Dr. Stephen F. Grinstead

Dr. Stephen Grinstead is a seasoned expert in the field of addiction and chronic pain management, with over 35 years of experience as a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), a former California Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC-II), and an Advanced Relapse Prevention Specialist (ACRPS). He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Behavioral Science, a Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology, and a Doctorate in Addictive Disorders (Dr. AD), making him one of the few professionals in the world with this unique combination of expertise.

Dr. Grinstead has an impressive background as an educator, having taught at several prestigious universities, including Santa Clara University, UC Berkeley Extension, Stanford University Medical School, and the University of Utah’s School on Alcoholism and Other Drug Dependencies. He also served on the faculty of UC Santa Cruz Extension Alcohol and Drug Studies Program and as an Adjunct Professor at Alliant University, where he taught Masters Level and Psy.D. students the Treating the Addicted Family System course for the Marriage and Family Therapy track for five years.

In 2015, Dr. Grinstead co-founded and served as the Chief Clinical Officer of a Residential and Intensive Outpatient Triple Diagnosis Chronic Pain Management Program in Camarillo, California. He is the author of multiple books on chronic pain management, including Thank You Adversity For Yet Another Test: A Body Mind Spirit Approach for Relieving Chronic Pain Suffering, Freedom from Suffering: A Journey of Hope, Managing Pain, Coexisting Disorders, and the Addiction-Free Pain Management® Recovery Guide.

Dr. Grinstead is renowned internationally for his pioneering work in preventing relapse related to addiction and chronic pain disorders and for his development of the Addiction-Free Pain Management® System. His extensive experience with chronic pain management, substance use disorders, eating addiction, and coexisting mental and personality disorders make him a valuable resource for patients and practitioners alike.