Addiction Counselling in Belfast
![Photo of Roberta Richmond, MBACP Snr. Accred, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2bb2dd34-f023-4385-a46c-167df4e9da31/2/320x400.png)
While working as a counsellor, I have helped many individuals with a wide range of issues, including depression, bereavement, addiction, anxiety, trauma and abuse.
Hello, my name is Roberta Richmond I am a BACP Senior Accredited Counsellor with years of experience as a therapist, and managing one of Belfast's largest counselling charities. I am committed to providing counselling and coaching in a safe, confidential and non-judgemental environment. Many of us have times in our lives when things seem too much, and we feel overwhelmed, with difficulty coping. If you’re reading this, you may be at that point yourself, and thinking about having some counselling. You may have hit a difficult patch in your relationship and are looking for someone to help you and your partner sort things out,
While working as a counsellor, I have helped many individuals with a wide range of issues, including depression, bereavement, addiction, anxiety, trauma and abuse.
Hello, my name is Roberta Richmond I am a BACP Senior Accredited Counsellor with years of experience as a therapist, and managing one of Belfast's largest counselling charities. I am committed to providing counselling and coaching in a safe, confidential and non-judgemental environment. Many of us have times in our lives when things seem too much, and we feel overwhelmed, with difficulty coping. If you’re reading this, you may be at that point yourself, and thinking about having some counselling. You may have hit a difficult patch in your relationship and are looking for someone to help you and your partner sort things out,
![Photo of Sarah Ross, MBACP, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/71d43a4f-b2fe-4e07-ac7e-404223c938db/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am a fully qualified integrative counsellor with experience of delivering counselling within a GP setting and also within the voluntary and community sector (including NewLife Counselling and Relate). I have experience of working with a diverse range of areas including anxiety, stress, depression and low mood, bereavement (including suicide), caring responsibilities, confidence issues, relationship issues, unresolved trauma, bullying, abuse, obsessional compulsive behaviours and perfectionism. I also work in the field of addiction, including the provision of therapeutic support to Dunlewey Addiction Services clients.
I am a fully qualified integrative counsellor with experience of delivering counselling within a GP setting and also within the voluntary and community sector (including NewLife Counselling and Relate). I have experience of working with a diverse range of areas including anxiety, stress, depression and low mood, bereavement (including suicide), caring responsibilities, confidence issues, relationship issues, unresolved trauma, bullying, abuse, obsessional compulsive behaviours and perfectionism. I also work in the field of addiction, including the provision of therapeutic support to Dunlewey Addiction Services clients.
![Photo of Nelson Davis, MBACP Accred, Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/525d8374-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I have years of experience working with addiction and substance misuse, however dealing with these issues has shown me that a substance misuse or a dependency is generally a coping mechanism or mask to other underlying issues.
It can be a huge step to decide to talk to a counsellor/psychotherapist about personal issues so it is important to find someone you are comfortable with, who will not judge you but accept you for who you are. I offer office based and/or telephone therapy. The relationship between therapist and patient is fundamentally important. I liken psychotherapy to being in a clothing shop changing room where we get a unique view of ourselves from all angles. Likewise therapy is about helping someone to glimpse and explore hidden parts of themselves or just helping them make sense of their distress.
I have years of experience working with addiction and substance misuse, however dealing with these issues has shown me that a substance misuse or a dependency is generally a coping mechanism or mask to other underlying issues.
It can be a huge step to decide to talk to a counsellor/psychotherapist about personal issues so it is important to find someone you are comfortable with, who will not judge you but accept you for who you are. I offer office based and/or telephone therapy. The relationship between therapist and patient is fundamentally important. I liken psychotherapy to being in a clothing shop changing room where we get a unique view of ourselves from all angles. Likewise therapy is about helping someone to glimpse and explore hidden parts of themselves or just helping them make sense of their distress.
![Photo of John Francis Maguire, MBACP Accred, Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4d171c1c-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
I am a Therapist with over twenty years experience working in Mental Heath Settings. I have been Qualified as a Therapist for almost 15 Years. I specialise in Relational work with people dealing with Addiction Issues, Anger Management and Relationship issues. Whilst I specialise in these areas I am not restricted to them.
I am a Therapist with over twenty years experience working in Mental Heath Settings. I have been Qualified as a Therapist for almost 15 Years. I specialise in Relational work with people dealing with Addiction Issues, Anger Management and Relationship issues. Whilst I specialise in these areas I am not restricted to them.
![Photo of Barry Joseph Lawlor, MBACP, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f36b4258-f78e-4253-9898-b1338abc37b8/3/320x400.jpeg)
This can be very diverse and includes processing past traumas/experiences, addiction issues, suicidal feelings, managing stress and anxiety, working with low mood and depression, relationship issues, work and school issues, self-harm, managing feelings and learning to cope.
I am an Integrative therapist working with adults and young people to provide therapy and counselling services. My aim is to give you a safe space to express how you feel, understand your goals for therapy and work together to take steps towards achieving those goals. Through my experience working in different settings such as an Addiction Therapist for Inspire, Staff counsellor at ChildLine, staff therapist in multiple counselling agencies and a private therapist, I am able to work at your pace, provide an approach that is specific to your needs and give a therapy that works for you.
This can be very diverse and includes processing past traumas/experiences, addiction issues, suicidal feelings, managing stress and anxiety, working with low mood and depression, relationship issues, work and school issues, self-harm, managing feelings and learning to cope.
I am an Integrative therapist working with adults and young people to provide therapy and counselling services. My aim is to give you a safe space to express how you feel, understand your goals for therapy and work together to take steps towards achieving those goals. Through my experience working in different settings such as an Addiction Therapist for Inspire, Staff counsellor at ChildLine, staff therapist in multiple counselling agencies and a private therapist, I am able to work at your pace, provide an approach that is specific to your needs and give a therapy that works for you.
![Photo of Bea McRandal - Breakthrough Counselling NI, MBACP Accred, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/81725d54-7838-4eb6-9778-4a061a601020/3/320x400.jpeg)
I'm experienced in working with a variety of mental health challenges, anxiety, depression, abuse and other traumas, addiction, bereavement/loss, stress, self-esteem & relationship issues.
I am an accredited integrative counsellor, IFS & Sensorimotor Psychotherapy Practitioner. I offer a confidential and understanding service for children, young people and adults who are facing a range of emotional difficulties. There are many reasons why an individual seeks counselling, and I understand that it can feel like a big decision where you may feel nervous, uncertain or vulnerable. My first step is to offer you a safe, non-judgemental space, where you feel able to explore your own thoughts and feelings. This offers you space to understand the underlying feelings that can make you feel low, stuck, empty or overwhelmed.
I'm experienced in working with a variety of mental health challenges, anxiety, depression, abuse and other traumas, addiction, bereavement/loss, stress, self-esteem & relationship issues.
I am an accredited integrative counsellor, IFS & Sensorimotor Psychotherapy Practitioner. I offer a confidential and understanding service for children, young people and adults who are facing a range of emotional difficulties. There are many reasons why an individual seeks counselling, and I understand that it can feel like a big decision where you may feel nervous, uncertain or vulnerable. My first step is to offer you a safe, non-judgemental space, where you feel able to explore your own thoughts and feelings. This offers you space to understand the underlying feelings that can make you feel low, stuck, empty or overwhelmed.
![Photo of Joseph Coney, MSc, MBACP Snr. Accred, Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4faae547-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
As a senior member of the British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy and a Fellow of the National Counselling Society my primary aim is to ensure my clients feel safe. Trained to Masters level in Counselling & Psychotherapy for over 20 years, clients can be sure of a professional confidential and ethical service. At any one time, I provide counselling training to approximately 50 counsellors training to degree level, therefore drawing on a wide array of experience. My main areas of expertise are suicide, trauma, and addiction, with particular interest and vast experience in working with couples with relationship problems.
As a senior member of the British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy and a Fellow of the National Counselling Society my primary aim is to ensure my clients feel safe. Trained to Masters level in Counselling & Psychotherapy for over 20 years, clients can be sure of a professional confidential and ethical service. At any one time, I provide counselling training to approximately 50 counsellors training to degree level, therefore drawing on a wide array of experience. My main areas of expertise are suicide, trauma, and addiction, with particular interest and vast experience in working with couples with relationship problems.
![Photo of Louise Currie, BACP, Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2fedc41a-9dd0-4ed2-a5e1-09e9c601dbac/1/320x400.jpeg)
I work with a broad range of issues including, but not limited to, anxiety, depression, panic attacks, stress & overwhelm, career difficulties, trauma, addiction, alcohol abuse, eating disorders, relationships, family issues, loss, grief & bereavement, self-esteem & self-worth.
I am an experienced and fully qualified psychotherapist. I hold a first-class honours degree in Counselling and Psychotherapy and I am a trained EMDR practitioner. I am passionate about helping people and I believe that therapy shouldn’t be overwhelming or intimidating.
I work with a broad range of issues including, but not limited to, anxiety, depression, panic attacks, stress & overwhelm, career difficulties, trauma, addiction, alcohol abuse, eating disorders, relationships, family issues, loss, grief & bereavement, self-esteem & self-worth.
I am an experienced and fully qualified psychotherapist. I hold a first-class honours degree in Counselling and Psychotherapy and I am a trained EMDR practitioner. I am passionate about helping people and I believe that therapy shouldn’t be overwhelming or intimidating.
![Photo of Jacqui Charles, MBACP Accred, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e4977452-9232-4bfe-a814-ce7dfe3bb7b5/2/320x400.jpeg)
Whether your issues are past trauma, interpersonal relationships, low self-esteem or addiction.
Hi. Welcome to my profile. I am fully qualified counsellor and Sensorimotor Psychotherapist. I work in an integrative way within a humanistic framework. Which simply means drawing upon a range of therapeutic approaches in my work. My therapy is tailored to each persons needs as a unique individual. Always delivered in a caring, non-judgmental empathetic way.
Whether your issues are past trauma, interpersonal relationships, low self-esteem or addiction.
Hi. Welcome to my profile. I am fully qualified counsellor and Sensorimotor Psychotherapist. I work in an integrative way within a humanistic framework. Which simply means drawing upon a range of therapeutic approaches in my work. My therapy is tailored to each persons needs as a unique individual. Always delivered in a caring, non-judgmental empathetic way.
![Photo of Rita Hashemipour, MBACP Accred, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1bb12c14-9afb-4128-97a2-9fef91e5e79f/1/320x400.jpeg)
Do you feel like you are stuck at a cross roads and not sure which way to turn? Are you feeling overwhelmed with life’s challenges, feeling anxious, depressed or trapped in an impossible situation? Maybe you are struggling with an addiction or need to talk about something that is bothering you to someone who doesn’t have an agenda. We all experience struggles at times and these can be distressing or get in the way of our everyday lives. No matter what the issue is, counselling can help shed new light on problems and help you understand your feelings with a view to gaining new insights and developing better ways of coping.
Do you feel like you are stuck at a cross roads and not sure which way to turn? Are you feeling overwhelmed with life’s challenges, feeling anxious, depressed or trapped in an impossible situation? Maybe you are struggling with an addiction or need to talk about something that is bothering you to someone who doesn’t have an agenda. We all experience struggles at times and these can be distressing or get in the way of our everyday lives. No matter what the issue is, counselling can help shed new light on problems and help you understand your feelings with a view to gaining new insights and developing better ways of coping.
![Photo of Carol Elizabeth Massey - SPACE, MBACP Accred, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/54f2fa72-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I work with a wide range of issues including abuse, addiction, adolescence, anxiety, self confidence, bereavement, bullying, depression, divorce, ptsd, self harm, sexual identity to name just a few.
I am an accredited member of BACP and NCS. I have substantial experience working with both children and adults. I work in primary schools and also in the local community to provide quality counselling to help people be the best they can be. I am also CEO of a mental health charity and offer consultancy work as well as supervision. My approach is integrative so that I can tailor the service specifically for individual clients and longer term work. I also offer personal therapy for students training to be counsellors.
I work with a wide range of issues including abuse, addiction, adolescence, anxiety, self confidence, bereavement, bullying, depression, divorce, ptsd, self harm, sexual identity to name just a few.
I am an accredited member of BACP and NCS. I have substantial experience working with both children and adults. I work in primary schools and also in the local community to provide quality counselling to help people be the best they can be. I am also CEO of a mental health charity and offer consultancy work as well as supervision. My approach is integrative so that I can tailor the service specifically for individual clients and longer term work. I also offer personal therapy for students training to be counsellors.
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![Photo of James Kernan, MBACP, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0edb61fd-0e24-4b24-9a74-8af47cd3a33f/1/320x400.jpeg)
I am a fully qualified and accredited psychotherapist and lecturer in Counselling & Psychotherapy. I am a PhD researcher with full registration with BACP. Through my work with clients I have developed an increasing passion in assisting and empowering people to help a vast range of issues including addiction, relationship issues, mental health concerns, sexuality and gender issues. My work has often been with clients who seek deeper psychotherapeutic reflections on their predicaments. I accompany clients in embracing their vulnerability, tackling their perfectionism, need for certainty, and black and white thinking.
I am a fully qualified and accredited psychotherapist and lecturer in Counselling & Psychotherapy. I am a PhD researcher with full registration with BACP. Through my work with clients I have developed an increasing passion in assisting and empowering people to help a vast range of issues including addiction, relationship issues, mental health concerns, sexuality and gender issues. My work has often been with clients who seek deeper psychotherapeutic reflections on their predicaments. I accompany clients in embracing their vulnerability, tackling their perfectionism, need for certainty, and black and white thinking.
![Photo of Lesley Inglis Supervisor, COSRT Accred, Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5149e478-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Specialities: Sex problems, addictions Porn/chat/fetishes traumatised partners Love addiction, Polyamory rels.
Hello, I am a widely experienced, Psychosexual Therapist/Supervisor. If you want to understand yourself better,/change unwanted behaviours to 'feel' better I would be delighted to receive an EMAIL from you. I work with common & also unusual Sex & Relationship difficulties & Mental health conditions . I assess you & help you identify your goals for Therapy. I review how you think our work together is progressing. I explain the rational for my exploration & focus of the tasks I ask you to practice. I work collaboratively with you-as a team to reach your goals. Clients say this is a good way to work. Please email re Supervision.
Specialities: Sex problems, addictions Porn/chat/fetishes traumatised partners Love addiction, Polyamory rels.
Hello, I am a widely experienced, Psychosexual Therapist/Supervisor. If you want to understand yourself better,/change unwanted behaviours to 'feel' better I would be delighted to receive an EMAIL from you. I work with common & also unusual Sex & Relationship difficulties & Mental health conditions . I assess you & help you identify your goals for Therapy. I review how you think our work together is progressing. I explain the rational for my exploration & focus of the tasks I ask you to practice. I work collaboratively with you-as a team to reach your goals. Clients say this is a good way to work. Please email re Supervision.
![Photo of Louise Elizabeth Ayling, MNCPS Acc., Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2ba23e7e-f31a-44ef-9c14-38c0bb896e45/3/320x400.jpeg)
Are you struggling to resolve current issues that are creating difficulties in your life and not sure where to turn? I offer a supportive and compassionate safe space for you to talk through and explore your feelings, helping you to find your way to healing and making the positive changes that you seek. Whether you are experiencing stress, anxiety, relationship problems, trauma, narcissistic abuse, addiction issues, bereavement and loss, low self esteem, infertility, Long Covid, please contact me so that I can offer you a calming, comforting and confidential Initial Consultation Session to discuss the problems you are facing.
Are you struggling to resolve current issues that are creating difficulties in your life and not sure where to turn? I offer a supportive and compassionate safe space for you to talk through and explore your feelings, helping you to find your way to healing and making the positive changes that you seek. Whether you are experiencing stress, anxiety, relationship problems, trauma, narcissistic abuse, addiction issues, bereavement and loss, low self esteem, infertility, Long Covid, please contact me so that I can offer you a calming, comforting and confidential Initial Consultation Session to discuss the problems you are facing.
![Photo of Tracy Murtagh, MBACP Accred, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4f3dc7b4-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Areas of Speciality: Narcissistic Personality Disorder, Depression, Anxiety, Trauma, Bereavement, Physical/Sexual Abuse, Mental/Emotional Abuse, Self Worth Issues, Addiction.
After my first assessment I will work closely with my client to decide on the best form of therapy for them and decide the way forward together. I have had a passion for helping others my entire life and began counselling in 2010. My own past has only served to deepen my desire to help as I can deeply empathise with those who need it most. I believe that no one should suffer in silence and I work hard to try and guide clients to their own answers. When someone feels lost they then become confused and this is a very lonely place to be. I base my work on clearing the mist and helping clients find the answers.
Areas of Speciality: Narcissistic Personality Disorder, Depression, Anxiety, Trauma, Bereavement, Physical/Sexual Abuse, Mental/Emotional Abuse, Self Worth Issues, Addiction.
After my first assessment I will work closely with my client to decide on the best form of therapy for them and decide the way forward together. I have had a passion for helping others my entire life and began counselling in 2010. My own past has only served to deepen my desire to help as I can deeply empathise with those who need it most. I believe that no one should suffer in silence and I work hard to try and guide clients to their own answers. When someone feels lost they then become confused and this is a very lonely place to be. I base my work on clearing the mist and helping clients find the answers.
![Photo of Robert Prentice (Woodcraft Therapy), MBACP, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/82a20d92-fdb9-4b22-978d-f7e43d3558f0/1/320x400.jpeg)
I have extensive experience working with addiction, relaspe recovery, emotional regulation, behavioural change and coping.
Life can be stressful and busy and at times we can lose focus on ourselves and what is important. I offer a confidential safe space to discuss and support working through these concerns. I use a person-centred approach to support my clients to look at the areas of their lives they choose to. I offer guidance and insight where needed to help my clients navigate these difficult times.
I have extensive experience working with addiction, relaspe recovery, emotional regulation, behavioural change and coping.
Life can be stressful and busy and at times we can lose focus on ourselves and what is important. I offer a confidential safe space to discuss and support working through these concerns. I use a person-centred approach to support my clients to look at the areas of their lives they choose to. I offer guidance and insight where needed to help my clients navigate these difficult times.
![Photo of Roisen Keaveney, MSc, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4c705e2f-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Over the last 30 years I have helped clients with anxiety, OCD, depression, suicidal ideation, relationship difficulties, sex addiction, work stress, low self-esteem, anger management, bereavement & eating issues.
If you are interested in counselling feel free to contact me for a free 20 min consultation. I am a Chartered Psychologist with The Psychological Society of Ireland. I am also accredited with the BACP. I have 30 years experience of working in a wide range of settings including the statutory, voluntary & private sector. My experience includes: 5 years specialising within the mental health field including acute psychiatry and community mental health, 6 years specialising in counselling survivors of abuse including clerical abuse, 5 years specialising in University counselling and 3 years specialising in post primary counselling.
Over the last 30 years I have helped clients with anxiety, OCD, depression, suicidal ideation, relationship difficulties, sex addiction, work stress, low self-esteem, anger management, bereavement & eating issues.
If you are interested in counselling feel free to contact me for a free 20 min consultation. I am a Chartered Psychologist with The Psychological Society of Ireland. I am also accredited with the BACP. I have 30 years experience of working in a wide range of settings including the statutory, voluntary & private sector. My experience includes: 5 years specialising within the mental health field including acute psychiatry and community mental health, 6 years specialising in counselling survivors of abuse including clerical abuse, 5 years specialising in University counselling and 3 years specialising in post primary counselling.
![Photo of Heal To Wellness, MBACP, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/45be06c9-6567-40ac-b8fb-4022781631f0/2/320x400.jpeg)
Hi, my name is Kathy. I have experience working with a wide range of issues, particularly anxiety, depression, trauma, low self-esteem, addiction and grief. I have a profound passion for working with young people aged 11 to 18 years old, as I'm also a Youth Worker.
Hi, my name is Kathy. I have experience working with a wide range of issues, particularly anxiety, depression, trauma, low self-esteem, addiction and grief. I have a profound passion for working with young people aged 11 to 18 years old, as I'm also a Youth Worker.
![Photo of Isabel Mary Stewart, DCounsPsych, MNCPS Acc., Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ddc3c41c-09cd-4e2e-b42e-d5b6711cd3cd/3/320x400.jpeg)
I provide a safe, supportive, empathic and therapeutic space and service for those who wish to explore and address any issues and concerns.
I provide a safe, supportive, empathic and therapeutic space and service for those who wish to explore and address any issues and concerns.
![Photo of Sarah Eden Nicole Fraske - Sebby's Studio for Art Therapy, HCPC-Art Therap., Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6883b37c-c774-4d50-8390-5bfc4288657c/1/320x400.jpeg)
Are you looking to reconnect with yourself on a deeper level? Are you someone who wants to find more joy in your life? Do you want to gain confidence and learn coping skills to take on new challenges? Are you someone who wants to invest in themselves and their well-being? If yes, then Art Therapy is for you! You don't need any artistic abilities, only an open mind and an open heart and a willingness to create freely without judgment. I have worked with many types of clients from all walks of life and art therapy has touched each one of them, in their own special way, including myself! Are you ready to begin your art therapy journey?
Are you looking to reconnect with yourself on a deeper level? Are you someone who wants to find more joy in your life? Do you want to gain confidence and learn coping skills to take on new challenges? Are you someone who wants to invest in themselves and their well-being? If yes, then Art Therapy is for you! You don't need any artistic abilities, only an open mind and an open heart and a willingness to create freely without judgment. I have worked with many types of clients from all walks of life and art therapy has touched each one of them, in their own special way, including myself! Are you ready to begin your art therapy journey?
See more therapy options for Belfast
Nearby Addiction Counsellors Searches for Belfast
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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.