Addiction Counselling in Stillorgan
![Photo of Riadhna Holahan, MSc, MIACP, Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/728d926f-a085-48eb-8b92-a90d927648a4/1/320x400.png)
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.
![Photo of Maeve Burke, MA, APPI, Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/11388b5e-8b79-41bb-9986-53e439a8180c/2/320x400.jpeg)
Life can be challenging and can bring hardships, conflict and pain. Often people seek therapy at a moment of crisis where they want change in their lives. Psychotherapy offers the possibility for an individual to explore various aspects of their life and be listened to in a way that is rarely possible with family or friends. My experience includes working with psychiatric diagnoses, those affected by issues and symptoms of anxiety, stress, depression, bereavement, addiction, relationship issues, questions of gender and sexuality.
Life can be challenging and can bring hardships, conflict and pain. Often people seek therapy at a moment of crisis where they want change in their lives. Psychotherapy offers the possibility for an individual to explore various aspects of their life and be listened to in a way that is rarely possible with family or friends. My experience includes working with psychiatric diagnoses, those affected by issues and symptoms of anxiety, stress, depression, bereavement, addiction, relationship issues, questions of gender and sexuality.
![Photo of Paula Coughlan, MSc, MIACP, Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9f4c9e76-684b-45d8-8301-be244d11dbe6/2/320x400.jpeg)
Paula Coughlan
Psychotherapist, MSc, MIACP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Stillorgan, County Dublin A94 (Online Only)
Are you feeling stressed, overwhelmed, or unable to focus? Are you feeling worried or having low-energy days too often? Or do you want more for your life? Please contact me today for support. I specialise in working with clients struggling with stress, anxiety, depression, or unresolved childhood issues and trauma. I will work with you to create the life you really want.
Are you feeling stressed, overwhelmed, or unable to focus? Are you feeling worried or having low-energy days too often? Or do you want more for your life? Please contact me today for support. I specialise in working with clients struggling with stress, anxiety, depression, or unresolved childhood issues and trauma. I will work with you to create the life you really want.
![Photo of Pradeep Kumar Chadha, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/50f7787c-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
“Overactive” busy minds have difficulty slowing down. I see it everyday. Having genes for a mental illness does not guarantee having one. Exposure to traumas is also needed to cause a disturbance in transmitters and hormones in the body. I help a person when they are looking for help in reducing psychiatric medications or before taking them. My experience involves helping a person process their traumas to heal them emotionally. In Walsh protocol , food supplements are prescribed instead of psychotropic medications that participate in hormonal and neurotransmitter metabolism. I can speak English, Hindi/ Urdu and Punjabi.
“Overactive” busy minds have difficulty slowing down. I see it everyday. Having genes for a mental illness does not guarantee having one. Exposure to traumas is also needed to cause a disturbance in transmitters and hormones in the body. I help a person when they are looking for help in reducing psychiatric medications or before taking them. My experience involves helping a person process their traumas to heal them emotionally. In Walsh protocol , food supplements are prescribed instead of psychotropic medications that participate in hormonal and neurotransmitter metabolism. I can speak English, Hindi/ Urdu and Punjabi.
![Photo of Jim Fox - Three Rock Counselling IFS Therapy & Brainspotting, MIACP, Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8c75e62b-5bc1-4e50-9055-e1ec684f43c9/3/320x400.jpeg)
Three Rock Counselling IFS Therapy & Brainspotting
Psychotherapist, MIACP
Verified Verified
Stillorgan, County Dublin A94
My practice is Internal Family System ( IFS) and Brain Spotting informed. I am not taking on any new clients at present but I will have some capacity soon for clients interested in IFS Therapy and or Brain Spotting . I work in my practice helping people who seek therapy for a range of emotional and stress-related issues including stress, anxiety, worry, depression, anger, panic attacks and grief. I believe that everyone deserves to live a full and meaningful life. I endeavour to create a compassionate, non-judgmental and transformative space for my clients and always practice with these values in mind.
My practice is Internal Family System ( IFS) and Brain Spotting informed. I am not taking on any new clients at present but I will have some capacity soon for clients interested in IFS Therapy and or Brain Spotting . I work in my practice helping people who seek therapy for a range of emotional and stress-related issues including stress, anxiety, worry, depression, anger, panic attacks and grief. I believe that everyone deserves to live a full and meaningful life. I endeavour to create a compassionate, non-judgmental and transformative space for my clients and always practice with these values in mind.
![Photo of Anita Coghlan, MIACP, Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/519578d9-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Anita Coghlan
Psychotherapist, MIACP
Verified Verified
Stillorgan, County Dublin A94
Not accepting new clients
As a person centred Psychotherapist I offer a safe space for clients and couples to look at and talk about the issues they feel are preventing them moving forward with their lives and relationships. Sometimes life can feel overwhelming, we experience loss and change in our relationships, jobs, identity, family or health. It can feel difficult to find someone to talk to. I provide an understanding and non judgmental environment in which the issues clients face can be addressed.
As a person centred Psychotherapist I offer a safe space for clients and couples to look at and talk about the issues they feel are preventing them moving forward with their lives and relationships. Sometimes life can feel overwhelming, we experience loss and change in our relationships, jobs, identity, family or health. It can feel difficult to find someone to talk to. I provide an understanding and non judgmental environment in which the issues clients face can be addressed.
More Therapists Nearby
![Photo of Maria Fennell, DCounsPsych, MIACP, Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/44ea92cb-11ec-492e-958a-10c0ca140dc3/1/320x400.jpeg)
Maria Fennell
Psychotherapist, DCounsPsych, MIACP
Verified Verified
Blackrock, County Dublin A94 (Online Only)
Maria is a Fully-accrediated IACP Counsellor & Psychotherapist, and has many years experience working with Anxiety, Addiction, Eating Disorders, Depression, Bereavement, Separation, Sucicidial Ideation, PSTD. Maria's approach is person centred and integrative, she works from a cognitive (CBT) perspective.
Maria is a Fully-accrediated IACP Counsellor & Psychotherapist, and has many years experience working with Anxiety, Addiction, Eating Disorders, Depression, Bereavement, Separation, Sucicidial Ideation, PSTD. Maria's approach is person centred and integrative, she works from a cognitive (CBT) perspective.
![Photo of John Smith - Booterstown Counselling Psychotherapy 0877689823, MIACP, Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/54efa473-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
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.
![Photo of Chanel Kenney, MA, MPSI, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/28289321-90fc-434d-ac45-44e0cfc058f5/1/320x400.jpeg)
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.
![Photo of Michael Rooney, MA, Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7d04a596-c8e7-42a8-805b-15fc564f44a2/3/320x400.jpeg)
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.
![Photo of Albert Osthoff - Online Psychologists Dr Albert Osthoff, DCounsPsych, CPsychol, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a40daa8e-fec7-4cc2-b12e-495e5508c063/3/320x400.jpeg)
Online Psychologists Dr Albert Osthoff
Psychologist, DCounsPsych, CPsychol
Verified Verified
Dublin, County Dublin D02
Albert is a counselling psychologist with a background in human resource management. As a psychologist, most of his work concerns the provision of counselling and psychotherapy, that is, helping people, including children and adolescents from secondary school age upwards, with issues that are troubling or distressing them, for example, stress and anxiety, depression, or low mood, relationship difficulties, loss and bereavement, bullying, anger, substance abuse and addiction and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Albert is a counselling psychologist with a background in human resource management. As a psychologist, most of his work concerns the provision of counselling and psychotherapy, that is, helping people, including children and adolescents from secondary school age upwards, with issues that are troubling or distressing them, for example, stress and anxiety, depression, or low mood, relationship difficulties, loss and bereavement, bullying, anger, substance abuse and addiction and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
![Photo of Vivienne Coen, MA, MIACP, Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5c7bd158-e63c-487a-940c-986fe1b44028/3/320x400.jpeg)
My practice areas include Depressive disorders, Anxiety, Addiction & Dependence (food, alcohol, gambling), Bereavement & feelings associated with loss, childhood issues and trauma, post traumatic stress, self esteem issues, psychosexual and sexuality issues, relationship & attachment issues, Ante & Post natal psychotherapy, and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder.
I have worked and trained in the area of mental health since 2006 and specialise in Freudian and Lacanian Psychoanalysis. I provide psychoanalytic therapy for a wide range of mental health issues for people from all walks of life. As well as working in private practice I have specialised clinical training in a number of mental health facilities including the psychiatric departments of Holles Street national maternity hospital (Ante and Post Natal Psychiatry); St. Vincent’s Hospital Elm Park (general psychiatry), St.Ita’s Portrane (long term patients), and also the National Drug Treatment Centre (Addiction and Dependence).
My practice areas include Depressive disorders, Anxiety, Addiction & Dependence (food, alcohol, gambling), Bereavement & feelings associated with loss, childhood issues and trauma, post traumatic stress, self esteem issues, psychosexual and sexuality issues, relationship & attachment issues, Ante & Post natal psychotherapy, and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder.
I have worked and trained in the area of mental health since 2006 and specialise in Freudian and Lacanian Psychoanalysis. I provide psychoanalytic therapy for a wide range of mental health issues for people from all walks of life. As well as working in private practice I have specialised clinical training in a number of mental health facilities including the psychiatric departments of Holles Street national maternity hospital (Ante and Post Natal Psychiatry); St. Vincent’s Hospital Elm Park (general psychiatry), St.Ita’s Portrane (long term patients), and also the National Drug Treatment Centre (Addiction and Dependence).
![Photo of Paula Gallagher, MA, ICP, Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0f0b5c9e-c227-426b-9da7-64b906c4bf38/3/320x400.jpeg)
My clinical experience includes hospitals (both psychiatric and maternity), and a prison where I worked as an addiction counsellor.
I work with both adults and adolescents and provide a type of listening that is singular to each person (not a one answer fits all model). By attending therapy you release yourself of burdens and concerns and ongoing symptoms and find new ways of looking at life. The work I facilitate provides an insight and outlook that is focused towards helping each person find more understanding of themselves and what they want for themselves. My experience includes people with different psychiatric diagnosis, people experiencing grief, loss, addiction, ruminating and obsessive thoughts, pre and post natal depression and eating disorders.
My clinical experience includes hospitals (both psychiatric and maternity), and a prison where I worked as an addiction counsellor.
I work with both adults and adolescents and provide a type of listening that is singular to each person (not a one answer fits all model). By attending therapy you release yourself of burdens and concerns and ongoing symptoms and find new ways of looking at life. The work I facilitate provides an insight and outlook that is focused towards helping each person find more understanding of themselves and what they want for themselves. My experience includes people with different psychiatric diagnosis, people experiencing grief, loss, addiction, ruminating and obsessive thoughts, pre and post natal depression and eating disorders.
![Photo of Lorna Boyle - Lorna Boyle Therapy - anxiety, depression, loss, Pre-Accredited Member IACP, Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ef261f9f-35ec-4184-b684-6daae8bd7f2b/1/320x400.jpeg)
Lorna Boyle Therapy - anxiety, depression, loss
Psychotherapist, Pre-Accredited Member IACP
Verified Verified
Blackrock, County Dublin A94
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.
![Photo of Jessica Riley, MA, Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/704fe43a-904e-42b7-99e5-5a7fed3420c8/1/320x400.jpeg)
Jessica offers a non-judgmental, empathetic approach to her clients. Jessica has experience in the private and public sectors. Jessica has several years of experience working in addiction, homeless, and children's residential care. As well as working clinically in general and psychiatric care. Jessica has trained as a Lacanian Psychoanalytic Psychotherapist. Jessica holds a BA in Psychology and an MA in Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy. Jessica is currently continuing her studies with the School of Psychotherapy, UCD and is a member of the PSI and NAPCP.
Jessica offers a non-judgmental, empathetic approach to her clients. Jessica has experience in the private and public sectors. Jessica has several years of experience working in addiction, homeless, and children's residential care. As well as working clinically in general and psychiatric care. Jessica has trained as a Lacanian Psychoanalytic Psychotherapist. Jessica holds a BA in Psychology and an MA in Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy. Jessica is currently continuing her studies with the School of Psychotherapy, UCD and is a member of the PSI and NAPCP.
![Photo of Marion Mensing, PhD, MIACP, Counsellor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/73b7329c-8a7e-403b-8411-8f87cde8d186/3/320x400.jpeg)
You feel stressed or anxious? You feel sad or depressed? Maybe you were bullied or you have been affected by abuse? Your 'flying off the handle' is creating problems? You experienced loss or bereavement? You go through life changes? You have issues with relationships? You think that your sexual behaviour might have become problematic? You have issues around addiction? Maybe you just want to talk through an issue? You want to make sense of a problematic event that sticks in your mind? You want to change your behaviour? You want to abolish self-criticism and enhance self-esteem? You want to find meaning and purpose?
You feel stressed or anxious? You feel sad or depressed? Maybe you were bullied or you have been affected by abuse? Your 'flying off the handle' is creating problems? You experienced loss or bereavement? You go through life changes? You have issues with relationships? You think that your sexual behaviour might have become problematic? You have issues around addiction? Maybe you just want to talk through an issue? You want to make sense of a problematic event that sticks in your mind? You want to change your behaviour? You want to abolish self-criticism and enhance self-esteem? You want to find meaning and purpose?
![Photo of Patrick O'Hare, Pre-Accredited Member IACP, Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/56201532-3ccf-4dfc-bb90-18d0de06aa3b/1/320x400.png)
Patrick O'Hare
Psychotherapist, Pre-Accredited Member IACP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Dublin, County Dublin D02
It can be hard to navigate life's challenges alone. You might feel stuck in the past, anxious about the future, or simply lost. If you're struggling with anxiety, depression, addiction, or past hurts, I can help. I offer a safe, compassionate space where you can explore your feelings and experiences without judgment. Together, we can work to help you understand yourself better, find ways to cope, and build a life that feels meaningful and fulfilling.
It can be hard to navigate life's challenges alone. You might feel stuck in the past, anxious about the future, or simply lost. If you're struggling with anxiety, depression, addiction, or past hurts, I can help. I offer a safe, compassionate space where you can explore your feelings and experiences without judgment. Together, we can work to help you understand yourself better, find ways to cope, and build a life that feels meaningful and fulfilling.
![Photo of Judith leigh May, PsychD, MPSI, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c5ed8124-8112-4dac-b618-311966023bd6/2/320x400.jpeg)
I AM a Traumatologist: LIFE Coaching. Build a foundation for success in life. Navigating EFT Emotional Freedom Tapping. Eliminate limiting self beliefs that hold us back in life. Complex-PTSD Trauma Specialist . 23 years ago I broke my neck, Opioid addiction recovery specialist. 2marriages 2divorces 2 miscarriages. Surgical TRAUMA blocked life body/mind /subconscious thoughts. Compassionate Belief Coding. Relationship Co-dependancy. Kids Separation anxiety, Divorce-Solo moms hectic life/work/family balance. CBT childhood, adult Complex-PTSD trauma. NLP Rape support, preparing women for court procedures. Mental wellbeing Lifecoaching
I AM a Traumatologist: LIFE Coaching. Build a foundation for success in life. Navigating EFT Emotional Freedom Tapping. Eliminate limiting self beliefs that hold us back in life. Complex-PTSD Trauma Specialist . 23 years ago I broke my neck, Opioid addiction recovery specialist. 2marriages 2divorces 2 miscarriages. Surgical TRAUMA blocked life body/mind /subconscious thoughts. Compassionate Belief Coding. Relationship Co-dependancy. Kids Separation anxiety, Divorce-Solo moms hectic life/work/family balance. CBT childhood, adult Complex-PTSD trauma. NLP Rape support, preparing women for court procedures. Mental wellbeing Lifecoaching
![Photo of Mícheál O'Rourke, MSc, CPsychol PSI, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d2dd4558-0af3-46e4-9d68-439dfda06af5/1/320x400.jpeg)
Mícheál O'Rourke
Psychologist, MSc, CPsychol PSI
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Dublin, County Dublin D14 (Online Only)
Do you have difficulties in maintaining attention, managing impulsiveness, and organizing tasks? Do you find it hard to sit still, acting without thinking, interrupting others? Or perhaps struggle with time management, following through on tasks, and maintaining focus? As a psychologist specializing in ADHD, I understand the unique challenges that you face and I'm here to help you navigate through them. I also specialize in men's well-being, which encompasses a wide range of topics, including but not limited to stress management, work-life balance, relationship dynamics, substance abuse, self-esteem, and emotional health.
Do you have difficulties in maintaining attention, managing impulsiveness, and organizing tasks? Do you find it hard to sit still, acting without thinking, interrupting others? Or perhaps struggle with time management, following through on tasks, and maintaining focus? As a psychologist specializing in ADHD, I understand the unique challenges that you face and I'm here to help you navigate through them. I also specialize in men's well-being, which encompasses a wide range of topics, including but not limited to stress management, work-life balance, relationship dynamics, substance abuse, self-esteem, and emotional health.
![Photo of Deimante Jaugaite Individual And Couples Therapist, Pre-Accredited Member IACP, Psychotherapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/780d5731-08fa-468f-8767-f66bd0acda6a/1/320x400.jpeg)
Deimante Jaugaite Individual And Couples Therapist
Psychotherapist, Pre-Accredited Member IACP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Dublin, County Dublin D06
I speak English, German, Lithuanian & Russian. I specialize in being open minded! I encourage my clients to talk about everything. Intimacy, Sexuality, Trauma, Addiction. Their relationship with themselves and the world (a lot can be learned from daily patterns and behaviours), deepest fears, things they wish they had never done and equally, dreams, goals, and ambitions. The Therapeutic space is your sanctuary to be yourself, whether you’re hurting, feeling lost and fragile or just are curious to learn more about yourself. The goal is not to change you entirely but to work on updating your current self to become your best self.
I speak English, German, Lithuanian & Russian. I specialize in being open minded! I encourage my clients to talk about everything. Intimacy, Sexuality, Trauma, Addiction. Their relationship with themselves and the world (a lot can be learned from daily patterns and behaviours), deepest fears, things they wish they had never done and equally, dreams, goals, and ambitions. The Therapeutic space is your sanctuary to be yourself, whether you’re hurting, feeling lost and fragile or just are curious to learn more about yourself. The goal is not to change you entirely but to work on updating your current self to become your best self.
See more therapy options for Stillorgan
Nearby Addiction Counsellors Searches for Stillorgan
- Ballsbridge
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- Dublin
- Killiney
- Knocklyon
- Ranelagh
- Rathfarnham
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- Shankill
- Templeogue
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.