Raul Llanos, MD, a physician with more than 40 years of experience, talks about his new book, "The Art of Consciously Healing Our Addictions," at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 2, at the East Bank Regional Library, 4747 W. Napoleon, Metairie.

According to Dr. Llanos, it is our choice whether we deal with challenges in our daily lives in a positive or negative way. Some people turn to addictive behaviors in an attempt to relieve or forget inner turmoil or painful experiences. By gaining awareness of these unhealthy responses, he says we can reverse addictive patterns and learn to look within to create happiness and fulfillment.

Dr. Llanos shares guidance, ideas, concepts and techniques that will help other achieve a higher stage of consciousness and create a freer reality full of joy. Dr. Llanos begins by examining who we are, where we are coming from, and where we are going before moving into a deeper reflection on the 12 steps commonly used in addiction rehabilitation. included are suggestions on how to release long-held addictions through a variety of holistic methods and move into a better place of health and well-being.