Addiction Counselling in Dublin

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 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 Barry Costello, MSc, ACI, Counsellor
Barry Costello
Counsellor, MSc, ACI
Verified Verified
Dublin, County Dublin D13
Throughout my work, I firmly believe that nobody chooses to be in addiction.
Barry is an experienced therapist and Addiction Counsellor with a wealth of expertise in areas such as Addiction and Recovery, Stress Management, Dual-Diagnoses, Mood Management, Trauma, and Mindfulness interventions. He has held senior positions at renowned Addiction centers in Ireland, including the Rutland Centre, and has a strong track record of working with individuals from diverse backgrounds and cultures. Additionally, Barry serves as a Senior Teacher and core member of the Faculty in the Department of Psychology at UCD, where he contributes to delivering the MSc in Mindfulness Based Interventions.
Throughout my work, I firmly believe that nobody chooses to be in addiction.
Barry is an experienced therapist and Addiction Counsellor with a wealth of expertise in areas such as Addiction and Recovery, Stress Management, Dual-Diagnoses, Mood Management, Trauma, and Mindfulness interventions. He has held senior positions at renowned Addiction centers in Ireland, including the Rutland Centre, and has a strong track record of working with individuals from diverse backgrounds and cultures. Additionally, Barry serves as a Senior Teacher and core member of the Faculty in the Department of Psychology at UCD, where he contributes to delivering the MSc in Mindfulness Based Interventions.
(01) 267 6517 x62 View (01) 267 6517 x62
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 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 Chanel Kenney, MA, MPSI, Psychologist
Chanel Kenney
Psychologist, MA, MPSI
Verified Verified
Dublin, County Dublin D04
Waitlist for new clients
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.
View
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 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 Laura O’Neill, MA, NAPCP, Psychotherapist
Laura O’Neill
Psychotherapist, MA, NAPCP
Verified Verified
Dublin, County Dublin D01  (Online Only)
My streams of focus are relationships and addiction. The reason for this is that I believe both paths contain the same longings to experience love and belonging, as well as offering the potential for initiation. I see infinite potential for transformation in the stuck places, the old patterns, the failed attempts to connect or feel safe: and if you can recognize where you’re at, you’re halfway there. Underneath, there is, I believe, the true you, trying to be heard through the surface ‘symptoms’. So rather than treating the symptoms, we we listen to the wisdom underneath, allowing it to guide us. Contact via WhatsApp!
My streams of focus are relationships and addiction. The reason for this is that I believe both paths contain the same longings to experience love and belonging, as well as offering the potential for initiation. I see infinite potential for transformation in the stuck places, the old patterns, the failed attempts to connect or feel safe: and if you can recognize where you’re at, you’re halfway there. Underneath, there is, I believe, the true you, trying to be heard through the surface ‘symptoms’. So rather than treating the symptoms, we we listen to the wisdom underneath, allowing it to guide us. Contact via WhatsApp!
089 202 2456 View 089 202 2456
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 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 Michael Rooney, MA, Psychotherapist
Michael Rooney
Psychotherapist, MA
Verified Verified
Dublin, County Dublin D07  (Online Only)
I have helped many people move from the pain of addiction to leading fulfilled and better lives.
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 have helped many people move from the pain of addiction to leading fulfilled and better lives.
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 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 Ciarán Michael Coyle - SAKU Counselling and Psychotherapy/Glide Coaching , MIACP, Psychotherapist
SAKU Counselling and Psychotherapy/Glide Coaching
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, I'm Ciarán Coyle MIACP, founder of SAKU Counselling and Psychotherapy and Glide Coaching. I am a fully accredited Counsellor/Psychotherapist, NLP Practitioner, and Life Coach. I use a collaborative, person-centered approach, rooted in the belief that every client possesses the intrinsic potential for growth. Integrating a range of approaches—including choice theory, existential therapy, Gestalt, CBT, REBT, and multicultural frameworks—I ensure therapy is tailored to individual needs. Regular client feedback is essential to my practice, as client preferences are key to successful therapy.
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, I'm Ciarán Coyle MIACP, founder of SAKU Counselling and Psychotherapy and Glide Coaching. I am a fully accredited Counsellor/Psychotherapist, NLP Practitioner, and Life Coach. I use a collaborative, person-centered approach, rooted in the belief that every client possesses the intrinsic potential for growth. Integrating a range of approaches—including choice theory, existential therapy, Gestalt, CBT, REBT, and multicultural frameworks—I ensure therapy is tailored to individual needs. Regular client feedback is essential to my practice, as client preferences are key to successful therapy.
(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 Vincent Foley, MIACP, Psychotherapist
Vincent Foley
Psychotherapist, MIACP
Verified Verified
Dublin, County Dublin D07
I am an Integrative Counsellor and Psychotherapist with a strong focus on Client Centred Therapy. I support, help and encourage people with a range of issues such as Abuse, Anxiety, Addiction(s), Adoption, Anger Management, Bereavement ,Brief Therapy,Child Related Issues,C.B.T,Confidence,Cultural Issues, Depression, Dreams,Disability, Eating Disorders,Emotional Abuse,Fear,Family of Addicts,Gender Issues,General Counselling,Grief,Health Related Issues, Identity Problems, LGBT,Mental Abuse,Panic Attacks,Phobias, PTSD, Physical abuse,Psychotherapy,Recovery from suicide attempt, Restorative practice,Shame, Sexual abuse,Sexuality issues.
I am an Integrative Counsellor and Psychotherapist with a strong focus on Client Centred Therapy. I support, help and encourage people with a range of issues such as Abuse, Anxiety, Addiction(s), Adoption, Anger Management, Bereavement ,Brief Therapy,Child Related Issues,C.B.T,Confidence,Cultural Issues, Depression, Dreams,Disability, Eating Disorders,Emotional Abuse,Fear,Family of Addicts,Gender Issues,General Counselling,Grief,Health Related Issues, Identity Problems, LGBT,Mental Abuse,Panic Attacks,Phobias, PTSD, Physical abuse,Psychotherapy,Recovery from suicide attempt, Restorative practice,Shame, Sexual abuse,Sexuality issues.
(01) 267 6692 x32 View (01) 267 6692 x32
Photo of Dr. Gary Lynch, DCounsPsych, MBPsS, Psychologist
Dr. Gary Lynch
Psychologist, DCounsPsych, MBPsS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Dublin, County Dublin D6W
Gary has worked extensively with addiction and how it relates to self-esteem, depression and anxiety.
Gary believes that everyone has a unique life experience, and therefore chooses the approach best suited to the individual and issue. The role of the Psychologist is to explore each client’s personal world and problems and give them tools to understand and better their lives. Gary’s principle orientation is existential, which mainly examines the choices, freedoms and limitations of a person’s life. He also works using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy where appropriate and has trained extensively in Psychodynamic practice. Gary has worked with adults and adolescents dealing with various therapeutic issues from depression to anger issues.
Gary has worked extensively with addiction and how it relates to self-esteem, depression and anxiety.
Gary believes that everyone has a unique life experience, and therefore chooses the approach best suited to the individual and issue. The role of the Psychologist is to explore each client’s personal world and problems and give them tools to understand and better their lives. Gary’s principle orientation is existential, which mainly examines the choices, freedoms and limitations of a person’s life. He also works using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy where appropriate and has trained extensively in Psychodynamic practice. Gary has worked with adults and adolescents dealing with various therapeutic issues from depression to anger issues.
087 175 5790 View 087 175 5790
Photo of Dr. Candice Alexis Jimmyns, PhD, MPSI, Psychologist
Dr. Candice Alexis Jimmyns
Psychologist, PhD, MPSI
Verified Verified
Dublin, County Dublin D08  (Online Only)
From my side, I can assist with a range of therapy areas including counselling for your mind, body, work, relationships and personal growth, and health behaviour change coaching, including addiction/compulsions.
10am-8pm weekdays, daily, online: available on short notice, book and have your session on the same day:) Hi, I am Dr. Candice Jimmyns, how are you?” You can answer with as much or little information as you like or nothing. There is simply no pressure… Do you know why? … It will be YOUR therapy session! For a session with no pressure where you do you and I am here for you, feel free to see me. If you are anxious about having therapy or have never been to therapy, or are feeling so low that you feel you cannot attend therapy; all you need to do is book and enter the online room… nothing else is expected. A warm inviting space awaits.
From my side, I can assist with a range of therapy areas including counselling for your mind, body, work, relationships and personal growth, and health behaviour change coaching, including addiction/compulsions.
10am-8pm weekdays, daily, online: available on short notice, book and have your session on the same day:) Hi, I am Dr. Candice Jimmyns, how are you?” You can answer with as much or little information as you like or nothing. There is simply no pressure… Do you know why? … It will be YOUR therapy session! For a session with no pressure where you do you and I am here for you, feel free to see me. If you are anxious about having therapy or have never been to therapy, or are feeling so low that you feel you cannot attend therapy; all you need to do is book and enter the online room… nothing else is expected. A warm inviting space awaits.
089 464 7986 View 089 464 7986
Photo of Richard Meacham - Online Psychologists, DCounsPsych, CPsychol PSI, Psychologist
Online Psychologists
Psychologist, DCounsPsych, CPsychol PSI
Verified Verified
Dublin, County Dublin D02  (Online Only)
Richard is a Counselling Psychologist and a Chartered member of the Psychological Society of Ireland. He works with people who have a deep desire to change the patterns within their relationships, either with themselves or with others. Richard has worked with clients from 4 to 94, in a variety of different setting, from primary care public health services, to the hospice service. He has worked with people with present with a number of different issues, from addiction to trauma, which are often interlinked.
Richard is a Counselling Psychologist and a Chartered member of the Psychological Society of Ireland. He works with people who have a deep desire to change the patterns within their relationships, either with themselves or with others. Richard has worked with clients from 4 to 94, in a variety of different setting, from primary care public health services, to the hospice service. He has worked with people with present with a number of different issues, from addiction to trauma, which are often interlinked.
(01) 568 2872 x55 View (01) 568 2872 x55
Photo of Sheila Crowley, MA, IAHIP Assoc, Psychotherapist
Sheila Crowley
Psychotherapist, MA, IAHIP Assoc
Verified Verified
Dublin, County Dublin D13
Are you struggling with issues related to trauma, grief, addiction, anxiety, or major life changes? Maybe, you are unsure about the future of a relationship or just feel that you are not living the life that you are meant to lead. There comes a time when we all need some extra help to cope with many of life's challenges. I can offer you that support.
Are you struggling with issues related to trauma, grief, addiction, anxiety, or major life changes? Maybe, you are unsure about the future of a relationship or just feel that you are not living the life that you are meant to lead. There comes a time when we all need some extra help to cope with many of life's challenges. I can offer you that support.
086 173 9413 View 086 173 9413
1
...

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.