Addiction Counselling in Dublin

Photo of Ronan Tiernan, MIACP, Psychotherapist
Ronan Tiernan
Psychotherapist, MIACP
Verified Verified
Dublin, County Dublin D01
I have also worked part time in The Rutland Centre so I am experienced in dealing with addictions such as alcoholism, drug addiction, gambling disorders, sex and love addiction and eating disorders.
I am an experienced and professionally qualified and accredited psychotherapist. I work from an integrative approach which means I draw on different therapeutic models, including psychodynamic, person-centred, relational and behavioural. I offer a safe, confidential, supportive and non-judgemental space where you can explore the issues you are facing.
I have also worked part time in The Rutland Centre so I am experienced in dealing with addictions such as alcoholism, drug addiction, gambling disorders, sex and love addiction and eating disorders.
I am an experienced and professionally qualified and accredited psychotherapist. I work from an integrative approach which means I draw on different therapeutic models, including psychodynamic, person-centred, relational and behavioural. I offer a safe, confidential, supportive and non-judgemental space where you can explore the issues you are facing.
083 340 3086 View 083 340 3086
Photo of Michael Rooney, MA, Psychotherapist
Michael Rooney
Psychotherapist, MA
Verified Verified
Dublin, County Dublin D07  (Online Only)
I help people whose lives are unmanageable due to the impact of sex, love and pornography addiction to heal their pain so they can develop healthier relationships with themselves and others.
You promised you would not watch online porn or live sex cams again. You feel guilt and shame because you want to stop but cant. You visited a sex worker during lockdown and now you are worried you might have put the health of your family at risk. You plan to spend a short time on dating apps and find yourself spending hours on them, unable to put them down, feeling desperate and hopeless. You have an instant attraction when you meet a particular type of person, believing they are the one. You are in recovery for alcohol / drug addiction, but your compulsive sexual acting out behaviours have increased and you feel guilt and shame.
I help people whose lives are unmanageable due to the impact of sex, love and pornography addiction to heal their pain so they can develop healthier relationships with themselves and others.
You promised you would not watch online porn or live sex cams again. You feel guilt and shame because you want to stop but cant. You visited a sex worker during lockdown and now you are worried you might have put the health of your family at risk. You plan to spend a short time on dating apps and find yourself spending hours on them, unable to put them down, feeling desperate and hopeless. You have an instant attraction when you meet a particular type of person, believing they are the one. You are in recovery for alcohol / drug addiction, but your compulsive sexual acting out behaviours have increased and you feel guilt and shame.
(042) 959 0698 View (042) 959 0698
Photo of James Kevin Foley - Prevail Counselling Therapy, MIACP, Counsellor
Prevail Counselling Therapy
Counsellor, MIACP
Verified Verified
Dublin, County Dublin D22
I also worked over 11 years in the HSE addiction services.
Hello. I am James Foley the provider of counselling at Prevail, a professional therapy service for the west of Dublin. I am keen to help those with emotional hurt and negative behaviours in my locality. After nearly 30 years of caring for the emotionally broken I now want to provide my services for those in my own locality. I do not discriminate working with a client based on their presentation. I adapt to the clients needs and personality in providing the service that suit them best. The relationship between the client and counsellor is what matters most in bringing about positive change, and empathic listening is key to this.
I also worked over 11 years in the HSE addiction services.
Hello. I am James Foley the provider of counselling at Prevail, a professional therapy service for the west of Dublin. I am keen to help those with emotional hurt and negative behaviours in my locality. After nearly 30 years of caring for the emotionally broken I now want to provide my services for those in my own locality. I do not discriminate working with a client based on their presentation. I adapt to the clients needs and personality in providing the service that suit them best. The relationship between the client and counsellor is what matters most in bringing about positive change, and empathic listening is key to this.
(01) 267 6552 x94 View (01) 267 6552 x94
Photo of Tony Dunne, MIACP, Psychotherapist
Tony Dunne
Psychotherapist, MIACP
Verified Verified
Dublin, County Dublin D10
They can be summed up by the following type of issues :  Addiction.
I provide a space which is safe and secure. The Therapeutic place is where you will be listened to and cared for. You will be understood and supported as you go about healing your experiences of trauma and the past. It is my aim to help you cope with the challenges and enable you to respond with new found tools to deal with the difficulties and circumstances of daily life.
They can be summed up by the following type of issues :  Addiction.
I provide a space which is safe and secure. The Therapeutic place is where you will be listened to and cared for. You will be understood and supported as you go about healing your experiences of trauma and the past. It is my aim to help you cope with the challenges and enable you to respond with new found tools to deal with the difficulties and circumstances of daily life.
(01) 267 6570 x54 View (01) 267 6570 x54
Photo of Chanel Kenney, MA, MPSI, Psychologist
Chanel Kenney
Psychologist, MA, MPSI
Verified Verified
Dublin, County Dublin D06
I also work with all individuals of all ages directly or indirectly affected by addiction issues, chronic illness or major life changes.
I am a Counselling Psychologist with a masters degree from the university of Pretoria, South Africa. I have worked in a variety of therapeutic environments with clients of all age groups. My approach is integrative, meaning that I incorporate techniques from different approaches to suit my client’s needs. I aim to provide a safe space to explore behaviours or beliefs that may be contributing to emotional challenges and limiting your potential.
I also work with all individuals of all ages directly or indirectly affected by addiction issues, chronic illness or major life changes.
I am a Counselling Psychologist with a masters degree from the university of Pretoria, South Africa. I have worked in a variety of therapeutic environments with clients of all age groups. My approach is integrative, meaning that I incorporate techniques from different approaches to suit my client’s needs. I aim to provide a safe space to explore behaviours or beliefs that may be contributing to emotional challenges and limiting your potential.
(01) 267 6527 x39 View (01) 267 6527 x39
Photo of John Smith - Booterstown Counselling Psychotherapy 0877689823, MIACP, Psychotherapist
Booterstown Counselling Psychotherapy 0877689823
Psychotherapist, MIACP
Verified Verified
Dublin, County Dublin A94  (Online Only)
It gave me a listening ear for people in distress following my training and education at UCD, Tivoli Institute, Rutland Addiction Center, ICCP and DASCO, Chicago, I have been a full-time counselor for 20 years specializing in all addictions and relationship issues including anxiety and anger management .
Ideal clients are Brothers, Sisters, Mothers and Fathers coming with issues they have never discussed before or explored before. John has over 20 years experience working full time in all addictions including complex sexual problematic behaviour.
It gave me a listening ear for people in distress following my training and education at UCD, Tivoli Institute, Rutland Addiction Center, ICCP and DASCO, Chicago, I have been a full-time counselor for 20 years specializing in all addictions and relationship issues including anxiety and anger management .
Ideal clients are Brothers, Sisters, Mothers and Fathers coming with issues they have never discussed before or explored before. John has over 20 years experience working full time in all addictions including complex sexual problematic behaviour.
(01) 267 6622 x68 View (01) 267 6622 x68
Photo of Mark Anthony Costello - Bespoke Counselling Centre , Counsellor
Bespoke Counselling Centre
Counsellor
Verified Verified
Dublin, County Dublin D07
Registered Counsellor, M.ACI., B.A. Counselling with Addiction. Dip. General Counselling. Dip. Human Resource Management. Areas of specialties are mental health, addiction and grief. Mark has experience working with a variety of clients including: bereavement, dependent/harmful substance misuse, dometic abuse, neurodiverse development, couples & relationship struggles, depression, human Issues, anger management, emotional disturbance & family trauma.
Registered Counsellor, M.ACI., B.A. Counselling with Addiction. Dip. General Counselling. Dip. Human Resource Management. Areas of specialties are mental health, addiction and grief. Mark has experience working with a variety of clients including: bereavement, dependent/harmful substance misuse, dometic abuse, neurodiverse development, couples & relationship struggles, depression, human Issues, anger management, emotional disturbance & family trauma.
(01) 267 6527 x73 View (01) 267 6527 x73
Photo of Barry Costello, MSc, ACI, Counsellor
Barry Costello
Counsellor, MSc, ACI
Verified Verified
Dublin, County Dublin D13
Barry is an experienced therapist and Addiction Counsellor. He worked for many years with people around issues such as: Addiction and Recovery, Stress Management, Dual-Diagnoses, Mood management, Trauma, Mindfulness interventions. He has held senior positions in many of Irelands leading Addiction centres including the Rutland Centre and has experience of working with people from many different backgrounds and cultures. He is also a Senior Teacher and core member of the Faculty in Dept of Psychology UCD, delivery the MSc in Mindfulness Based Interventions
Barry is an experienced therapist and Addiction Counsellor. He worked for many years with people around issues such as: Addiction and Recovery, Stress Management, Dual-Diagnoses, Mood management, Trauma, Mindfulness interventions. He has held senior positions in many of Irelands leading Addiction centres including the Rutland Centre and has experience of working with people from many different backgrounds and cultures. He is also a Senior Teacher and core member of the Faculty in Dept of Psychology UCD, delivery the MSc in Mindfulness Based Interventions
(01) 267 6517 x62 View (01) 267 6517 x62
Photo of Ann Dempsey, MIACP, Psychotherapist
Ann Dempsey
Psychotherapist, MIACP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Dublin, County Dublin D03
I’m Ann Dempsey, a qualified Counsellor and Psychotherapist accredited by the Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (IACP). I have experience working with clients from different backgrounds presenting with a wide variety of issues including anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, relationship issues, sexuality, loss, bereavement, parenting issues, and addiction. I understand that, as part of the human experience, people can experience intense emotional pain and difficulty, and for healing to occur it may be helpful to talk with someone in a safe and trusting therapeutic environment.
I’m Ann Dempsey, a qualified Counsellor and Psychotherapist accredited by the Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (IACP). I have experience working with clients from different backgrounds presenting with a wide variety of issues including anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, relationship issues, sexuality, loss, bereavement, parenting issues, and addiction. I understand that, as part of the human experience, people can experience intense emotional pain and difficulty, and for healing to occur it may be helpful to talk with someone in a safe and trusting therapeutic environment.
087 752 9686 View 087 752 9686
Photo of Danny McNeive, MIACP, Psychotherapist
Danny McNeive
Psychotherapist, MIACP
Verified Verified
Dublin, County Dublin D22
I worked as an Addiction Counsellor at Cuan Mhuire, the county's largest treatment centre, for eighteen months.
Is something on your mind? Perhaps something from your past that you've never fully dealt with? Counselling can help, allowing you the time to talk about what's going on for you in a non-judgemental and safe space. Working with a counsellor, you can find out your truth, have a better understanding of why you do and think the things you do, discover coping mechanisms and lighten your load. If that's something you would like to do with me then I would love to hear from you.
I worked as an Addiction Counsellor at Cuan Mhuire, the county's largest treatment centre, for eighteen months.
Is something on your mind? Perhaps something from your past that you've never fully dealt with? Counselling can help, allowing you the time to talk about what's going on for you in a non-judgemental and safe space. Working with a counsellor, you can find out your truth, have a better understanding of why you do and think the things you do, discover coping mechanisms and lighten your load. If that's something you would like to do with me then I would love to hear from you.
(01) 267 6681 x48 View (01) 267 6681 x48
Photo of Brian Harrington - Next Step Therapy, MA, MIACP, Psychotherapist
Next Step Therapy
Psychotherapist, MA, MIACP
Verified Verified
Dublin, County Dublin D02
Welcome to Next Step Therapy, an experienced and friendly therapy practice in the heart of Dublin. Our clinical services are: counselling and psychotherapy, addiction assessment and treatment, EMDR for PTSD and complex trauma. I see my therapy room as a sacred space where people can explore things they usually don’t talk about. I approach therapy with an attentive reverence and an attitude of kindness and compassion. The process of therapy is to offer a safe place to explore and name and then change, or accept, these thoughts, attitudes, feelings, moods or behaviours and to experience someone who listens and supports.
Welcome to Next Step Therapy, an experienced and friendly therapy practice in the heart of Dublin. Our clinical services are: counselling and psychotherapy, addiction assessment and treatment, EMDR for PTSD and complex trauma. I see my therapy room as a sacred space where people can explore things they usually don’t talk about. I approach therapy with an attentive reverence and an attitude of kindness and compassion. The process of therapy is to offer a safe place to explore and name and then change, or accept, these thoughts, attitudes, feelings, moods or behaviours and to experience someone who listens and supports.
(01) 267 6675 x32 View (01) 267 6675 x32
Photo of Declan Fitzpatrick, MSc, MIACP, Counsellor
Declan Fitzpatrick
Counsellor, MSc, MIACP
Verified Verified
Dublin, County Dublin D03  (Online Only)
If you are struggling with issues such as depression, anxiety, addiction or relationship problems or simply unhappy and trying to work things out please contact me and we can discuss how best I can help you.
I am an experienced counsellor and psychotherapist and have maintained a private practice n the greater Dublin area for the last fourteen years. I work with clients to help address issues such as addiction, depression, anxiety, relationship problems and many more. I believe in working in a collaborative way with my clients and strive to create a strong working relationship and while being sensitive to and aware of my clients emotional struggles and difficulties.
If you are struggling with issues such as depression, anxiety, addiction or relationship problems or simply unhappy and trying to work things out please contact me and we can discuss how best I can help you.
I am an experienced counsellor and psychotherapist and have maintained a private practice n the greater Dublin area for the last fourteen years. I work with clients to help address issues such as addiction, depression, anxiety, relationship problems and many more. I believe in working in a collaborative way with my clients and strive to create a strong working relationship and while being sensitive to and aware of my clients emotional struggles and difficulties.
(01) 267 6552 x38 View (01) 267 6552 x38
Photo of Deirdre Condon, MA, MIACP, Psychotherapist
Deirdre Condon
Psychotherapist, MA, MIACP
Verified Verified
Dublin, County Dublin D07
Not accepting new clients
Extensive Addiction Counselling, Grief Counselling, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Couples / Marriage Counselling, Emotional Regulation Skills, Mindfulness for Stress Reduction /Relapse Prevention, Crisis Intervention and Self Harm.
Provision of Psychotherapeutic space for clients to feel supported, allowing them to gain insight into a greater understanding of themselves whilst engaging in interventions aimed at increasing self awareness. Clients learn coping skills to address their various difficulties allowing them to live a more satisfying and fulfilling lifestyle; for example management of emotions related to situational stress, anger management or general difficulties; occupational work life balance, relationship, family or other. Deirdre is an accredited supervisor and can offer supervision to counsellor /psychotherapists.
Extensive Addiction Counselling, Grief Counselling, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Couples / Marriage Counselling, Emotional Regulation Skills, Mindfulness for Stress Reduction /Relapse Prevention, Crisis Intervention and Self Harm.
Provision of Psychotherapeutic space for clients to feel supported, allowing them to gain insight into a greater understanding of themselves whilst engaging in interventions aimed at increasing self awareness. Clients learn coping skills to address their various difficulties allowing them to live a more satisfying and fulfilling lifestyle; for example management of emotions related to situational stress, anger management or general difficulties; occupational work life balance, relationship, family or other. Deirdre is an accredited supervisor and can offer supervision to counsellor /psychotherapists.
(01) 267 6681 x91 View (01) 267 6681 x91
Photo of Ciarán Michael Coyle - Saku Counselling and Psychotherapy , MIACP, Psychotherapist
Saku Counselling and Psychotherapy
Psychotherapist, MIACP
Verified Verified
Dublin, County Dublin D01  (Online Only)
Addiction, identity issues, anxiety depression, health and wellbeing, grief and loss, trauma, men's health, multiculturalism, sexuality, relationships, suicidal ideation and self harm, exercise,dream work, neuro diversity,adults with intellectual disabilities, neurodiversity, health and wellbeing, habit formation, goal setting, solution focused.
Hi my name is Ciarán Coyle MIACP, founder of Saku Counselling and Psychotherapy. I use a collaborative approach and believe that each client has the potential to grow intrinsically. I work from a person centered perspective and integrate choice theory, Existential, Gestalt, CBT, REBT,multicultural, among others into my practice. Regular feedback from the client is important to me. Client preferences are essential to successful therapy and meeting people where they are at at any given moment. I have background studies in addiction and am committed to continuous learning for personal and professional growth.
Addiction, identity issues, anxiety depression, health and wellbeing, grief and loss, trauma, men's health, multiculturalism, sexuality, relationships, suicidal ideation and self harm, exercise,dream work, neuro diversity,adults with intellectual disabilities, neurodiversity, health and wellbeing, habit formation, goal setting, solution focused.
Hi my name is Ciarán Coyle MIACP, founder of Saku Counselling and Psychotherapy. I use a collaborative approach and believe that each client has the potential to grow intrinsically. I work from a person centered perspective and integrate choice theory, Existential, Gestalt, CBT, REBT,multicultural, among others into my practice. Regular feedback from the client is important to me. Client preferences are essential to successful therapy and meeting people where they are at at any given moment. I have background studies in addiction and am committed to continuous learning for personal and professional growth.
(01) 267 6675 x52 View (01) 267 6675 x52
Photo of Riadhna Holahan, MSc, MIACP, Psychotherapist
Riadhna Holahan
Psychotherapist, MSc, MIACP
Verified Verified
Dublin, County Dublin A94
Riadhna specialises in Problematic Substance Use/ Addiction and related issues with adults, adolescents and their families.
In Private Practice, Riadhna offers general, integrative therapeutic support for anyone experiencing issues affecting their quality of life (in 1:1, family and group settings) using Reality Therapy (RT) and Person Centred Counselling (PCC) as her primary therapeutic models. Riadhna supports clients with varying issues and needs.
Riadhna specialises in Problematic Substance Use/ Addiction and related issues with adults, adolescents and their families.
In Private Practice, Riadhna offers general, integrative therapeutic support for anyone experiencing issues affecting their quality of life (in 1:1, family and group settings) using Reality Therapy (RT) and Person Centred Counselling (PCC) as her primary therapeutic models. Riadhna supports clients with varying issues and needs.
(061) 572 524 x59 View (061) 572 524 x59
Photo of Gary Ward, MSc, APPI, Psychotherapist
Gary Ward
Psychotherapist, MSc, APPI
Verified Verified
Dublin, County Dublin D04
Waitlist for new clients
He works with individuals on a variety of presenting issues including anxiety, stress, depression, sexuality, addiction, phobia, psychosomatic symptomatology, loss and trauma, with a particular interest in repetition.
Gary is a Psychoanalytic Psychotherapist in clinical practice since 2016 with an educational background that spans over 10 years in Forensic Psychology, Counselling, Psychotherapy and Psychoanalysis. He is an accredited member of the Association of Psychoanalysis & Psychotherapy in Ireland (APPI) and The Irish Council for Psychotherapy (ICP).
He works with individuals on a variety of presenting issues including anxiety, stress, depression, sexuality, addiction, phobia, psychosomatic symptomatology, loss and trauma, with a particular interest in repetition.
Gary is a Psychoanalytic Psychotherapist in clinical practice since 2016 with an educational background that spans over 10 years in Forensic Psychology, Counselling, Psychotherapy and Psychoanalysis. He is an accredited member of the Association of Psychoanalysis & Psychotherapy in Ireland (APPI) and The Irish Council for Psychotherapy (ICP).
(01) 267 6603 x76 View (01) 267 6603 x76
Photo of Lorna Boyle - Lorna Boyle Therapy - anxiety, depression, loss, Pre-Accredited Member IACP, Psychotherapist
Lorna Boyle Therapy - anxiety, depression, loss
Psychotherapist, Pre-Accredited Member IACP
Verified Verified
Dublin, County Dublin D07
I am a psychotherapist with experience working with clients who are experiencing anxiety, depression, bereavement, loss, stress, addiction, cultural and identity issues, health related issues and fertility. I will work collaboratively with you to create a safe space where you can unburden yourself from the thoughts and events you may feel tangled up in and together we will carve a path forward. My aim is that you will experience me as empathic, supportive and non-judgemental, while also helping you to see your issues in a different light by providing new perspectives, using creative interventions and compassionate challenging.
I am a psychotherapist with experience working with clients who are experiencing anxiety, depression, bereavement, loss, stress, addiction, cultural and identity issues, health related issues and fertility. I will work collaboratively with you to create a safe space where you can unburden yourself from the thoughts and events you may feel tangled up in and together we will carve a path forward. My aim is that you will experience me as empathic, supportive and non-judgemental, while also helping you to see your issues in a different light by providing new perspectives, using creative interventions and compassionate challenging.
083 381 5651 View 083 381 5651
Photo of Siobhan Catherine Leahy - Restore Psychotherapy,Counselling, CBT, Dublin 15, MA, MIACP, Psychotherapist
Restore Psychotherapy,Counselling, CBT, Dublin 15
Psychotherapist, MA, MIACP
Verified Verified
Dublin, County Dublin D15
Areas of experience include; Anxiety, Depression, Trauma, Relationship difficulties, Bereavement, Addiction, Sexual Issues, Stress.
Highly experienced and professional mental health service. Providing a safe, confidential and non-judgemental space to explore and be supported through the issues you may be experiencing.
Areas of experience include; Anxiety, Depression, Trauma, Relationship difficulties, Bereavement, Addiction, Sexual Issues, Stress.
Highly experienced and professional mental health service. Providing a safe, confidential and non-judgemental space to explore and be supported through the issues you may be experiencing.
085 738 3578 View 085 738 3578
Photo of Dr. Ivana Milivojevic Slote, PhD, ICP, Psychotherapist
Dr. Ivana Milivojevic Slote
Psychotherapist, PhD, ICP
Verified Verified
Dublin, County Dublin D08
I work with clients who deal with Anxiety, Stress, Loneliness, Relationship and Family Issues, Depression, Addiction, Identity Crisis, Abuse, Panic Attacks, Eating Disorders, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Phobias, Post Traumatic Stress, Low Self Esteem... For more details see liberties-psychotherapy.com. My role is in listening to you and helping you see where your problems come from and why they affect you in the ways they do, since behind a so-called symptom there is always a different, very particular story for everyone, with its elements sometimes connected in unexpected ways, from early childhood on.
I work with clients who deal with Anxiety, Stress, Loneliness, Relationship and Family Issues, Depression, Addiction, Identity Crisis, Abuse, Panic Attacks, Eating Disorders, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Phobias, Post Traumatic Stress, Low Self Esteem... For more details see liberties-psychotherapy.com. My role is in listening to you and helping you see where your problems come from and why they affect you in the ways they do, since behind a so-called symptom there is always a different, very particular story for everyone, with its elements sometimes connected in unexpected ways, from early childhood on.
(01) 267 6681 x85 View (01) 267 6681 x85
Photo of Judith leigh May, PhD, MPSI, Psychologist
Judith leigh May
Psychologist, PhD, MPSI
Verified Verified
Dublin, County Dublin A96
Addiction.
Dive deep into your subconscious e4 Trauma Method. Trauma recovery life coach. EFT Eliminate limiting beliefs that hold you back in life. Complex-PTSD Trauma Specialist . 21 years ago I broke my neck, 2marriages 2divorces 2 miscarriages. EFT Emotional Freedom technique release stored TRAUMA blocked areas of your mind & life. Understanding experienced Opioid addictions. Belief Coding. Relationship Codependancy Separation anxiety, Divorce affects Solo moms hectic life. CBT approach recovery from childhood, adult Complex -PTSD trauma. I Specialise money blocks NLP Rape crisis counselling. Support women preparing for court procedures.
Addiction.
Dive deep into your subconscious e4 Trauma Method. Trauma recovery life coach. EFT Eliminate limiting beliefs that hold you back in life. Complex-PTSD Trauma Specialist . 21 years ago I broke my neck, 2marriages 2divorces 2 miscarriages. EFT Emotional Freedom technique release stored TRAUMA blocked areas of your mind & life. Understanding experienced Opioid addictions. Belief Coding. Relationship Codependancy Separation anxiety, Divorce affects Solo moms hectic life. CBT approach recovery from childhood, adult Complex -PTSD trauma. I Specialise money blocks NLP Rape crisis counselling. Support women preparing for court procedures.
(01) 267 6595 x72 View (01) 267 6595 x72

See more therapy options for Dublin

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.