Photo of Courtney Hamlin - Courtney Hamlin, LMFT, Inc., MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Courtney Hamlin, LMFT, Inc.
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Pacific Palisades, CA 90272
My specialties include working with individual adults, couples, preteens, and teens struggling with substance and behavioral addictions, trauma, anxiety, depression, codependency, identity struggles, and/or relational issues.
I'm here to help you. Whether this is your first time seeking counseling, or you are returning to work through a challenging time, I commend you for your willingness to try out therapy and/or continue your work. As we all know, life is not easy, and we are constantly confronted by doubts, darkness, fear, loss, and loneliness. I dedicate my time and efforts and use my skill set to collaborate with clients. I help them develop resources and tools, tap their inner strength, and get them back on the road to living a more fulfilling and meaningful life.
My specialties include working with individual adults, couples, preteens, and teens struggling with substance and behavioral addictions, trauma, anxiety, depression, codependency, identity struggles, and/or relational issues.
I'm here to help you. Whether this is your first time seeking counseling, or you are returning to work through a challenging time, I commend you for your willingness to try out therapy and/or continue your work. As we all know, life is not easy, and we are constantly confronted by doubts, darkness, fear, loss, and loneliness. I dedicate my time and efforts and use my skill set to collaborate with clients. I help them develop resources and tools, tap their inner strength, and get them back on the road to living a more fulfilling and meaningful life.
(424) 999-1056 View (424) 999-1056
Photo of Jon Sorensen, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Jon Sorensen
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Pacific Palisades, CA 90272
I work with clients struggling with severe trauma, addiction, depression, anxiety and a variety of life challenges. I have seen many learn to sleep deeply, break free of repetitive worrying thoughts, get excited about life and increase their health and energy. I feel honored that people share their stories with me and have found that no situation is ever without hope. Life can be so much better. If you choose to share with me, we will find a way together.
I work with clients struggling with severe trauma, addiction, depression, anxiety and a variety of life challenges. I have seen many learn to sleep deeply, break free of repetitive worrying thoughts, get excited about life and increase their health and energy. I feel honored that people share their stories with me and have found that no situation is ever without hope. Life can be so much better. If you choose to share with me, we will find a way together.
(310) 905-8859 View (310) 905-8859
Photo of Jill Danielle Weiss, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Jill Danielle Weiss
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Pacific Palisades, CA 90272
I am a licensed psychotherapist with over 20 years experience working with adolescents, college students, adults of all ages and couples. My areas of specialization are: trauma, anxiety, depression, grief and loss, relationships/dating, prenatal-postpartum (infants and mothers), ADHD, executive coaching, breakups and divorce, woman’s issues, addiction, LGBTIQ +, building self esteem and life transitions. I focus on helping people find relief from emotional distress to live healthy and fulfilling lives by developing coping tools and wisdom to address future challenges.
I am a licensed psychotherapist with over 20 years experience working with adolescents, college students, adults of all ages and couples. My areas of specialization are: trauma, anxiety, depression, grief and loss, relationships/dating, prenatal-postpartum (infants and mothers), ADHD, executive coaching, breakups and divorce, woman’s issues, addiction, LGBTIQ +, building self esteem and life transitions. I focus on helping people find relief from emotional distress to live healthy and fulfilling lives by developing coping tools and wisdom to address future challenges.
(424) 252-8705 View (424) 252-8705
Photo of Dr. Suzanne Pelka, LMFT, CSAT, PhD, Marriage & Family Therapist
Dr. Suzanne Pelka
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, CSAT, PhD
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Pacific Palisades, CA 90272
In need of sex therapy? Lack of desire? A sex-starved marriage? Sex/porn addiction? Just not on the same page as your partner? As a Sexuality Specialist and CSAT, I have successfully treated clients struggling with many different sexual problems (Men: erectile dysfunction, rapid/premature/delayed ejaculation. Women: low desire, painful intercourse, vaginismus/vulvadynia. Either: sexual inexperience, sexual anorexia, childhood sexual traumas including incest). I often use EMDR to resolve underlying traumas. I have researched and taught at UCLA, SMC, The University of Chicago, DePaul and have been a sexuality expert on NBC, ABC and KCAL 9 news.
In need of sex therapy? Lack of desire? A sex-starved marriage? Sex/porn addiction? Just not on the same page as your partner? As a Sexuality Specialist and CSAT, I have successfully treated clients struggling with many different sexual problems (Men: erectile dysfunction, rapid/premature/delayed ejaculation. Women: low desire, painful intercourse, vaginismus/vulvadynia. Either: sexual inexperience, sexual anorexia, childhood sexual traumas including incest). I often use EMDR to resolve underlying traumas. I have researched and taught at UCLA, SMC, The University of Chicago, DePaul and have been a sexuality expert on NBC, ABC and KCAL 9 news.
(310) 601-6882 View (310) 601-6882
Photo of Rachel Fintzy Woods, MA, Marriage & Family Therapist
Rachel Fintzy Woods
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA
Verified Verified
Pacific Palisades, CA 90272
During my 18 years conducting clinical research at UCLA, I worked with mind/body medicine, ADHD, substance abuse, depression, and PTSD.
I help people who struggle with compulsive, emotional, or binge eating or chronic dieting to find peace with their body, weight, food, and themselves. Preoccupation with not feeling "good enough" and perfectionism, trauma, and anxiety about life transitions and relationships can often be factors in disordered eating and body image. Getting in touch with your inner wisdom, your body's cues, and your needs are part of the journey to healing on an emotional, physical, and spiritual level.
During my 18 years conducting clinical research at UCLA, I worked with mind/body medicine, ADHD, substance abuse, depression, and PTSD.
I help people who struggle with compulsive, emotional, or binge eating or chronic dieting to find peace with their body, weight, food, and themselves. Preoccupation with not feeling "good enough" and perfectionism, trauma, and anxiety about life transitions and relationships can often be factors in disordered eating and body image. Getting in touch with your inner wisdom, your body's cues, and your needs are part of the journey to healing on an emotional, physical, and spiritual level.
(310) 365-1632 View (310) 365-1632
Photo of Rincy Mathew, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Rincy Mathew
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Pacific Palisades, CA 90272
I work with adults, couples, and late teens who struggle with addiction, self esteem, co-dependency, and PTSD.
I believe psychotherapy to be sacred work that can be immensely healing and transformative. But it requires a genuine commitment to confront uncomfortable feelings and beliefs. In my experience, most psychic pain stems from a lack of connection to our authentic selves causing immense suffering that manifests into self-defeating thoughts and addictions, loss of purpose and meaning, and relational trauma. My work with clients is to unravel these self-limiting unconscious processes to gain better insight and live more intentionally with greater purpose and freedom.
I work with adults, couples, and late teens who struggle with addiction, self esteem, co-dependency, and PTSD.
I believe psychotherapy to be sacred work that can be immensely healing and transformative. But it requires a genuine commitment to confront uncomfortable feelings and beliefs. In my experience, most psychic pain stems from a lack of connection to our authentic selves causing immense suffering that manifests into self-defeating thoughts and addictions, loss of purpose and meaning, and relational trauma. My work with clients is to unravel these self-limiting unconscious processes to gain better insight and live more intentionally with greater purpose and freedom.
(310) 526-3854 View (310) 526-3854
Photo of Rabia Khara, MA, MS, MFT, PCC, RDT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Rabia Khara
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MS, MFT, PCC, RDT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Pacific Palisades, CA 90272
Finding a therapist can be challenging because of that I am a conduit for hope and healing to you as your therapist. Therapy is a collaborative process that involves openness & receptivity founded on the desire to change for the better. It is within your reach. Sometimes life will throw a curveball and we find ourselves getting off track. That is where I step in and help you realign yourself to your true purpose in life and in the process of doing so new discoveries are made and new pathways are created. It is the stumbling upon, the revelations, the insights that help us grow and change. I am humbled to be a part of the process.
Finding a therapist can be challenging because of that I am a conduit for hope and healing to you as your therapist. Therapy is a collaborative process that involves openness & receptivity founded on the desire to change for the better. It is within your reach. Sometimes life will throw a curveball and we find ourselves getting off track. That is where I step in and help you realign yourself to your true purpose in life and in the process of doing so new discoveries are made and new pathways are created. It is the stumbling upon, the revelations, the insights that help us grow and change. I am humbled to be a part of the process.
(424) 407-8687 View (424) 407-8687
Photo of Mary Johansson, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Mary Johansson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Pacific Palisades, CA 90272
The human experience is full of ups and downs. Sometimes life can feel overwhelming due to many reasons. At times we need a place to process outside of our family and friend circle. Psychotherapy can give you the opportunity to have a "safe space" where you can discuss and problem solve what is making you feel "stuck," dissatisfied or unhappy, without judgment. Everyone has a personal story to tell. How one tells their story, and processes it, affects how they feel. By developing a narrative that is strength-based, you can move towards improved well-being and an increased sense of hope.
The human experience is full of ups and downs. Sometimes life can feel overwhelming due to many reasons. At times we need a place to process outside of our family and friend circle. Psychotherapy can give you the opportunity to have a "safe space" where you can discuss and problem solve what is making you feel "stuck," dissatisfied or unhappy, without judgment. Everyone has a personal story to tell. How one tells their story, and processes it, affects how they feel. By developing a narrative that is strength-based, you can move towards improved well-being and an increased sense of hope.
(310) 879-5153 View (310) 879-5153
Photo of Elana Diamond, MA, LMFT, MACP, Marriage & Family Therapist
Elana Diamond
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, MACP
Verified Verified
Pacific Palisades, CA 90272
Do you need a safe place to explore issues holding you back in life? Could your choices be better, or do you feel you are repeating the same patterns expecting a different result? I provide a supportive and collaborative environment for individuals, couples, and families to explore unresolved issues. I am committed to assisting my clients heal and form more desirable relationships.
Do you need a safe place to explore issues holding you back in life? Could your choices be better, or do you feel you are repeating the same patterns expecting a different result? I provide a supportive and collaborative environment for individuals, couples, and families to explore unresolved issues. I am committed to assisting my clients heal and form more desirable relationships.
(213) 863-1474 View (213) 863-1474
Photo of Laurie A Kaman, MBA, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Laurie A Kaman
Marriage & Family Therapist, MBA, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Pacific Palisades, CA 90272
Making the decision to change your life takes courage. It's a big step to have decided that you want more from life and to be pursuing something different. Personal change, whether it involves emotions, thoughts or behaviors, can be difficult and scary. It can also be exciting and incredibly rewarding. Engaging in a therapeutic relationship can provide a safe and nurturing space. Together, we'll explore your inner world to find clarity, to understand your self-sabotaging patterns, identify the issues standing in your way and work to promote growth, emotional balance and self-acceptance, allowing you to become the best version of you
Making the decision to change your life takes courage. It's a big step to have decided that you want more from life and to be pursuing something different. Personal change, whether it involves emotions, thoughts or behaviors, can be difficult and scary. It can also be exciting and incredibly rewarding. Engaging in a therapeutic relationship can provide a safe and nurturing space. Together, we'll explore your inner world to find clarity, to understand your self-sabotaging patterns, identify the issues standing in your way and work to promote growth, emotional balance and self-acceptance, allowing you to become the best version of you
(424) 203-4987 View (424) 203-4987
Photo of Melanie Siegel, AMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Melanie Siegel
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
Pacific Palisades, CA 90272
Change and growth are possible. Whether you are feeling stuck in a tiny dusty corner or lost in an enormous ocean, I'll meet you right where you are and help get you where you want to be. Taking the first step can be difficult, but will be rewarding as, together, the work that we begin now will expand your relationship to yourself and the world around you.
Change and growth are possible. Whether you are feeling stuck in a tiny dusty corner or lost in an enormous ocean, I'll meet you right where you are and help get you where you want to be. Taking the first step can be difficult, but will be rewarding as, together, the work that we begin now will expand your relationship to yourself and the world around you.
(424) 249-9172 View (424) 249-9172
Photo of Marni Kamins, MA, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Marni Kamins
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Pacific Palisades, CA 90272
Are you sick of self-sabotage? Do you want more confidence only to find that you are your own worst critic? Is your relationship with yourself frustrating you? I provide a safe, warm space for you to build self-esteem, and become un-stuck. I am passionate and committed to supporting you to achieve greater self-awareness, self-confidence and happiness in life. "Disordered" eating, Quarter-life-crisis, social anxiety, creative-blocks, Relational Trauma, depression, fear and anxiety are my specialties. I am also a fully licensed MFT in the great state of Texas!
Are you sick of self-sabotage? Do you want more confidence only to find that you are your own worst critic? Is your relationship with yourself frustrating you? I provide a safe, warm space for you to build self-esteem, and become un-stuck. I am passionate and committed to supporting you to achieve greater self-awareness, self-confidence and happiness in life. "Disordered" eating, Quarter-life-crisis, social anxiety, creative-blocks, Relational Trauma, depression, fear and anxiety are my specialties. I am also a fully licensed MFT in the great state of Texas!
(424) 327-9175 View (424) 327-9175
Photo of Chelsea Gottfurcht, PsyD, Psychologist
Chelsea Gottfurcht
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Pacific Palisades, CA 90272
Many of us have gone through experiences that leave us feeling stuck, unmotivated, or without hope for change. The promise of psychotherapy is that it offers a path that illuminates the conscious and unconscious limiting beliefs we unknowingly come to identify with. It allows us a framework where insight becomes possible - and the opportunity for a relationship that is dedicated to knowing you deeply. In this sense, I believe we are partners working to understand your motivations, fears, and deepest hopes so that you can feel a greater sense of freedom and empowerment in your life and in your future.
Many of us have gone through experiences that leave us feeling stuck, unmotivated, or without hope for change. The promise of psychotherapy is that it offers a path that illuminates the conscious and unconscious limiting beliefs we unknowingly come to identify with. It allows us a framework where insight becomes possible - and the opportunity for a relationship that is dedicated to knowing you deeply. In this sense, I believe we are partners working to understand your motivations, fears, and deepest hopes so that you can feel a greater sense of freedom and empowerment in your life and in your future.
(310) 651-7208 View (310) 651-7208
Photo of Laura Katz, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Laura Katz
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Pacific Palisades, CA 90272
Sometimes we walk through life feeling like we aren't good enough, like an imposter, disconnected from ourselves and others. We can experience distress to the point that it's hard to enjoy the moment and successfully move through our day. Sometimes we can't explain why we feel the way we do, and we might tell ourselves we're 'broken'. When we suffer like this, it's possible that there's a connection to your family's past and this wounding happened to someone other than yourself. My goal is to help you unpack these feelings, come to understand what is yours and what may be inherited, and move toward resolution and healing.
Sometimes we walk through life feeling like we aren't good enough, like an imposter, disconnected from ourselves and others. We can experience distress to the point that it's hard to enjoy the moment and successfully move through our day. Sometimes we can't explain why we feel the way we do, and we might tell ourselves we're 'broken'. When we suffer like this, it's possible that there's a connection to your family's past and this wounding happened to someone other than yourself. My goal is to help you unpack these feelings, come to understand what is yours and what may be inherited, and move toward resolution and healing.
(424) 581-1980 View (424) 581-1980
Photo of Demitra Tsioulos, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Demitra Tsioulos
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Pacific Palisades, CA 90272
If you are suffering from repeated patterns that are negatively impacting your life and desire freedom and space to heal and transform these patterns, I can help. I work with individuals, couples, groups and families who are overwhelmed by anxiety, suffering from depression, in a life transition, managing grief, having existential distress, and/or looking for deeper meaning and a stronger sense of Self. Often times being seen and understood by a nonjudgmental, compassionate therapist is a key factor in healing. The process is rich and ultimately empowering.
If you are suffering from repeated patterns that are negatively impacting your life and desire freedom and space to heal and transform these patterns, I can help. I work with individuals, couples, groups and families who are overwhelmed by anxiety, suffering from depression, in a life transition, managing grief, having existential distress, and/or looking for deeper meaning and a stronger sense of Self. Often times being seen and understood by a nonjudgmental, compassionate therapist is a key factor in healing. The process is rich and ultimately empowering.
(818) 855-5917 View (818) 855-5917
Photo of Rebecca Gorin, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Rebecca Gorin
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Pacific Palisades, CA 90272
Do you experience overwhelming thoughts and/or emotions? Do you experience inner-conflict and self doubt? Do you find yourself stuck in old patterns/behaviors and unsure of how to change them? For many these experiences can result in feeling frustrated, scared, hopeless and alone, often coping in self-damaging ways. These are normal responses to trauma and overwhelming/painful experiences. While I incorporate more traditional evidenced based modalities such as CBT, and DBT, I also recognize that emotions, implicit memories and trauma can get stuck in the body, which is why talk therapy alone often isn’t enough.
Do you experience overwhelming thoughts and/or emotions? Do you experience inner-conflict and self doubt? Do you find yourself stuck in old patterns/behaviors and unsure of how to change them? For many these experiences can result in feeling frustrated, scared, hopeless and alone, often coping in self-damaging ways. These are normal responses to trauma and overwhelming/painful experiences. While I incorporate more traditional evidenced based modalities such as CBT, and DBT, I also recognize that emotions, implicit memories and trauma can get stuck in the body, which is why talk therapy alone often isn’t enough.
(424) 276-1096 View (424) 276-1096

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Dr. Margie Mirell, PhD, LMFT, AASECT, Imago, Marriage & Family Therapist
Dr. Margie Mirell
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT, AASECT, Imago
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90402
Are you overwhelmed? Does it feel like something is holding you back from achieving your goals? Are you struggling with persistent negative thoughts or self-doubt? Together we can work to help equip you with the necessary tools for you to face and overcome your challenges. Whether you're struggling with trauma and PTSD, intimacy issues, overcoming addiction, or grief, it is important that you know you don't have to be alone in this journey. I have the experience to help you achieve your goals, overcome these struggles, and live a more fulfilling and meaningful life.
Are you overwhelmed? Does it feel like something is holding you back from achieving your goals? Are you struggling with persistent negative thoughts or self-doubt? Together we can work to help equip you with the necessary tools for you to face and overcome your challenges. Whether you're struggling with trauma and PTSD, intimacy issues, overcoming addiction, or grief, it is important that you know you don't have to be alone in this journey. I have the experience to help you achieve your goals, overcome these struggles, and live a more fulfilling and meaningful life.
(310) 773-0391 View (310) 773-0391
Photo of Kamala White, MA, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Kamala White
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90402
You're in pain from a dysfunctional childhood. Or you're using substances to cope with pain and would like to stop. If your substance use has affected your relationships, your finances, your career- it may be time to change. You can feel better! I will help holistically, meaning we will work on many levels. Together we will make practical plans to get you feeling stronger and more peaceful no matter what you have survived. Boundaries and self-care are skills that you can learn. You deserve to have the life you want, and I will help you create it. Together we can get you to where you want to be. Call for free consultation today!
You're in pain from a dysfunctional childhood. Or you're using substances to cope with pain and would like to stop. If your substance use has affected your relationships, your finances, your career- it may be time to change. You can feel better! I will help holistically, meaning we will work on many levels. Together we will make practical plans to get you feeling stronger and more peaceful no matter what you have survived. Boundaries and self-care are skills that you can learn. You deserve to have the life you want, and I will help you create it. Together we can get you to where you want to be. Call for free consultation today!
(562) 354-8673 View (562) 354-8673
Photo of Eveline Smilack, MFA, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Eveline Smilack
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFA, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90402
I specialize in comprehensive treatment for PTSD and trauma, eating disorders, and addiction.
Do problems feel unmanageable? Are relationships growing more stressful? Sometimes life can be challenging. It can be difficult to know how to move forward. My practice is dedicated to listening carefully and offering insight with compassion and care. I offer a trusting supportive space to understand and heal emotional experiences, develop nurturing relationships, and move towards fulfilling your personal goals. Whatever your reasons for wanting to talk to someone, therapy can help you better understand your experiences. Let psychotherapy help you discover your own potential. Starting the conversation is easier than you think. Reach out to explore the possibilities.
I specialize in comprehensive treatment for PTSD and trauma, eating disorders, and addiction.
Do problems feel unmanageable? Are relationships growing more stressful? Sometimes life can be challenging. It can be difficult to know how to move forward. My practice is dedicated to listening carefully and offering insight with compassion and care. I offer a trusting supportive space to understand and heal emotional experiences, develop nurturing relationships, and move towards fulfilling your personal goals. Whatever your reasons for wanting to talk to someone, therapy can help you better understand your experiences. Let psychotherapy help you discover your own potential. Starting the conversation is easier than you think. Reach out to explore the possibilities.
(310) 869-1533 View (310) 869-1533
Photo of Jake Paschke, AMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Jake Paschke
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90402
As your therapist, I am here to offer support through life's challenges. I believe that gaining a deeper understanding of ourselves frees us from unhelpful patterns and enables us to live a more authentic life. I provide therapy for individuals and couples, with a focus on LGBTQ+ issues, sex and intimacy, healing from trauma, phase of life challenges, addiction and recovery, and men's issues. Together, we will examine the thought patterns, behaviors, and societal influences affecting your mental health, aiming to foster lasting change.
As your therapist, I am here to offer support through life's challenges. I believe that gaining a deeper understanding of ourselves frees us from unhelpful patterns and enables us to live a more authentic life. I provide therapy for individuals and couples, with a focus on LGBTQ+ issues, sex and intimacy, healing from trauma, phase of life challenges, addiction and recovery, and men's issues. Together, we will examine the thought patterns, behaviors, and societal influences affecting your mental health, aiming to foster lasting change.
(818) 873-3764 View (818) 873-3764

See more therapy options for Pacific Palisades

Addiction Therapists

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.