Dr. DiReda earned a dual Ph.D. in Sociology and Social Work from Boston University, and a Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Connecticut. He is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker with over thirty-three years of direct clinical experience and consulting in the field of wellness programs, Employee Assistance programs, and addictions. He worked for seven years as a Regional Supervisor of a Federal Occupational Health Employee Assistance Program for the United States Postal Service. He has served as an advocate, treatment provider, researcher, and educator, working with individuals and families, hospitals, corrections facilities, treatment programs, and private organizations. Dr. DiReda is an Associate Professor in the School of Professional Studies at Anna Maria College in Paxton. MA., and has published books and articles on addiction, including his most recent, The East Side of Addiction. He is a person in long-term recovery, thirty-four years, who speaks publicly on the topic, and presents at international and local professional conferences.