Addiction Counselling in England

Photo of Gareth Paul, MBACP, Counsellor
Gareth Paul
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Manchester M34  (Online Only)
I have lived experience of depression, bereavement by suicide, addiction and recovery, which means that I have real empathy and understanding.
Hi, I'm Gareth from Purple Rain Counselling. I am an integrative counsellor providing support for people with any kind of mental health issue. I offer specialist help for depression, anxiety, addiction, bereavement and supporting those who have lost loved ones to suicide. By listening to you, we will develop our sessions together to help you achieve your desired goals and give you the coping skills you need.
I have lived experience of depression, bereavement by suicide, addiction and recovery, which means that I have real empathy and understanding.
Hi, I'm Gareth from Purple Rain Counselling. I am an integrative counsellor providing support for people with any kind of mental health issue. I offer specialist help for depression, anxiety, addiction, bereavement and supporting those who have lost loved ones to suicide. By listening to you, we will develop our sessions together to help you achieve your desired goals and give you the coping skills you need.
0161 524 1485 View 0161 524 1485
Photo of Hannah Chrystal
Hannah Chrystal
Verified Verified
London N3  (Online Only)
I hold a Masters in Addiction Psychology and Counselling, Level 5 Diploma in sex/love addiction therapy, Level 4 Certificate in treating Eating Disorders, I managed the Amy Winehouse Foundations addiction center (Amy's Place) for 5 years which supports young women.
I work with addiction, compulsive behaviors and trauma. I can support you to look at behaviors such as alcohol and drug use, relationships patterns and sex addictions. Any activity taken to an excess which the person starts to find is taking over their life at a cost of other things in life such as friends, family, work may be looked at in a similar way. I can guide you to look into reasons why certain coping mechanisms began and support you to make desired changes. I can also support you to look at symptoms of complex trauma (CPTSD) Anxiety, Depression, attachment and relational issues.
I hold a Masters in Addiction Psychology and Counselling, Level 5 Diploma in sex/love addiction therapy, Level 4 Certificate in treating Eating Disorders, I managed the Amy Winehouse Foundations addiction center (Amy's Place) for 5 years which supports young women.
I work with addiction, compulsive behaviors and trauma. I can support you to look at behaviors such as alcohol and drug use, relationships patterns and sex addictions. Any activity taken to an excess which the person starts to find is taking over their life at a cost of other things in life such as friends, family, work may be looked at in a similar way. I can guide you to look into reasons why certain coping mechanisms began and support you to make desired changes. I can also support you to look at symptoms of complex trauma (CPTSD) Anxiety, Depression, attachment and relational issues.
020 3962 1275 View 020 3962 1275
Photo of Rebecca Ford, MSc, MBACP, Counsellor
Rebecca Ford
Counsellor, MSc, MBACP
Verified Verified
Imagine feeling overwhelmed by addiction, anxiety, or depression. You want to regain control of your life, find inner peace, and feel truly understood. You need a safe space to explore your thoughts and emotions without judgment, where your unique experiences are valued and respected. Your goal is to overcome these challenges and achieve personal growth. That's where I come in. As an integrative therapist, I specialize in addiction, anxiety, and depression, using a person-centred approach to focus on your individual needs.
Imagine feeling overwhelmed by addiction, anxiety, or depression. You want to regain control of your life, find inner peace, and feel truly understood. You need a safe space to explore your thoughts and emotions without judgment, where your unique experiences are valued and respected. Your goal is to overcome these challenges and achieve personal growth. That's where I come in. As an integrative therapist, I specialize in addiction, anxiety, and depression, using a person-centred approach to focus on your individual needs.
01992 927309 View 01992 927309
Photo of Paul Lee Woodhouse, MBACP, Counsellor
Paul Lee Woodhouse
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
I specialise in behavioural change, motivation, relationships, addiction, depression and anxiety.
Let’s face it, life can be hard. To tackle the challenges we endure day-to-day, it’s essential to build a good psychological foundation and increase our fortitude. Without a balanced lifestyle our bodies and minds become less resilient. Are you struggling to move forward? My life philosophy is simple – be consistent and things will change for you. Work with me if you want to create healthier habits/behaviours and relinquish old beliefs that have weighed you down.
I specialise in behavioural change, motivation, relationships, addiction, depression and anxiety.
Let’s face it, life can be hard. To tackle the challenges we endure day-to-day, it’s essential to build a good psychological foundation and increase our fortitude. Without a balanced lifestyle our bodies and minds become less resilient. Are you struggling to move forward? My life philosophy is simple – be consistent and things will change for you. Work with me if you want to create healthier habits/behaviours and relinquish old beliefs that have weighed you down.
01325 521241 View 01325 521241
Photo of Jo Dean, MBACP Accred, Counsellor
Jo Dean
Counsellor, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
I work with adults both one to one and in group therapy that present with a range of difficulties which include Addiction, Mental Health, Eating Disorders, Self Harm, Bereavement, Anxiety, Depression, Domestic and Sexual Abuse, Trauma, Personality Disorders and many other challenges that individuals come to therapy for.
I am a qualified, experienced therapist and clinical supervisor working in Nottingham with clients seeking support when they are struggling with emotional or mental health challenges. Many people seek therapy when they are feeling vulnerable and experiencing challenging times, due to past experiences or events that are happening in the present day. I understand how big this first step is. My role as a therapist is to provide you with a safe and confidential space to talk and help you explore the challenges you are currently facing and help you heal and find solutions. I have worked for the Priory Clinic, Steps Together Rehab.
I work with adults both one to one and in group therapy that present with a range of difficulties which include Addiction, Mental Health, Eating Disorders, Self Harm, Bereavement, Anxiety, Depression, Domestic and Sexual Abuse, Trauma, Personality Disorders and many other challenges that individuals come to therapy for.
I am a qualified, experienced therapist and clinical supervisor working in Nottingham with clients seeking support when they are struggling with emotional or mental health challenges. Many people seek therapy when they are feeling vulnerable and experiencing challenging times, due to past experiences or events that are happening in the present day. I understand how big this first step is. My role as a therapist is to provide you with a safe and confidential space to talk and help you explore the challenges you are currently facing and help you heal and find solutions. I have worked for the Priory Clinic, Steps Together Rehab.
0115 697 1022 View 0115 697 1022
Photo of Fay Elizabeth Parkes, DCounsPsych, MBACP, Counsellor
Fay Elizabeth Parkes
Counsellor, DCounsPsych, MBACP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
I specialise in addiction, whether that be alcohol, drugs, relationships or gambling.
I am an experienced and qualified therapist/counsellor who knows from my own journey into therapy how initially daunting yet hugely beneficial it can be. Therefore, I meet each client with empathy, understanding and genuineness to help you to face the challenges of life. Firstly, you can expect a warm and friendly approach where you will be heard and find relational support. I will seek to understand what you would like to gain from counselling and we will work together to find the best way of achieving that. Together we will embark on a journey towards healing, growth and positive change, focusing on your needs and challenges.
I specialise in addiction, whether that be alcohol, drugs, relationships or gambling.
I am an experienced and qualified therapist/counsellor who knows from my own journey into therapy how initially daunting yet hugely beneficial it can be. Therefore, I meet each client with empathy, understanding and genuineness to help you to face the challenges of life. Firstly, you can expect a warm and friendly approach where you will be heard and find relational support. I will seek to understand what you would like to gain from counselling and we will work together to find the best way of achieving that. Together we will embark on a journey towards healing, growth and positive change, focusing on your needs and challenges.
01279 594737 View 01279 594737
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
London W1J  (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.
01494 326461 View 01494 326461
Photo of Angela Felecity Bryant, MBACP, Counsellor
Angela Felecity Bryant
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
For the last 16 years I have worked in a different role giving help and support to people who are actively in recovery from Addiction .
Welcome to my profile. You have made the courageous decision taking the first steps towards positive change and healing old wounds by reaching out for support. Many people come to counselling for different reasons, you are not alone. Counselling gives you a safe confidential space ,where you can explore thoughts and feelings, gaining awareness on unhelpful behaviour and perspectives by exploring healthier ways of coping and helps you make positive changes and move forward in life.
For the last 16 years I have worked in a different role giving help and support to people who are actively in recovery from Addiction .
Welcome to my profile. You have made the courageous decision taking the first steps towards positive change and healing old wounds by reaching out for support. Many people come to counselling for different reasons, you are not alone. Counselling gives you a safe confidential space ,where you can explore thoughts and feelings, gaining awareness on unhelpful behaviour and perspectives by exploring healthier ways of coping and helps you make positive changes and move forward in life.
01748 901506 View 01748 901506
Photo of Dennis Rice - Therapy in Dulwich, MBACP, Counsellor
Therapy in Dulwich
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
London SE24
My name is Dennis and I am here to help with your anxiety, your depression, addiction, a loss or bereavement, or just a general feeling that life is overwhelming you at present.
I offer short term Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).. To be clear you are the expert on you and my role is to support you so that you may help yourself without having to spend an inordinate amount of time having therapy or continually returning to therapy. I offer an initial six entirely confidential sessions at a safe space in North Dulwich. Alternatively I am also qualified in Gestalt humanistic therapy too for if the issue runs a bit deeper and the support needed is longer term. All sessions which are cancelled with less than 48 hours notice are fully chargeable.
My name is Dennis and I am here to help with your anxiety, your depression, addiction, a loss or bereavement, or just a general feeling that life is overwhelming you at present.
I offer short term Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).. To be clear you are the expert on you and my role is to support you so that you may help yourself without having to spend an inordinate amount of time having therapy or continually returning to therapy. I offer an initial six entirely confidential sessions at a safe space in North Dulwich. Alternatively I am also qualified in Gestalt humanistic therapy too for if the issue runs a bit deeper and the support needed is longer term. All sessions which are cancelled with less than 48 hours notice are fully chargeable.
020 3984 8565 View 020 3984 8565
Photo of Clare Sole, MBACP Accred, Counsellor
Clare Sole
Counsellor, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
My practice is an integrative approach, bringing together different elements of specific therapies to best suit each individual client. I will support you to identify and question unhelpful beliefs about yourself and to consolidate your skills and abilities to work more effectively towards your life goal. I have many years of experience of working with addiction and eating disorders. I work with relational childhood trauma-wounds stemming from inconsistent parenting or abuse-sexual, physical and emotional.
My practice is an integrative approach, bringing together different elements of specific therapies to best suit each individual client. I will support you to identify and question unhelpful beliefs about yourself and to consolidate your skills and abilities to work more effectively towards your life goal. I have many years of experience of working with addiction and eating disorders. I work with relational childhood trauma-wounds stemming from inconsistent parenting or abuse-sexual, physical and emotional.
020 3962 1082 View 020 3962 1082
Photo of Maryam Omidi, PhD, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist
Maryam Omidi
Psychologist, PhD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
London N16  (Online Only)
I have extensive experience working with complex trauma and its sequelae, including personality disorders, substance misuse disorders, and mood disorders (anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder).
You may be seeking therapy for greater self-understanding, symptom relief, or improved relationships. Whatever your goals, we will work collaboratively to bring your thoughts, feelings, and desires into conscious awareness to understand how they impact your relationships and the way you navigate the world. As a therapist, I have a warm, empathic, and direct style. I work primarily from a relational psychodynamic base and weave in CBT, DBT, mindfulness, and compassion-focused techniques to target symptoms, improve the mind-body connection, and enhance overall well-being.
I have extensive experience working with complex trauma and its sequelae, including personality disorders, substance misuse disorders, and mood disorders (anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder).
You may be seeking therapy for greater self-understanding, symptom relief, or improved relationships. Whatever your goals, we will work collaboratively to bring your thoughts, feelings, and desires into conscious awareness to understand how they impact your relationships and the way you navigate the world. As a therapist, I have a warm, empathic, and direct style. I work primarily from a relational psychodynamic base and weave in CBT, DBT, mindfulness, and compassion-focused techniques to target symptoms, improve the mind-body connection, and enhance overall well-being.
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Photo of Yael Stobezki, MUKCP, Psychotherapist
Yael Stobezki
Psychotherapist, MUKCP
Verified Verified
I have worked in the Addiction field for many years, and also facilitated Art-Therapy groups for 15 years.
I am a qualified counsellor and psychotherapist with experience of 35 years and a practice in London, NW6. I work with individuals seeking counselling for a variety of reasons including relationship issues, addictions,anger management, anxiety and depression, bereavement, life-transitions, panic attacks, post natal depression, blocked creativity, low self esteem/assertiveness and stress. I provide a safe and confidential, emphatic and non-judgmental environment in which we can together explore your issues and gain an understanding of your experience and the best way to change what can be changed.
I have worked in the Addiction field for many years, and also facilitated Art-Therapy groups for 15 years.
I am a qualified counsellor and psychotherapist with experience of 35 years and a practice in London, NW6. I work with individuals seeking counselling for a variety of reasons including relationship issues, addictions,anger management, anxiety and depression, bereavement, life-transitions, panic attacks, post natal depression, blocked creativity, low self esteem/assertiveness and stress. I provide a safe and confidential, emphatic and non-judgmental environment in which we can together explore your issues and gain an understanding of your experience and the best way to change what can be changed.
020 3870 3442 View 020 3870 3442
Photo of Andria Mirielle Smith, MSc, MBACP Accred, Psychotherapist
Andria Mirielle Smith
Psychotherapist, MSc, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
My main areas of organisational work have been addiction and sexual health.
Talking about mental health may seem daunting, feeling that you will be negatively judged, or misunderstood. I am here to work with you, to understand and to value your thoughts and feelings in the way that they are important to you. Offering you an environment where you feel safe to begin to explore what you think and feel, in a way and at a pace that is positive and meaningful. I offer a free of charge initial telephone session, where we can see how and if we can work together, it is important, that you are with the right therapist for you.
My main areas of organisational work have been addiction and sexual health.
Talking about mental health may seem daunting, feeling that you will be negatively judged, or misunderstood. I am here to work with you, to understand and to value your thoughts and feelings in the way that they are important to you. Offering you an environment where you feel safe to begin to explore what you think and feel, in a way and at a pace that is positive and meaningful. I offer a free of charge initial telephone session, where we can see how and if we can work together, it is important, that you are with the right therapist for you.
01246 388475 View 01246 388475
Photo of Dr Fiona Dowman (Purple Bridge Psychology), HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist
Dr Fiona Dowman (Purple Bridge Psychology)
Psychologist, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
Unfortunately, there are still misunderstandings, stigma and shame surrounding drugs, alcohol and addiction, but you don’t have to cope alone.
Are you affected by alcohol or drugs? Whether you find yourself stuck in a cycle of using drugs and alcohol or you're a loved one affected by someone else's drinking or drug use, I am here to help. Perhaps you are experiencing difficult thoughts or feelings such as stress, anxiety or depression that feel impossible to deal with without drinking or taking drugs. You feel that you need to drink or take drugs to have a good time, cope with negative thoughts or to feel confident. Or it has become a habit and you don’t get any pleasure from it anymore. If your alcohol or drug use is impacting your quality of life, you are not alone!
Unfortunately, there are still misunderstandings, stigma and shame surrounding drugs, alcohol and addiction, but you don’t have to cope alone.
Are you affected by alcohol or drugs? Whether you find yourself stuck in a cycle of using drugs and alcohol or you're a loved one affected by someone else's drinking or drug use, I am here to help. Perhaps you are experiencing difficult thoughts or feelings such as stress, anxiety or depression that feel impossible to deal with without drinking or taking drugs. You feel that you need to drink or take drugs to have a good time, cope with negative thoughts or to feel confident. Or it has become a habit and you don’t get any pleasure from it anymore. If your alcohol or drug use is impacting your quality of life, you are not alone!
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Photo of Benjamin Ng, MSc, MBACP, Psychotherapist
Benjamin Ng
Psychotherapist, MSc, MBACP
Verified Verified
King's Lynn PE30  (Online Only)
Welcome! I am an American-trained member of the BACP, with 9 years of experience working as a psychotherapist. I have worked with clients struggling with a range of mental health difficulties (chronic and acute: depression, anxiety, stress, trauma), but have specific experience with relationship issues (infidelity, breakups/divorce, struggles to connect); grief, bereavement and loss; and addiction. My style is warm and interactive, but challenging when needed. Being non-judgmental, and treating others with respect, sensitivity, and compassion is the bedrock of counselling, and is built into all of my feedback and reflections.
Welcome! I am an American-trained member of the BACP, with 9 years of experience working as a psychotherapist. I have worked with clients struggling with a range of mental health difficulties (chronic and acute: depression, anxiety, stress, trauma), but have specific experience with relationship issues (infidelity, breakups/divorce, struggles to connect); grief, bereavement and loss; and addiction. My style is warm and interactive, but challenging when needed. Being non-judgmental, and treating others with respect, sensitivity, and compassion is the bedrock of counselling, and is built into all of my feedback and reflections.
07749 102533 View 07749 102533
Photo of Paula Patricia Appleton, MBACP, Counsellor
Paula Patricia Appleton
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Canvey Island SS8  (Online Only)
Addiction, depression, bereavement, sexual abuse, PTSD, affairs and betrayals, illness, phobias.
Hi and thanks for taking the time to look at my profile. I am a qualified Counsellor with experience working with individuals of all ages working with an integrative approach, thus I combine a range of counselling therapies tailoring them for each individual client in line with the BACP Ethical Framework. I work with a number of presenting issues.
Addiction, depression, bereavement, sexual abuse, PTSD, affairs and betrayals, illness, phobias.
Hi and thanks for taking the time to look at my profile. I am a qualified Counsellor with experience working with individuals of all ages working with an integrative approach, thus I combine a range of counselling therapies tailoring them for each individual client in line with the BACP Ethical Framework. I work with a number of presenting issues.
01268 261512 View 01268 261512
Photo of Joanna Ruth Corsie - Freedom To Be You Counselling and Psychotherapy, PNCPS Acc., Psychotherapist
Freedom To Be You Counselling and Psychotherapy
Psychotherapist, PNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
I was a weight loss consultant for 7 years and currently work in a rehab setting with those in recovery for alcohol and drug addiction.
Freedom is that time in space when you are allowed to be truly yourself – a time to do what you want, when you want it and not be shackled by others agenda’s. This singular word is extremely precious and valuable to me because there have been times when I felt I had no freedom. My aim is to work with you in a holistic way, taking into account mind, body and spirit. My training allows me to tailor make the therapy to you at any individual time. I work with a variety of issues and believe that everyone has the capability for change in their lives.
I was a weight loss consultant for 7 years and currently work in a rehab setting with those in recovery for alcohol and drug addiction.
Freedom is that time in space when you are allowed to be truly yourself – a time to do what you want, when you want it and not be shackled by others agenda’s. This singular word is extremely precious and valuable to me because there have been times when I felt I had no freedom. My aim is to work with you in a holistic way, taking into account mind, body and spirit. My training allows me to tailor make the therapy to you at any individual time. I work with a variety of issues and believe that everyone has the capability for change in their lives.
07429 771421 View 07429 771421
Photo of Saidat Khan - Saidat Khan Consulting Ltd, PsychD, MBACP Accred, Psychotherapist
Saidat Khan Consulting Ltd
Psychotherapist, PsychD, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
I also work with psycho-sexual and relationship matters, including sexual dysfunction, sex addiction, intimacy and communication difficulties and general problems in relationships.
I am a highly qualified Humanistic Integrative Psychotherapist, A Psycho-sexual and Relationship Therapist and an Addictions Specialist who helps individuals, couples, families and groups gain the psychological awareness to improve health and well-being.
I also work with psycho-sexual and relationship matters, including sexual dysfunction, sex addiction, intimacy and communication difficulties and general problems in relationships.
I am a highly qualified Humanistic Integrative Psychotherapist, A Psycho-sexual and Relationship Therapist and an Addictions Specialist who helps individuals, couples, families and groups gain the psychological awareness to improve health and well-being.
020 3962 0335 View 020 3962 0335
Photo of Fiona Duhig, MHGI, Psychotherapist
Fiona Duhig
Psychotherapist, MHGI
Verified Verified
I specialise in addiction, anxiety, trauma/PTSD, workplace stress/burnout and life changes.
Thank you for visiting my page and a warm welcome to my profile! I'm an experienced Psychotherapist and have a passion for helping people - that may be resolving a historic issue that you’ve never spoken about, working through a life change or crisis, overcoming something that is holding you back, or simply talking to someone neutral, perhaps or the first time. I've worked with a wide range of mental health difficulties both in clinical settings and private practice; these have included addiction, anxiety & depression, bereavement & loss, trauma & PTSD, low self-esteem, cancer recovery & diagnoses, workplace stress and life changes.
I specialise in addiction, anxiety, trauma/PTSD, workplace stress/burnout and life changes.
Thank you for visiting my page and a warm welcome to my profile! I'm an experienced Psychotherapist and have a passion for helping people - that may be resolving a historic issue that you’ve never spoken about, working through a life change or crisis, overcoming something that is holding you back, or simply talking to someone neutral, perhaps or the first time. I've worked with a wide range of mental health difficulties both in clinical settings and private practice; these have included addiction, anxiety & depression, bereavement & loss, trauma & PTSD, low self-esteem, cancer recovery & diagnoses, workplace stress and life changes.
01892 351798 View 01892 351798
Photo of Amanda Jane Pontin - Jigsaw Counselling & Coaching, PsychD, MUKCP, Psychotherapist
Jigsaw Counselling & Coaching
Psychotherapist, PsychD, MUKCP
Verified Verified
Does life sometimes feel like a jigsaw puzzle with pieces not slotting together? I am a great believer that we need to invest in ourselves. When life becomes difficult and those pieces are just not fitting, therapy gives you the opportunity to focus on yourself, make you the priority in an otherwise busy life. I have been through such times and it encouraged me to train as a counsellor then a psychotherapist to help clients with general mental health issues and other life difficulties, such as grief and other losses, addiction, sexuality, relationships, domestic abuse and anger issues.
Does life sometimes feel like a jigsaw puzzle with pieces not slotting together? I am a great believer that we need to invest in ourselves. When life becomes difficult and those pieces are just not fitting, therapy gives you the opportunity to focus on yourself, make you the priority in an otherwise busy life. I have been through such times and it encouraged me to train as a counsellor then a psychotherapist to help clients with general mental health issues and other life difficulties, such as grief and other losses, addiction, sexuality, relationships, domestic abuse and anger issues.
023 8235 6142 View 023 8235 6142
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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.