover, Paul missed having a dog companion. One day he called his daughter, Chellsea and told her of his idea. Paul’s daughter helped him get the first DSK9 German Shepherd named Yogi.

Paul and Yogi completed their training and became certified at the International K9 College. Paul believes the service that DSK9 has and continues to provide will not only save lives but also help secure drug-free environments everywhere. As Paul says, “We find what is invisible.”

Often when someone battling addiction decides to enter rehab or treatment, they leave drugs hidden. When they complete their program and return home the odds of relapse are great due to their hidden stash. Having owned treatment centers and worked in various centers across the country, Paul understands the benefit of removing drugs and paraphernalia. He came to realize how with Yogi’s help, he could help people at the ground level.