Addiction Therapists in Lake Cowichan, BC

Photo of Craig Fluter - West Coast Interventions, CSAC, Drug & Alcohol Counsellor
West Coast Interventions
Drug & Alcohol Counsellor, CSAC
Verified Verified
Lake Cowichan, BC V0R
At West Coast Interventions, we pride ourselves on providing industry best alcohol and drug rehabilitation services. Our attention to detail and continued service is what differentiates us from the rest of the industry. We tailor each intervention to suit the needs of each individual. No two personalities or addictions are exactly the same. We focus on making our addiction recovery process as painless and simplistic for the supporting families as possible. We don’t want you to have to go through anymore stress or anxiety.
At West Coast Interventions, we pride ourselves on providing industry best alcohol and drug rehabilitation services. Our attention to detail and continued service is what differentiates us from the rest of the industry. We tailor each intervention to suit the needs of each individual. No two personalities or addictions are exactly the same. We focus on making our addiction recovery process as painless and simplistic for the supporting families as possible. We don’t want you to have to go through anymore stress or anxiety.
(587) 412-2371 View (587) 412-2371
Photo of Rebecca I Christofferson, MA, RCC, Counsellor
Rebecca I Christofferson
Counsellor, MA, RCC
Verified Verified
Lake Cowichan, BC V0R
in art therapy, MA, parenting training, NLP / hypnosis, cognitive behavioral therapy, attachment therapy, sexual abuse and trauma therapy, mental health interventions, addictions programs, and EMDR.
I am committed to creating a comfortable space for you to strengthen your abilities and face your challenges. I have over 20 years of experience helping people overcome challenges including trauma, addictions, depression, anxiety, family violence, anger management, developmental delays, behavioral challenges, eating disorders, ADHD/ADD and divorce. I work with individuals and families to help them identify their goals and develop the skills needed to reach them.
in art therapy, MA, parenting training, NLP / hypnosis, cognitive behavioral therapy, attachment therapy, sexual abuse and trauma therapy, mental health interventions, addictions programs, and EMDR.
I am committed to creating a comfortable space for you to strengthen your abilities and face your challenges. I have over 20 years of experience helping people overcome challenges including trauma, addictions, depression, anxiety, family violence, anger management, developmental delays, behavioral challenges, eating disorders, ADHD/ADD and divorce. I work with individuals and families to help them identify their goals and develop the skills needed to reach them.
(343) 307-5768 View (343) 307-5768
Photo of Kevin James Lowe - Mind Power Counselling - Kevin Lowe, RTC, RTC, Counsellor
Mind Power Counselling - Kevin Lowe, RTC
Counsellor, RTC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Lake Cowichan, BC V0R
What has brought you here? Maybe you are feeling stuck on your journey. Maybe you are struggling in your relationships, feeling lost, seeking a deeper connection with others. Living with shame from the past, feeling like you are walking in quick sand, every move is bringing you back into the mud. Or anxious for the future, not sure where or how to move forward... If this resonates, you are not alone, and I want to acknowledge your strength and wisdom for seeking professional self care. When the time has come to take charge of your life and set a new course for your narrative, that is where working together can help.
What has brought you here? Maybe you are feeling stuck on your journey. Maybe you are struggling in your relationships, feeling lost, seeking a deeper connection with others. Living with shame from the past, feeling like you are walking in quick sand, every move is bringing you back into the mud. Or anxious for the future, not sure where or how to move forward... If this resonates, you are not alone, and I want to acknowledge your strength and wisdom for seeking professional self care. When the time has come to take charge of your life and set a new course for your narrative, that is where working together can help.
(581) 203-1810 View (581) 203-1810
Photo of Linda Elizabeth Hay - Linda Hay Hypnosis, RN, BScN, CH
Linda Hay Hypnosis
RN, BScN, CH
Verified Verified
Lake Cowichan, BC V0R
Do you suffer from low self esteem, lack of confidence, have stress, anxiety or panic attacks? Do you need to make changes in your life like stop smoking or vaping, lose weight , sleep better, or need help with chronic pain, phobias, or addictions? Have you ever considered Hypnotherapy? It works!! I am a retired nurse, grief educator and a hypnotherapist, certified through the National Guild of Hypnosis [NGH]. Besides hypnosis, I practice NLP and Neuroplasticity for trauma, PTSD and symptoms of illness such as Parkinson's, Stroke, and Fibromyalgia .
Do you suffer from low self esteem, lack of confidence, have stress, anxiety or panic attacks? Do you need to make changes in your life like stop smoking or vaping, lose weight , sleep better, or need help with chronic pain, phobias, or addictions? Have you ever considered Hypnotherapy? It works!! I am a retired nurse, grief educator and a hypnotherapist, certified through the National Guild of Hypnosis [NGH]. Besides hypnosis, I practice NLP and Neuroplasticity for trauma, PTSD and symptoms of illness such as Parkinson's, Stroke, and Fibromyalgia .
(226) 909-2370 View (226) 909-2370

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Keisha Virago - Wise Body Counselling: Keisha Virago
Wise Body Counselling: Keisha Virago
Registered Professional Counsellor - Candidate
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Cowichan Bay, BC V0R  (Online Only)
If you're struggling with repressed trauma, substance abuse, anxiety, depression, grief, relationships, or life transitions, these are areas we can work through together.
I help people learn to forgive themselves for the things they had to do in order to survive. I believe that when we feel safe in our body and free from the shackles of our past, we can create our dream reality. By honouring our sensitive nature, and creating a safe space to explore, we can set our inner child free - inviting playfulness, humour, and curiosity to the healing process. We are not what has happened to us, we are who we choose to become. I'm here to help you discover who you truly are on a soul level.
If you're struggling with repressed trauma, substance abuse, anxiety, depression, grief, relationships, or life transitions, these are areas we can work through together.
I help people learn to forgive themselves for the things they had to do in order to survive. I believe that when we feel safe in our body and free from the shackles of our past, we can create our dream reality. By honouring our sensitive nature, and creating a safe space to explore, we can set our inner child free - inviting playfulness, humour, and curiosity to the healing process. We are not what has happened to us, we are who we choose to become. I'm here to help you discover who you truly are on a soul level.
(867) 292-8817 View (867) 292-8817
Photo of Stephanie Bogue Kerr, PhD, MA, MSW, Registered Social Worker
Stephanie Bogue Kerr
Registered Social Worker, PhD, MA, MSW
Verified Verified
Ucluelet, BC V0R
My graduate research has revolved around experiences of illness and of addiction.
Welcome! Reaching out to find support when we're struggling can bring up a lot of feelings. I meet you where you are and join with you in figuring out how to make life's challenges a little lighter. If you are living with anxiety, depression, or navigating a life transition, I would be honoured to support you in working through it. The body is a central focus in my work, and I specialize in experiences of illness and of addiction. I worked in the healthcare and education systems. I have an eclectic professional and academic path that feeds my practice, and I offer talk therapy as well as drama therapy sessions.
My graduate research has revolved around experiences of illness and of addiction.
Welcome! Reaching out to find support when we're struggling can bring up a lot of feelings. I meet you where you are and join with you in figuring out how to make life's challenges a little lighter. If you are living with anxiety, depression, or navigating a life transition, I would be honoured to support you in working through it. The body is a central focus in my work, and I specialize in experiences of illness and of addiction. I worked in the healthcare and education systems. I have an eclectic professional and academic path that feeds my practice, and I offer talk therapy as well as drama therapy sessions.
(438) 801-0098 View (438) 801-0098
Photo of Bill Wagg, MA, RCC, Counsellor
Bill Wagg
Counsellor, MA, RCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Mill Bay, BC V0R
With my own life experience, education, training and skills I have helped people with a wide variety of issues: Trauma, Stress, Anxiety, Depression, Couple counselling, Grief and loss, Parenting, Blended families, Addiction, Coping, High conflict, Narcissist personalities, Work conflict and Family of origin issues.
I know you already have your own resources and skills to deal with your struggles. My skills and experiences are simply to help you find these resources within you. A person comes to me because they are stuck and lost in stressful worries or getting angry too quickly or frustrated and powerless in conflicts with other. Our work together is for you to find your natural instinct and insights to develop the clarity to move forward. The skills I use to help you are in grounded in Somatic Experiencing, an understanding of the dynamic of your nervous systems and Focusing, a therapy skill to open your clarity and the way to go forward.
With my own life experience, education, training and skills I have helped people with a wide variety of issues: Trauma, Stress, Anxiety, Depression, Couple counselling, Grief and loss, Parenting, Blended families, Addiction, Coping, High conflict, Narcissist personalities, Work conflict and Family of origin issues.
I know you already have your own resources and skills to deal with your struggles. My skills and experiences are simply to help you find these resources within you. A person comes to me because they are stuck and lost in stressful worries or getting angry too quickly or frustrated and powerless in conflicts with other. Our work together is for you to find your natural instinct and insights to develop the clarity to move forward. The skills I use to help you are in grounded in Somatic Experiencing, an understanding of the dynamic of your nervous systems and Focusing, a therapy skill to open your clarity and the way to go forward.
(250) 737-3157 View (250) 737-3157
Photo of Carla Mae Leuschen, MPA, MSW, RSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Carla Mae Leuschen
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MPA, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Shawnigan Lake, BC V0R
I work with clients whom wish to push the boundaries of “normal” to uncover & deconstruct the root causes of their suffering. Many of the people that I work with are dealing with major depression, anxiety, grief, relationship issues, and overall frustration with the current state of society and the environment. The clients that I see often present to me with symptoms such as feeling blocked, overwhelmed, anxious, depressed, alone, and powerless in their life. I support clients to transform their pain into strength so that they can live a more fulfilled life.
I work with clients whom wish to push the boundaries of “normal” to uncover & deconstruct the root causes of their suffering. Many of the people that I work with are dealing with major depression, anxiety, grief, relationship issues, and overall frustration with the current state of society and the environment. The clients that I see often present to me with symptoms such as feeling blocked, overwhelmed, anxious, depressed, alone, and powerless in their life. I support clients to transform their pain into strength so that they can live a more fulfilled life.
(778) 743-5005 View (778) 743-5005
Photo of Greg DeLong, MC, BBS, CCC, Counsellor
Greg DeLong
Counsellor, MC, BBS, CCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Cumberland, BC V0R
Do you struggle with past trauma, depression, anxiety, and letting go of hurt and pain? Are you dealing with grief and loss that is overwhelming? I'm here to journey with you as you explore new possibilities for your life. Past hurts, trauma, intrusive thoughts, anxiety, depression do not need to define you. The courage and strength to change is within you, and I consider it a sacred honour to journey with you towards change and freedom.
Do you struggle with past trauma, depression, anxiety, and letting go of hurt and pain? Are you dealing with grief and loss that is overwhelming? I'm here to journey with you as you explore new possibilities for your life. Past hurts, trauma, intrusive thoughts, anxiety, depression do not need to define you. The courage and strength to change is within you, and I consider it a sacred honour to journey with you towards change and freedom.
(506) 714-0437 View (506) 714-0437
Photo of Courtney Wright | Qualicum Counselling, MSW, RSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Courtney Wright | Qualicum Counselling
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
Bowser, BC V0R  (Online Only)
Registered Social Worker in private practice supporting individuals through online video and phone counselling sessions. I have 20 years experience in the social work field helping individuals through difficult times. I am a neurodivergent, trauma-informed, anti-oppressive Social Worker providing evidence based clinical social work practices. If you are struggling and would appreciate connecting with someone who is non-judgemental, empathetic, personable therapist with a sense of humour, I may be a good fit.
Registered Social Worker in private practice supporting individuals through online video and phone counselling sessions. I have 20 years experience in the social work field helping individuals through difficult times. I am a neurodivergent, trauma-informed, anti-oppressive Social Worker providing evidence based clinical social work practices. If you are struggling and would appreciate connecting with someone who is non-judgemental, empathetic, personable therapist with a sense of humour, I may be a good fit.
(226) 773-5125 View (226) 773-5125
Photo of John Rushforth, BScN, MCouns, Counsellor
John Rushforth
Counsellor, BScN, MCouns
Verified Verified
Cumberland, BC V0R
My approach to counselling is based on respect for you the client. I do my very best to ensure that you feel safe, in control of the process, heard, and understood. My job is to get to know your values and how you think, feel, and act, in order to support you to either strengthen or change, aspects of yourself and your life. We will collaborate to establish meaningful and achievable goals focused on creating the life you want.
My approach to counselling is based on respect for you the client. I do my very best to ensure that you feel safe, in control of the process, heard, and understood. My job is to get to know your values and how you think, feel, and act, in order to support you to either strengthen or change, aspects of yourself and your life. We will collaborate to establish meaningful and achievable goals focused on creating the life you want.
(705) 980-1041 View (705) 980-1041
Photo of Janice Furevick, MA, RPN, Counsellor
Janice Furevick
Counsellor, MA, RPN
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Mill Bay, BC V0R
Wanting to create a better life rather than settling for status quo, just getting by while filled with anxiety and feelings of hopeless; coping with excess food, drugs or alcohol. It takes courage and tremendous willingness to begin a path of change and it is an honour and a joy to walk with people on their journey toward wholeness. My work with people often leaves me in awe of the strength of the human spirit as I witness them overcome trauma and self-destructive behaviours and move toward their dreams while embracing their authentic self.
Wanting to create a better life rather than settling for status quo, just getting by while filled with anxiety and feelings of hopeless; coping with excess food, drugs or alcohol. It takes courage and tremendous willingness to begin a path of change and it is an honour and a joy to walk with people on their journey toward wholeness. My work with people often leaves me in awe of the strength of the human spirit as I witness them overcome trauma and self-destructive behaviours and move toward their dreams while embracing their authentic self.
(825) 251-9138 View (825) 251-9138
Photo of Megan I Carruthers - Carruthers Counselling & Consulting, BA, MA, RCC, Counsellor
Carruthers Counselling & Consulting
Counsellor, BA, MA, RCC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Bowser, BC V0R
I have been supporting children & youth, and their families for the past 17 years in public education. I facilitate workshops and also do group counselling. I have a strong background in special education, which means I often observe the behaviour(s) of children and youth, collaborate with them and their families, and implement/teach tools for alleviating a child's stress. I have experience as a clinician for Adult Mental Health & Addictions in both inpatient and outpatient care from the hospital. This has benefited early recognition and prevention.
I have been supporting children & youth, and their families for the past 17 years in public education. I facilitate workshops and also do group counselling. I have a strong background in special education, which means I often observe the behaviour(s) of children and youth, collaborate with them and their families, and implement/teach tools for alleviating a child's stress. I have experience as a clinician for Adult Mental Health & Addictions in both inpatient and outpatient care from the hospital. This has benefited early recognition and prevention.
(236) 301-0065 View (236) 301-0065
Photo of Sarah Duncan, MA , RCC, Counsellor
Sarah Duncan
Counsellor, MA , RCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Mill Bay, BC V0R
When we work together it will be about supporting you in moving out of ways of being that no longer serve you in a helpful way and into a more connected, aware and preferred place. Collaboratively working to understand and shift the impacts that traumatic events have had on your life and building on your energy levels so that you can feel a deeper sense of ease, belonging and happiness. Be it parenting support, family therapy or individual youth and or adult sessions, together we can create a space that upholds your dignity and highlights your intrinsic strengths as we navigate changes together towards a more preferred sense of you.
When we work together it will be about supporting you in moving out of ways of being that no longer serve you in a helpful way and into a more connected, aware and preferred place. Collaboratively working to understand and shift the impacts that traumatic events have had on your life and building on your energy levels so that you can feel a deeper sense of ease, belonging and happiness. Be it parenting support, family therapy or individual youth and or adult sessions, together we can create a space that upholds your dignity and highlights your intrinsic strengths as we navigate changes together towards a more preferred sense of you.
View
Photo of Franya Jedwab, MA, RCC, Counsellor
Franya Jedwab
Counsellor, MA, RCC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Chemainus, BC V0R
I am a warmhearted and respectful professional with over 18 years of counselling experience. I offer individual, child, teen, parent & family counselling with a safe, therapeutic, and non-judgmental lens. I use a variety of counselling approaches, such as CBT, Trauma-informed and Psychodynamic Therapy to suit your circumstances, experiences, and preferences to create a respectful and empowering approach to the work together. I hold a Masters Degree in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University. I am a Registered Counsellor Provider with the BC Crime Victim Assistance Program, First Nations Health Authority and Humanacare EAP.
I am a warmhearted and respectful professional with over 18 years of counselling experience. I offer individual, child, teen, parent & family counselling with a safe, therapeutic, and non-judgmental lens. I use a variety of counselling approaches, such as CBT, Trauma-informed and Psychodynamic Therapy to suit your circumstances, experiences, and preferences to create a respectful and empowering approach to the work together. I hold a Masters Degree in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University. I am a Registered Counsellor Provider with the BC Crime Victim Assistance Program, First Nations Health Authority and Humanacare EAP.
(778) 760-4302 View (778) 760-4302

Online Therapists

Photo of Kathleen Campbell, MEd, RCC, Counsellor
Kathleen Campbell
Counsellor, MEd, RCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Comox, BC V9M
My counselling interests include, but are not limited to: maternal mental health, substance use concerns, life transitions, trauma, anxiety, depression, relationship issues.
My practice is founded on the belief that feelings of safety and connection are the foundations of healing. I; therefore, strive to create therapeutic relationships that feel warm, comfortable, and authentic. My hope is that in such a relationship you are able to be and/or discover your true self and feel deeply understood and cared for. I aim to meet you where you are and from there draw on several therapeutic approaches that support you in moving forward in the direction and way you wish. I am trained and experienced in Narrative Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, EMDR, and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.
My counselling interests include, but are not limited to: maternal mental health, substance use concerns, life transitions, trauma, anxiety, depression, relationship issues.
My practice is founded on the belief that feelings of safety and connection are the foundations of healing. I; therefore, strive to create therapeutic relationships that feel warm, comfortable, and authentic. My hope is that in such a relationship you are able to be and/or discover your true self and feel deeply understood and cared for. I aim to meet you where you are and from there draw on several therapeutic approaches that support you in moving forward in the direction and way you wish. I am trained and experienced in Narrative Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, EMDR, and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.
(867) 794-4570 View (867) 794-4570
Photo of Jessica Gill, MA, RCC, Counsellor
Jessica Gill
Counsellor, MA, RCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Surrey, BC V3S
Hello, I am Jessica Gill, the founder of Emerald Counselling and Consulting. As a Registered Clinical Counsellor with a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology with Distinction and over a decade of diverse experience in mental health and substance use roles, I'm here to guide you on your path to well-being. My counselling journey began with a commitment to making a positive impact. With a solid foundation, including a practicum at Simon Fraser University Health and Counseling Services. Throughout my career, I have worked with both adults and youth dealing with substance use and affected clients and its effects.
Hello, I am Jessica Gill, the founder of Emerald Counselling and Consulting. As a Registered Clinical Counsellor with a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology with Distinction and over a decade of diverse experience in mental health and substance use roles, I'm here to guide you on your path to well-being. My counselling journey began with a commitment to making a positive impact. With a solid foundation, including a practicum at Simon Fraser University Health and Counseling Services. Throughout my career, I have worked with both adults and youth dealing with substance use and affected clients and its effects.
(506) 804-9515 View (506) 804-9515
Photo of Paige Mowbray, MSW, RSW, RCC, Counsellor
Paige Mowbray
Counsellor, MSW, RSW, RCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Vancouver, BC V6B
I have a Masters in Social Work from UBC and advanced clinical training in trauma and mental health; including EMDR, CBT-PTSD Joint (for couples), perinatal mental health and substance use.
Grief / Loss and Trauma leave us feeling completely overwhelmed, anxious, feeling like no one else can understand what we are going through and often utterly alone. Sometimes just trying to get through the day feels impossible and we can't even think straight. Sometimes we know that our behaviours today are linked to the terrible thing that has happened but we aren't sure what to do about it. I see individuals who are looking for relief. They are looking for someone to help support them as they regain their footing, develop strategies to manage the anxiety and reprocess the loss and trauma they have experienced in a safe way.
I have a Masters in Social Work from UBC and advanced clinical training in trauma and mental health; including EMDR, CBT-PTSD Joint (for couples), perinatal mental health and substance use.
Grief / Loss and Trauma leave us feeling completely overwhelmed, anxious, feeling like no one else can understand what we are going through and often utterly alone. Sometimes just trying to get through the day feels impossible and we can't even think straight. Sometimes we know that our behaviours today are linked to the terrible thing that has happened but we aren't sure what to do about it. I see individuals who are looking for relief. They are looking for someone to help support them as they regain their footing, develop strategies to manage the anxiety and reprocess the loss and trauma they have experienced in a safe way.
(902) 201-0392 View (902) 201-0392
Photo of Raman Bains, MSW, RSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Raman Bains
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
Surrey, BC V3S  (Online Only)
My goal as a therapist is to provide a safe, open and non-judgmental space allowing you to share your story. Using a holistic and strengths based approach, I will walk alongside you through your highs and allows while supporting you in building your own toolkit. I have worked in mental health, substance use and crisis oriented field for 10 years supporting clients’ struggling with depression, anxiety, grief, addiction and life transitions.
My goal as a therapist is to provide a safe, open and non-judgmental space allowing you to share your story. Using a holistic and strengths based approach, I will walk alongside you through your highs and allows while supporting you in building your own toolkit. I have worked in mental health, substance use and crisis oriented field for 10 years supporting clients’ struggling with depression, anxiety, grief, addiction and life transitions.
(343) 307-7438 View (343) 307-7438
Photo of Kevin Alexander Fraser - Alexander Wellness Consulting, MSW, RSW, RCC, Registered Social Worker
Alexander Wellness Consulting
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW, RCC
Verified Verified
Campbell River, BC V9W  (Online Only)
Currently Accepting New Clients. Specializing in Couples, Addiction, Anxiety & Depression. I bring to my practice a welcoming and friendly personal style that puts clients at ease allowing them to communicate their needs and goals within a safe non-judgmental atmosphere. I worked in many clinical health care settings before venturing into private practice, which has brought into my work a well- breadth of clinical experience, including a wide array of therapeutic approaches, that I have successfully integrated while working with with hundreds of clients over the past 26 plus years.
Currently Accepting New Clients. Specializing in Couples, Addiction, Anxiety & Depression. I bring to my practice a welcoming and friendly personal style that puts clients at ease allowing them to communicate their needs and goals within a safe non-judgmental atmosphere. I worked in many clinical health care settings before venturing into private practice, which has brought into my work a well- breadth of clinical experience, including a wide array of therapeutic approaches, that I have successfully integrated while working with with hundreds of clients over the past 26 plus years.
(236) 326-8974 View (236) 326-8974

See more therapy options for Lake Cowichan

Addiction Counsellors

What is the best therapy for addiction?

Addiction treatment will be tailored to the individual. People seeking help for addiction—whether with a psychotherapist, in an outpatient clinic, or in a residential program—should expect to engage in multiple types of treatments, sometimes including medication. For anyone recovering from addiction, avoiding situations in which one has typically used a substance is essential, as is the support of close connections. Since substance use disorders tend to co-occur with underlying mental health conditions such as anxiety or depression, those must also be addressed as part of any recovery plan.

How long does therapy for addiction take?

There is no set timeline for recovery from addiction. Patients and their families should expect the work to last several months, if not longer. Residential treatment programs may be based on a stay of 30, 60, or 90 days, with continuing work after release, but only about 1 percent of people are treated in such facilities. Ceasing use is just the first step; therapy to help maintain abstinence and effect behavior change must follow. The process of recovery, neuroscience has shown, involves brain cells recovering the capacity to respond to natural sources of reward and restore control over the impulse to use. Another definition of recovery is restoring voluntary control over one’s substance use and retaking all of one’s previous responsibilities.

How effective is drug addiction treatment?

Substance use disorders are treatable and remission is achievable for many who seek recovery; by some estimates, more than three-quarters of people who become addicted to alcohol or drugs recover. But that success rarely occurs quickly or on a set timeline; relapse is not only common, but many therapists and clinicians view it as a normal part of the process—not always a sign that a person has returned to addiction, but a signal that their treatment should be adjusted to help them regain control. Overall, research suggests, five years after the end of substance use, one’s risk of relapse is no greater than that of others who had not faced addiction. Other experts believe that complete abstinence is not the only measure of recovery, and that, through effective treatment, many people can learn to control their use.

How can you get addiction treatment for someone?

The most important factor in recovery from addiction is widely understood to be an individual’s commitment to change. For that reason,“interventions” in which friends and family gather to urge or force someone to begin immediate treatment often backfire; even when such efforts do lead someone to begin treatment, they may be less likely to stay than those who are self-driven. Still, family members can play an important role in supporting an individual who seeks help and can take part in family therapy as one element of a loved one’s treatment.