Addiction Counselling in Great Missenden

Photo of Jo de Louvois, PNCPS Acc., Counsellor
Jo de Louvois
Counsellor, PNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Great Missenden HP16
Sometimes life can present difficult challenges. When that happens it's easy to feel confused, lonely, stuck and perhaps even judged. I can help you by providing a space for realisation, processing trauma and finding greater inner peace and freedom to live the life you wish for. I believe that the most important relationship we have is with ourselves. Having self compassion and being at peace with one’s self can be difficult to practice. I want to bring you hope and support you in becoming your own best friend.
Sometimes life can present difficult challenges. When that happens it's easy to feel confused, lonely, stuck and perhaps even judged. I can help you by providing a space for realisation, processing trauma and finding greater inner peace and freedom to live the life you wish for. I believe that the most important relationship we have is with ourselves. Having self compassion and being at peace with one’s self can be difficult to practice. I want to bring you hope and support you in becoming your own best friend.
01494 326017 View 01494 326017
Photo of Dermot Cox, MBACP, Counsellor
Dermot Cox
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Great Missenden HP16
I offer space for people who wish to explore fundamental issues. Some people are driven to counselling by a current crisis that means they need support. Others have been managing perfectly well but decide that repeating destructive patterns or underlying dissatisfaction now deserve attention. I hold a Diploma in Integrative Transpersonal Counselling from Re-Vision. This is 'counselling with a soulful perspective'. The strongest influence in the training is Jung. In this perspective, times of real difficulty or despair are seen as holding a potential for change and growth. In our work you will be heard and witnessed.
I offer space for people who wish to explore fundamental issues. Some people are driven to counselling by a current crisis that means they need support. Others have been managing perfectly well but decide that repeating destructive patterns or underlying dissatisfaction now deserve attention. I hold a Diploma in Integrative Transpersonal Counselling from Re-Vision. This is 'counselling with a soulful perspective'. The strongest influence in the training is Jung. In this perspective, times of real difficulty or despair are seen as holding a potential for change and growth. In our work you will be heard and witnessed.
01494 328851 View 01494 328851
Photo of Janie Cartledge, MBACP, Counsellor
Janie Cartledge
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Great Missenden HP16
We have all had a unique and perhaps upsetting experience of a global phenomenon. As you step out into your new normal, you may need some help to process your experiences and how to shape your future within this new landscape. I offer professional support through a variety of theories and techniques to deal with immediate feelings of stress as well as deeper exploration of how historical experiences may have affected your current responses and reactions. It is important that you feel in control of your own therapeutic journey and I therefore offer support at your individual pace and to support your hopes and aspirations.
We have all had a unique and perhaps upsetting experience of a global phenomenon. As you step out into your new normal, you may need some help to process your experiences and how to shape your future within this new landscape. I offer professional support through a variety of theories and techniques to deal with immediate feelings of stress as well as deeper exploration of how historical experiences may have affected your current responses and reactions. It is important that you feel in control of your own therapeutic journey and I therefore offer support at your individual pace and to support your hopes and aspirations.
07723 463359 View 07723 463359
Photo of Emma Black, MSc, MUKCP, Psychotherapist
Emma Black
Psychotherapist, MSc, MUKCP
Verified Verified
Great Missenden HP16
Not accepting new clients
Anxiety, depression, stress, conflict. We all hear these words but when they are your story it's much more than words, it's your life. If you invest in yourself you can learn to stop being controlled, feel you're making your own decisions and improve your relationship, career or state of mind. My clients show courage in reflecting on their lives and I've yet to work with any individual or couple who have regretted taking this step. Now we're in this extreme new way of living we may need to address issues we've previously avoided. This could be that opportunity.
Anxiety, depression, stress, conflict. We all hear these words but when they are your story it's much more than words, it's your life. If you invest in yourself you can learn to stop being controlled, feel you're making your own decisions and improve your relationship, career or state of mind. My clients show courage in reflecting on their lives and I've yet to work with any individual or couple who have regretted taking this step. Now we're in this extreme new way of living we may need to address issues we've previously avoided. This could be that opportunity.
01494 360952 View 01494 360952

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Laura Drane, MA, MBACP, Psychotherapist
Laura Drane
Psychotherapist, MA, MBACP
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Tring HP23
Do you suffer with addictive and self-sabotaging behaviours? Keep repeating destructive patterns? Need help to stop addictive and compulsive actions? You may have a history of staying in and returning to unfulfilling relationships. You may suspect that you suffer with codependence, love addiction, or an addiction to sex and pornography. I can help you uncover answers. I provide a compassionate and straightforward approach to therapy. Together we will explore your current circumstances and look for the reasons behind them. Then we will work towards a solution.
Do you suffer with addictive and self-sabotaging behaviours? Keep repeating destructive patterns? Need help to stop addictive and compulsive actions? You may have a history of staying in and returning to unfulfilling relationships. You may suspect that you suffer with codependence, love addiction, or an addiction to sex and pornography. I can help you uncover answers. I provide a compassionate and straightforward approach to therapy. Together we will explore your current circumstances and look for the reasons behind them. Then we will work towards a solution.
01920 452588 View 01920 452588
Photo of Lee Martin, MA, MBACP Snr. Accred, Psychotherapist
Lee Martin
Psychotherapist, MA, MBACP Snr. Accred
Verified Verified
Chalfont Saint Giles HP8  (Online Only)
Hello and Welcome, Life has indeed become complex. Many of us are now struggling with our mental health in ways that are no longer manageable. Our past and present hurts, our unprocessed feelings have risen to the surface. We find ourselves thinking, feeling and acting in ways that do not reflect who we want to be. Some of us have Grief, Trauma or Addiction that we just can’t seem to work through. As a Senior Accredited Psychotherapist with a Master Degree and EMDR Accredited, I've seen thousands come through my door, with various presenting issues, undergo genuine transformation, healing and leave with hope for the future.
Hello and Welcome, Life has indeed become complex. Many of us are now struggling with our mental health in ways that are no longer manageable. Our past and present hurts, our unprocessed feelings have risen to the surface. We find ourselves thinking, feeling and acting in ways that do not reflect who we want to be. Some of us have Grief, Trauma or Addiction that we just can’t seem to work through. As a Senior Accredited Psychotherapist with a Master Degree and EMDR Accredited, I've seen thousands come through my door, with various presenting issues, undergo genuine transformation, healing and leave with hope for the future.
01895 545169 View 01895 545169
Photo of Lee Martin Mbacp(Sen Accred) Emdr(Accred) Ma Ba(Hons) Pg-Dip, MA, MBACP Snr. Accred, Psychotherapist
Lee Martin Mbacp(Sen Accred) Emdr(Accred) Ma Ba(Hons) Pg-Dip
Psychotherapist, MA, MBACP Snr. Accred
Verified Verified
High Wycombe HP14
Hello and Welcome, Life has indeed become complex. Many of us are now struggling with our mental health in ways that are no longer manageable. Our past and present hurts, our unprocessed feelings have risen to the surface. We find ourselves thinking, feeling and acting in ways that do not reflect who we want to be. Some of us have Grief, Trauma or Addiction that we just can’t seem to work through. As a Senior Accredited Psychotherapist with a Master Degree and EMDR Accredited, I've seen thousands come through my door, with various presenting issues and undergo genuine transformation, healing and leave with hope for the future.
Hello and Welcome, Life has indeed become complex. Many of us are now struggling with our mental health in ways that are no longer manageable. Our past and present hurts, our unprocessed feelings have risen to the surface. We find ourselves thinking, feeling and acting in ways that do not reflect who we want to be. Some of us have Grief, Trauma or Addiction that we just can’t seem to work through. As a Senior Accredited Psychotherapist with a Master Degree and EMDR Accredited, I've seen thousands come through my door, with various presenting issues and undergo genuine transformation, healing and leave with hope for the future.
020 4538 6246 View 020 4538 6246
Photo of Sarah Jennifer Templeton - Headstuff ADHD Therapy, MNCPS Acc., Counsellor
Headstuff ADHD Therapy
Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
High Wycombe HP13
Anything and everything to do with ADHD! We have trained addiction specialists who work with ADHD & Addiction.
Hi. We are ADHD specialists. All our counsellors are diagnosed ADHD. We really understand the condition from the inside out. A lot of us have partners, parents or children who are ADHD as well. We have a carefully hand-picked team dotted across the UK with our head office in High Wycombe in Buckinghamshire. We work face-to-face in England and Wales and by video and telephone nationally. We are passionate about adults receiving the right diagnosis so if you have a diagnosis that doesn’t fit you, please get in touch with us. We are also passionate about keeping ADHD teenagers out of prison. Find us at www.HeadstuffADHDTherapy.Co.Uk
Anything and everything to do with ADHD! We have trained addiction specialists who work with ADHD & Addiction.
Hi. We are ADHD specialists. All our counsellors are diagnosed ADHD. We really understand the condition from the inside out. A lot of us have partners, parents or children who are ADHD as well. We have a carefully hand-picked team dotted across the UK with our head office in High Wycombe in Buckinghamshire. We work face-to-face in England and Wales and by video and telephone nationally. We are passionate about adults receiving the right diagnosis so if you have a diagnosis that doesn’t fit you, please get in touch with us. We are also passionate about keeping ADHD teenagers out of prison. Find us at www.HeadstuffADHDTherapy.Co.Uk
View
Photo of Derrick Tempest, PsychD, MBACP, Psychotherapist
Derrick Tempest
Psychotherapist, PsychD, MBACP
Verified Verified
Aylesbury HP19
I specialize in anxiety, depression (a belief system re-evaluation is probably needed), OCD, and addiction.
Is it time to talk? I'm an experienced BACP and UKCP registered level 7 (the highest level) psychotherapist. Specializing in anxiety, depression, addiction, and OCD. Clear the fog, make positive changes, and invest in your future contentment. My therapy is friendly, supportive, and healing, helping you find your true self.
I specialize in anxiety, depression (a belief system re-evaluation is probably needed), OCD, and addiction.
Is it time to talk? I'm an experienced BACP and UKCP registered level 7 (the highest level) psychotherapist. Specializing in anxiety, depression, addiction, and OCD. Clear the fog, make positive changes, and invest in your future contentment. My therapy is friendly, supportive, and healing, helping you find your true self.
01582 377386 View 01582 377386
Photo of Louisa Woodford, DCounsPsych, MBACP, Psychotherapist
Louisa Woodford
Psychotherapist, DCounsPsych, MBACP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Aylesbury HP22
Feeling anxious, unsettled or sad can feel like a lonely place to be in our lives. I work with anxiety and depression and have further experience in working with addiction and abuse. Whether it's a challenging life event, relationship, job or a sense of ongoing unhappiness that feels hard to pin-point, I offer a calm and friendly space in which we can talk through your issues at your pace to explore what you might need. Rather than advise, I gently support you to find the way forward that feels right for you.
Feeling anxious, unsettled or sad can feel like a lonely place to be in our lives. I work with anxiety and depression and have further experience in working with addiction and abuse. Whether it's a challenging life event, relationship, job or a sense of ongoing unhappiness that feels hard to pin-point, I offer a calm and friendly space in which we can talk through your issues at your pace to explore what you might need. Rather than advise, I gently support you to find the way forward that feels right for you.
01296 329372 View 01296 329372
Photo of Lee Martin Mbacp(Sen Accred) Emdr(Accred) Ma Ba(Hons) Pg-Dip, MA, MBACP Snr. Accred, Psychotherapist
Lee Martin Mbacp(Sen Accred) Emdr(Accred) Ma Ba(Hons) Pg-Dip
Psychotherapist, MA, MBACP Snr. Accred
Verified Verified
Berkhamsted HP4  (Online Only)
Hello and Welcome, Life has indeed become complex. Many of us are now struggling with our mental health in ways that are no longer manageable. Our past and present hurts, our unprocessed feelings have risen to the surface. We find ourselves thinking, feeling and acting in ways that do not reflect who we want to be. Some of us have Grief, Trauma or Addiction that we just can’t seem to work through. As a Senior Accredited Psychotherapist with a Master Degree and EMDR Accredited, I've seen thousands come through my door, with various presenting issues and undergo genuine transformation, healing and leave with hope for the future.
Hello and Welcome, Life has indeed become complex. Many of us are now struggling with our mental health in ways that are no longer manageable. Our past and present hurts, our unprocessed feelings have risen to the surface. We find ourselves thinking, feeling and acting in ways that do not reflect who we want to be. Some of us have Grief, Trauma or Addiction that we just can’t seem to work through. As a Senior Accredited Psychotherapist with a Master Degree and EMDR Accredited, I've seen thousands come through my door, with various presenting issues and undergo genuine transformation, healing and leave with hope for the future.
020 4538 6806 View 020 4538 6806
Photo of L Wykes - Home Counties Therapy, MSc
Home Counties Therapy
MSc
Verified Verified
Aylesbury HP20
We specialise in working with people with Borderline Personality Disorder, Dual Diagnosis, Addiction and Autistic Spectrum Disorder/Pathological Demand Avoidance. Our highly skilled team will work with you to find the solutions that you are looking for.
We specialise in working with people with Borderline Personality Disorder, Dual Diagnosis, Addiction and Autistic Spectrum Disorder/Pathological Demand Avoidance. Our highly skilled team will work with you to find the solutions that you are looking for.
01296 827049 View 01296 827049
Photo of Lee Martin Mbacp(Sen.accred)Emdr(Accred) Ma Ba(Hons) Pg-Dip, MA, MBACP Snr. Accred, Psychotherapist
Lee Martin Mbacp(Sen.accred)Emdr(Accred) Ma Ba(Hons) Pg-Dip
Psychotherapist, MA, MBACP Snr. Accred
Verified Verified
Chalfont Saint Giles HP8  (Online Only)
Hello and Welcome, Life has indeed become complex. Many of us are now struggling with our mental health in ways that are no longer manageable. Our past and present hurts, our unprocessed feelings have risen to the surface. We find ourselves thinking, feeling and acting in ways that do not reflect who we want to be. Some of us have Grief, Trauma or Addiction that we just can’t seem to work through. As a Senior Accredited Psychotherapist with a Master Degree and EMDR Accredited, I've seen thousands come through my door, with various presenting issues and undergo genuine transformation, healing and leave with hope for the future.
Hello and Welcome, Life has indeed become complex. Many of us are now struggling with our mental health in ways that are no longer manageable. Our past and present hurts, our unprocessed feelings have risen to the surface. We find ourselves thinking, feeling and acting in ways that do not reflect who we want to be. Some of us have Grief, Trauma or Addiction that we just can’t seem to work through. As a Senior Accredited Psychotherapist with a Master Degree and EMDR Accredited, I've seen thousands come through my door, with various presenting issues and undergo genuine transformation, healing and leave with hope for the future.
020 3984 8581 View 020 3984 8581
Photo of Lynn Turner - Soulworks Counselling Limited, MBACP, Counsellor
Soulworks Counselling Limited
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
High Wycombe HP10
Hello, my name is Lynn Turner. I have over 28 years counselling, therapy and life coaching experience, with expertise in addiction, codependency, complex and abusive relationships (including being in a relationship with a sociopath, narcissist, or someone with a mental health issue or a personality disorder). I specialise in, and have a Diploma in 'Dealing with Narcissism'. I provide a non-judgemental, safe, confidential and professional space for you to talk about, and work through, your problems. I believe the counselling relationship needs to be authentic, honest and safe in order for healthy change to happen.
Hello, my name is Lynn Turner. I have over 28 years counselling, therapy and life coaching experience, with expertise in addiction, codependency, complex and abusive relationships (including being in a relationship with a sociopath, narcissist, or someone with a mental health issue or a personality disorder). I specialise in, and have a Diploma in 'Dealing with Narcissism'. I provide a non-judgemental, safe, confidential and professional space for you to talk about, and work through, your problems. I believe the counselling relationship needs to be authentic, honest and safe in order for healthy change to happen.
View
Photo of Claire Morgan, DCounsPsych, MNCPS Acc., Counsellor
Claire Morgan
Counsellor, DCounsPsych, MNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
Chesham HP5
I work with individuals and family members that have been affected by addiction.
Thank you for taking time to read my profile, it can feel challenging to leap into the unknown, its courageous and affects change from contact. Are you feeling anxious, low or just a sense of "all is not well"? Maybe you are struggling to build or maintain relationships, experiencing stress at work or home? I work integratively, which means that I draw on different modalties and hope to provide a collaborative, confidential, non-judgemental and empathic space for this part of your journey. The sessions are led by you, I am here to listen and ensure that the therapeutic relationship is at the heart of the work we do together.
I work with individuals and family members that have been affected by addiction.
Thank you for taking time to read my profile, it can feel challenging to leap into the unknown, its courageous and affects change from contact. Are you feeling anxious, low or just a sense of "all is not well"? Maybe you are struggling to build or maintain relationships, experiencing stress at work or home? I work integratively, which means that I draw on different modalties and hope to provide a collaborative, confidential, non-judgemental and empathic space for this part of your journey. The sessions are led by you, I am here to listen and ensure that the therapeutic relationship is at the heart of the work we do together.
01489 357229 View 01489 357229
Photo of Philippa Williams - Equine Enlightenment Psychological Services, GMBPsS, Psychologist
Equine Enlightenment Psychological Services
Psychologist, GMBPsS
Verified Verified
Aylesbury HP20  (Online Only)
This could be understood as complex trauma, complex PTSD, PTSD, ongoing or prolonged stressful/ traumatic or abusive events or a one off event, along with DID, self harm, sucicidality, addiction and Borderline/ Emotionally Unstable Personality disorders.
Currently sessions are available online only. We are able to offer both short and long term therapy for a broad range of needs and goals. We can work together once weekly or more, for an hour or more, alternative weeks/ monthly and one off sessions. We tailor the therapy to your individual needs and goals, combining a structured professional approach that will feel comfortable and safe. As a team of psychologists, psychotherapists and counsellors, we can offer a range of psychological approaches and evidence based therapy to support your healing.
This could be understood as complex trauma, complex PTSD, PTSD, ongoing or prolonged stressful/ traumatic or abusive events or a one off event, along with DID, self harm, sucicidality, addiction and Borderline/ Emotionally Unstable Personality disorders.
Currently sessions are available online only. We are able to offer both short and long term therapy for a broad range of needs and goals. We can work together once weekly or more, for an hour or more, alternative weeks/ monthly and one off sessions. We tailor the therapy to your individual needs and goals, combining a structured professional approach that will feel comfortable and safe. As a team of psychologists, psychotherapists and counsellors, we can offer a range of psychological approaches and evidence based therapy to support your healing.
07588 695348 View 07588 695348
Photo of Gary Aldridge, MBACP, Psychotherapist
Gary Aldridge
Psychotherapist, MBACP
Verified Verified
Hemel Hempstead HP3
I am a qualified, experienced counsellor and have trained in various approaches to therapy. This means that I use a range of counselling theories and methods within my work, ensuring that I work with you to tailor our sessions to suit your needs. I cover all areas of counselling, including, addiction, anxiety, depression, stress, couples/ relationships. I also specialise in working with trauma, addiction and alcoholism, having worked in the field of addiction for over 10 years. My current mentor is Rachel Fairhurst who is my supervisor and trainer.  Within this model of working i have been trained in trauma focussed therapy.
I am a qualified, experienced counsellor and have trained in various approaches to therapy. This means that I use a range of counselling theories and methods within my work, ensuring that I work with you to tailor our sessions to suit your needs. I cover all areas of counselling, including, addiction, anxiety, depression, stress, couples/ relationships. I also specialise in working with trauma, addiction and alcoholism, having worked in the field of addiction for over 10 years. My current mentor is Rachel Fairhurst who is my supervisor and trainer.  Within this model of working i have been trained in trauma focussed therapy.
01992 352163 View 01992 352163
Photo of Colin Winter, MBABCP, Psychotherapist
Colin Winter
Psychotherapist, MBABCP
Verified Verified
Berkhamsted HP4  (Online Only)
I work with a wide range of client challenges, including depression, generalised anxiety, eating disorders, social anxiety, low self-esteem, panic attacks, PTSD, agoraphobia, specific phobias obsessive-compulsive disorder, self-harm, addiction, body dysmorphia, personality disorders, stress management, sleep difficulties and pain management.
Warmth, empathy, non-judgemental acceptance, scientific rigour and humour are at the heart of my approach to therapy. I follow core CBT traditions which put the client and therapist on an equal footing in a collaborative partnership, with the client as the authoritative expert in themselves. I aim to debunk and demystify, strip out jargon, and explain transparently how I work. CBT aims to give clients a therapeutic fishing rod, not just a fish, so that clients are helped to become CBT experts, their own therapists for the future. Therapy can be challenging, but more often it should be healing, uplifting, enriching and fun.
I work with a wide range of client challenges, including depression, generalised anxiety, eating disorders, social anxiety, low self-esteem, panic attacks, PTSD, agoraphobia, specific phobias obsessive-compulsive disorder, self-harm, addiction, body dysmorphia, personality disorders, stress management, sleep difficulties and pain management.
Warmth, empathy, non-judgemental acceptance, scientific rigour and humour are at the heart of my approach to therapy. I follow core CBT traditions which put the client and therapist on an equal footing in a collaborative partnership, with the client as the authoritative expert in themselves. I aim to debunk and demystify, strip out jargon, and explain transparently how I work. CBT aims to give clients a therapeutic fishing rod, not just a fish, so that clients are helped to become CBT experts, their own therapists for the future. Therapy can be challenging, but more often it should be healing, uplifting, enriching and fun.
01442 506778 View 01442 506778
Photo of Louise Nairn, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist
Louise Nairn
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
Marlow SL7
I worked in busy NHS psychology services for over 20 years with hundreds of clients with a range of difficulties including depression, anxiety, panic, OCD, sexual health and addiction.
Sometimes we feel that our life is not a life well-lived. Many of us feel like we are surviving instead of thriving. Our mental health plays a big role here. It shapes our experience of life.
I worked in busy NHS psychology services for over 20 years with hundreds of clients with a range of difficulties including depression, anxiety, panic, OCD, sexual health and addiction.
Sometimes we feel that our life is not a life well-lived. Many of us feel like we are surviving instead of thriving. Our mental health plays a big role here. It shapes our experience of life.
01628 882212 View 01628 882212
Photo of Juliette Coffey, MA, MBACP Snr. Accred, Psychotherapist
Juliette Coffey
Psychotherapist, MA, MBACP Snr. Accred
Verified Verified
Amersham HP6
Specialising in empowering women of all ages, I can help you with a wide range of issues, including: anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, physical & mental health issues, PTSD, low self-esteem, sexual abuse, addiction, loss and bereavement. I offer both short-term counselling and longer, open-ended work.
Specialising in empowering women of all ages, I can help you with a wide range of issues, including: anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, physical & mental health issues, PTSD, low self-esteem, sexual abuse, addiction, loss and bereavement. I offer both short-term counselling and longer, open-ended work.
01923 920587 View 01923 920587

See more therapy options for Great Missenden

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.