Bill Loving, MD
Medical Director

Dr. Loving graduated from the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, Texas in 1974 and after psychiatric residency went into the practice of neuropsychiatry. After five years of practice, he was asked to join Neuropsychiatric Associates of Austin led by Dr. Stuart Nemir. Dr. Nemir started the first private 28 day program for drug and alcohol treatment in Austin and later started the first intensive outpatient program that was one of the first in the country. Dr. Nemir recruited Dr. Loving to help in his programs and soon Dr. Loving became the medical director of both. This began his interest in chemical dependency and the treatment of alcoholics and addicts. He worked closely with Dr. Nemir and Ulysses "Mac" McLester, who was also a well known expert in chemical dependency. Dr. Loving was board certified in psychiatry in 1980 and certified by the American Society of Addiction Medicine in 1989.

For twenty years Dr. Loving has treated not only psychiatric patients, and chemically dependent patients, but also people with both psychiatric and alcoholism/addiction, also known as a dual diagnosis. His interest in this field has grown over the years and he was very excited when approached to take on the role of Medical Director at the Texas Star Recovery Program in January 2007. Dr. Loving is enthusiastic about being able to devote his full energy to the treatment of chemically dependent people.

Dr. Loving addresses chemical dependency as a chronic self-induced central nervous system disorder. Alcoholism and drug addiction are terms for a chronic disease that can be managed with the help of education and various therapies. Techniques facilitating the patient's ability to use the AA or the 12 Step Program as a valuable tool to achieve sobriety is a cornerstone of the program. The individual is evaluated to diagnose and address any psychiatric issues that may complicate treatment. This is essential for many people to achieve sobriety.

Medical detoxification is done initially, if necessary, so that the patient will experience a safe, effective pain free withdrawal from his/her substance. A complete medical and psychiatric evaluation is completed to identify and treat medical or other problems associated with the chemical dependency. The family is included in the treatment, as the family is also in pain. Therefore, it is essential that the family be a part of the solution.

Texas Star Recovery is nestled on a 65-acre campus with Texas NeuroRehab Center. The facility has a park like setting with access to a low-impact ROPES course, physical and occupational therapy, a gymnasium, and beautiful areas to walk. Dr. Loving was able to assemble a staff of experienced chemical dependency professionals to join a team of competent and caring nurses for Texas Star. The program is also affiliated with a group of people in recovery called Volunteers at the Star who assist in Back to Basics meetings, AA/NA meetings, and Dual Recovery meetings on Texas Star's campus.