Substance Use Therapists in Palo Alto, CA
![Photo of Kevin Kuhlow, LAADC, MS, Drug & Alcohol Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4dcb9aaa-987c-4032-a447-b231821a9130/2/320x400.jpeg)
Is alcohol or another substance holding you back? Are you a professional or executive who has found that the one thing you haven't been able to overcome is substance use? Many clinicians don't truly understand the stress and loneliness that professional success can create. My experience as a senior executive and addiction professional can help you break free and achieve your true potential. Don't let substance abuse be the one thing you haven't been able to overcome as a professional. I utilize positive counseling techniques designed to capitalize on your strengths to help you overcome substance use and achieve your potential.
Is alcohol or another substance holding you back? Are you a professional or executive who has found that the one thing you haven't been able to overcome is substance use? Many clinicians don't truly understand the stress and loneliness that professional success can create. My experience as a senior executive and addiction professional can help you break free and achieve your true potential. Don't let substance abuse be the one thing you haven't been able to overcome as a professional. I utilize positive counseling techniques designed to capitalize on your strengths to help you overcome substance use and achieve your potential.
![Photo of Christine Moberg, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/495d4d64-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Christine Moberg
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Palo Alto, CA 94306 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Individuals often come to therapy because they are having difficulties in relationships, coping with work-related stress, or managing intense emotions related to past experiences. They may be dealing with anxiety, depression, stress, or substance use which they feel has become unmanageable. My aim as a therapist is to help you reconnect with your own strengths and empower you to overcome your challenges, to see things in a new way, or perhaps, to identify your goals and values. I view therapy as a very collaborative process in which we will work together to help you build the life you want to live.
Individuals often come to therapy because they are having difficulties in relationships, coping with work-related stress, or managing intense emotions related to past experiences. They may be dealing with anxiety, depression, stress, or substance use which they feel has become unmanageable. My aim as a therapist is to help you reconnect with your own strengths and empower you to overcome your challenges, to see things in a new way, or perhaps, to identify your goals and values. I view therapy as a very collaborative process in which we will work together to help you build the life you want to live.
![Photo of Kevin Kuhlow, LAADC, MS, Drug & Alcohol Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f4ba5497-c0ec-4c79-bfa8-f3fe803a5e68/2/320x400.jpeg)
Is alcohol or another substance holding you back? Are you a professional or executive who has found that the one thing you haven't been able to overcome is substance use? Many clinicians don't truly understand the stress and loneliness that professional success can create. My experience as a senior executive and addiction professional can help you break free and achieve your true potential. Don't let substance abuse be the one thing you haven't been able to overcome as a professional. I utilize positive counseling techniques designed to capitalize on your strengths to help you overcome substance use and achieve your potential.
Is alcohol or another substance holding you back? Are you a professional or executive who has found that the one thing you haven't been able to overcome is substance use? Many clinicians don't truly understand the stress and loneliness that professional success can create. My experience as a senior executive and addiction professional can help you break free and achieve your true potential. Don't let substance abuse be the one thing you haven't been able to overcome as a professional. I utilize positive counseling techniques designed to capitalize on your strengths to help you overcome substance use and achieve your potential.
![Photo of Jayme Frihart - Creature Comforts Therapy , LCSW, CCTP, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ab14ab66-fad5-46db-85c2-d0ebfb81b1f1/1/320x400.png)
Creature Comforts Therapy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CCTP
Verified Verified
Palo Alto, CA 94303
Welcome! My experience and education are rooted in working with individuals from various backgrounds to help them identify a path towards feeling more safe in their own bodies. I have vast experience working with substance use disorders or folks that are supporting a loved one with a substance use disorder. I also help individuals focusing on harm reduction efforts. I have a passion for helping individuals to identify stressors in their lives and help them manage their experiences of depression, burn out, stress, trauma, anxiety, grief, and loss more effectively.
Welcome! My experience and education are rooted in working with individuals from various backgrounds to help them identify a path towards feeling more safe in their own bodies. I have vast experience working with substance use disorders or folks that are supporting a loved one with a substance use disorder. I also help individuals focusing on harm reduction efforts. I have a passion for helping individuals to identify stressors in their lives and help them manage their experiences of depression, burn out, stress, trauma, anxiety, grief, and loss more effectively.
![Photo of Kimberly l Brodsky, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/43f607aa-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I work collaboratively with clients to maximize their strengths and enhance their tools for valued living. I have a wealth of experience treating clients with traumatic histories, substance use, anxiety and depression. I specialize in therapies based in research evidence, including cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT).
I work collaboratively with clients to maximize their strengths and enhance their tools for valued living. I have a wealth of experience treating clients with traumatic histories, substance use, anxiety and depression. I specialize in therapies based in research evidence, including cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT).
![Photo of Alejandro Maya, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/229137b7-ebee-47ec-b8f2-04a9446502fe/2/320x400.png)
Alejandro Maya
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Palo Alto, CA 94303 (Online Only)
I specialize in working with Gen Z and Millenials experiencing trauma, depression, anxiety, substance use, OCD, identity crisis, peer challenges, family difficulties, and stress brought on when two or more of these areas collide. I use EMDR, cognitive behavioral therapy, somatic approaches, expressive arts and narrative therapies to assist you in exploring and healing these issues at their root causes.
I specialize in working with Gen Z and Millenials experiencing trauma, depression, anxiety, substance use, OCD, identity crisis, peer challenges, family difficulties, and stress brought on when two or more of these areas collide. I use EMDR, cognitive behavioral therapy, somatic approaches, expressive arts and narrative therapies to assist you in exploring and healing these issues at their root causes.
![Photo of Kelly Albrecht, ASW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/869d9a2c-850f-4c59-9563-4dfdcae2d342/1/320x400.png)
With expertise in substance use disorder, ADHD, bipolar and personality disorders, my holistic approach to therapy prioritizes safety and healing, with trauma-informed care.
Are you struggling to process depression, anxiety, relationship/family issues, and trauma? These emotional ruptures can cause major disruptions in our lives. The work to process these types of life events is multifaceted, and I can help you identify your feelings and potential relational patterns, build tolerance and acceptance around challenging ones, and set meaningful goals. In order to do so, I utilize various therapeutic approaches consisting of ACT, CBT, and Problem-Solving Therapy, and somatic interventions.
With expertise in substance use disorder, ADHD, bipolar and personality disorders, my holistic approach to therapy prioritizes safety and healing, with trauma-informed care.
Are you struggling to process depression, anxiety, relationship/family issues, and trauma? These emotional ruptures can cause major disruptions in our lives. The work to process these types of life events is multifaceted, and I can help you identify your feelings and potential relational patterns, build tolerance and acceptance around challenging ones, and set meaningful goals. In order to do so, I utilize various therapeutic approaches consisting of ACT, CBT, and Problem-Solving Therapy, and somatic interventions.
![Photo of Michael Ceccon, LPCC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d317f622-3811-4a59-b155-958cc206aa9b/1/320x400.jpeg)
My specialties include using culturally-responsive evidence-based practices to help you address sociocultural and systemic challenges, depression, anxiety, trauma, substance use, codependency, career and performance challenges, coping skill development, grief, near-death experiences, chronic illness and health challenges, chronic stress, and men’s issues.
Are you feeling frustrated, confused, stressed, depressed, or lost? Living a human life means learning to live with the human condition and the challenges that arise as a result - mortality, relationships, conflict, emotionality, suffering, and change. Therapy can help you adapt and adjust to experiences that can often be challenging and confusing; experiences that you may not always have the skills or insight to address. Therapy is meant to be a safe environment for you to process your experience of life to get emotional support, helpful feedback, and a healing perspective.
My specialties include using culturally-responsive evidence-based practices to help you address sociocultural and systemic challenges, depression, anxiety, trauma, substance use, codependency, career and performance challenges, coping skill development, grief, near-death experiences, chronic illness and health challenges, chronic stress, and men’s issues.
Are you feeling frustrated, confused, stressed, depressed, or lost? Living a human life means learning to live with the human condition and the challenges that arise as a result - mortality, relationships, conflict, emotionality, suffering, and change. Therapy can help you adapt and adjust to experiences that can often be challenging and confusing; experiences that you may not always have the skills or insight to address. Therapy is meant to be a safe environment for you to process your experience of life to get emotional support, helpful feedback, and a healing perspective.
![Photo of Simi Bhaurla, LPCC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/521b1d3b-332e-49aa-8019-912245d0c2d1/2/320x400.jpeg)
Simi Bhaurla
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, LPCC
Verified Verified
Palo Alto, CA 94306 (Online Only)
Struggling with mental health is a difficult task to handle alone. The clients I serve typically experience anxiety, depression, substance use issues, or are struggling with difficult life transitions. I provide clients with the tools they need to help improve their lives and become the best version of themselves. The most important part of this process is to find the right therapist for you.
Struggling with mental health is a difficult task to handle alone. The clients I serve typically experience anxiety, depression, substance use issues, or are struggling with difficult life transitions. I provide clients with the tools they need to help improve their lives and become the best version of themselves. The most important part of this process is to find the right therapist for you.
![Photo of Danielle B. Grossman, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9f965d30-8aa2-43d2-9795-bea897c5efe1/3/320x400.jpeg)
Specialist in relationships, life transitions, anxiety, eating issues and substance use. Yale University (magna cum laude), BA. California Institute for Integral Studies, MA. 20 years experience working with individuals and couples. Clinical supervisor. Trauma informed/trauma focused. I am affirming, non-judgmental and active in sessions. I integrate CBT, DBT, attachment, neuroscience, mindfulness and somatics to support you in shifting patterns that may no longer be serving you. ••Therapy must be a place where you are understood, respected and believed - and where you get help that is actually helpful for you.••
Specialist in relationships, life transitions, anxiety, eating issues and substance use. Yale University (magna cum laude), BA. California Institute for Integral Studies, MA. 20 years experience working with individuals and couples. Clinical supervisor. Trauma informed/trauma focused. I am affirming, non-judgmental and active in sessions. I integrate CBT, DBT, attachment, neuroscience, mindfulness and somatics to support you in shifting patterns that may no longer be serving you. ••Therapy must be a place where you are understood, respected and believed - and where you get help that is actually helpful for you.••
![Photo of Lirio Ohlson, LMFT, LPCC, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4406a530-b9b0-48fe-a27c-523634366397/1/320x400.png)
I am passionate about helping couples craft deeply nourishing and caring relationships. In our meetings we learn the skills required for loving another person well: good communication, problem solving and repair. We explore what it means for each person to feel loved and cared for and work toward a dance that honors each members unique preferences. I also help couples have important conversations about crafting a mutually satisfying shared vision of what a meaningful life is as romantic partners, parents and community members. We work on healing from painful past ruptures such as infidelity, substance use and frequent fighting.
I am passionate about helping couples craft deeply nourishing and caring relationships. In our meetings we learn the skills required for loving another person well: good communication, problem solving and repair. We explore what it means for each person to feel loved and cared for and work toward a dance that honors each members unique preferences. I also help couples have important conversations about crafting a mutually satisfying shared vision of what a meaningful life is as romantic partners, parents and community members. We work on healing from painful past ruptures such as infidelity, substance use and frequent fighting.
15 Second Videos
Jacqueline Eaton-Willard
Jacqueline Fernando
Christine Benetua
Katherine Warner
Eval Gal-Oz
Sean Robertson
Jeanne Jacobs
Andrew Ray Goldberg
Natasha Kazmi, Trust Mental Health
David Arbulú
Ari Labowitz -Relationship Specialist
Megan Hankins-Maldonado
Mary Pat Killoran
Paris Williams
Mary Deyo
'Mind Your Stories & Live Well'
Heather L. Damon
Shuchang Kang
Erin Leigh Carl
Bryan Vasquez
Resilience Collective Psychology Group
Allyson Ford
Exclusive Hawaii Rehab
Tori Palliccia
Manali Deolalkar
Jaclyn Kelly Long
![Photo of Maryam Taghdimi, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/57a6c351-6266-4734-b235-9f4d060f4cd0/1/320x400.jpeg)
I am a licensed clinical psychotherapist providing individual and group therapy in English, and Persian/Farsi. My clinical areas of interest and areas of expertise include codependency, trauma and complex trauma, substance use, narcissistic abuse, mood & anxiety disorders.
I am a licensed clinical psychotherapist providing individual and group therapy in English, and Persian/Farsi. My clinical areas of interest and areas of expertise include codependency, trauma and complex trauma, substance use, narcissistic abuse, mood & anxiety disorders.
![Photo of Alexander Ochoa, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/da8958da-62e9-4628-bff1-8b6f4f9b9652/1/320x400.jpeg)
My name is Dr. Alexander Ochoa is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist located in San Francisco, CA. I provide individual therapy for teens, young adults, and adults. I focus on sports mental health, athletes struggling with fears of re-injury, effective communication, identity loss, anxiety, depression, substance use, life transitions, parenting, and conflict resolution. I specialize in working with individuals who would like to grow their performance by prioritizing their mental health.
My name is Dr. Alexander Ochoa is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist located in San Francisco, CA. I provide individual therapy for teens, young adults, and adults. I focus on sports mental health, athletes struggling with fears of re-injury, effective communication, identity loss, anxiety, depression, substance use, life transitions, parenting, and conflict resolution. I specialize in working with individuals who would like to grow their performance by prioritizing their mental health.
![Photo of Ryan Madigan - Boston Child Study Center - California (LA & SF), MD, PhD, MA, LCSW, LMHC, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/17d2411e-18a7-45bc-b9d4-9d1e4607aaaa/3/320x400.jpeg)
Boston Child Study Center - California (LA & SF)
Psychologist, MD, PhD, MA, LCSW, LMHC
Verified Verified
Palo Alto, CA 94301
We are a comprehensively trained multidisciplinary team of clinicians, psychologists, and psychiatrists who provide evidence-based treatment to children, adolescents, young adults & families. Starting with the science and research, we deliver evidence-based treatment tailored to your family's individual needs. Our early and middle childhood team specializes in Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Trauma-Focused CBT, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Children (DBT-C) to treat anxiety, OCD, ADHD, autism, disruptive behaviors, selective mutism, trauma and depression. Our adolescent and young adult programs specialize in providing DBT and DBT-Prolonged Exposure (DBT-PE), ACT and Exposure Therapy (ExRP) to treat anxiety, OCD, depression, gender dysphoria, suicidal behaviors, non-suicidal self-injury (self-harm), substance use, disordered eating, dissociative disorders, somatic disorders, autism spectrum disorder, non-verbal learning disability, as well as PTSD and Complex-PTSD. Additionally, we offer parent coaching, family therapy, and couples therapy.
We are a comprehensively trained multidisciplinary team of clinicians, psychologists, and psychiatrists who provide evidence-based treatment to children, adolescents, young adults & families. Starting with the science and research, we deliver evidence-based treatment tailored to your family's individual needs. Our early and middle childhood team specializes in Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Trauma-Focused CBT, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Children (DBT-C) to treat anxiety, OCD, ADHD, autism, disruptive behaviors, selective mutism, trauma and depression. Our adolescent and young adult programs specialize in providing DBT and DBT-Prolonged Exposure (DBT-PE), ACT and Exposure Therapy (ExRP) to treat anxiety, OCD, depression, gender dysphoria, suicidal behaviors, non-suicidal self-injury (self-harm), substance use, disordered eating, dissociative disorders, somatic disorders, autism spectrum disorder, non-verbal learning disability, as well as PTSD and Complex-PTSD. Additionally, we offer parent coaching, family therapy, and couples therapy.
![Photo of Laura Beann, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3fdfb7a4-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Laura Beann
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Palo Alto, CA 94303 (Online Only)
I approach psychotherapy from a whole-person perspective and I believe therapy, along with other practices, can help us awaken to a life of meaning. In therapy I will help you identify the source of your longing to be whole, and together, we will move closer to that source, so you become re-sourced. Together we will explore your innate natural cycles and help you align to your own rhythm, so that you might meet depletion with rest and energy with creativity.
I approach psychotherapy from a whole-person perspective and I believe therapy, along with other practices, can help us awaken to a life of meaning. In therapy I will help you identify the source of your longing to be whole, and together, we will move closer to that source, so you become re-sourced. Together we will explore your innate natural cycles and help you align to your own rhythm, so that you might meet depletion with rest and energy with creativity.
![Photo of Amanda Montgomery, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5132ef77-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Amanda Montgomery is a licensed clinical psychologist with expertise working with individuals experiencing depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and trauma. She also treats couples who are in conflict, experiencing transition or wanting to increase intimacy. She has created and led workshops focused on self-care and burnout. Dr. Montgomery emphasizes connection and collaboration in building a strong therapeutic relationship.
Dr. Amanda Montgomery is a licensed clinical psychologist with expertise working with individuals experiencing depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and trauma. She also treats couples who are in conflict, experiencing transition or wanting to increase intimacy. She has created and led workshops focused on self-care and burnout. Dr. Montgomery emphasizes connection and collaboration in building a strong therapeutic relationship.
![Photo of Katherine Hohbach, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4c38fd4f-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Trauma and many of its related challenges can cause emotional reactions and physical responses causing you to wonder, will this ever get better? You may wonder, how long can I tolerate this bravery? I welcome supporting you. If complicated life themes tend to show up unexpectedly in behaviors that cause you to second guess yourself, I can help. Let’s collaborate and explore this knotted chain, which is really a portal into what blocks self confidence and connection. We'll find new solutions, reduce or resolve triggers that affect your everyday life in a way that is paced.
Trauma and many of its related challenges can cause emotional reactions and physical responses causing you to wonder, will this ever get better? You may wonder, how long can I tolerate this bravery? I welcome supporting you. If complicated life themes tend to show up unexpectedly in behaviors that cause you to second guess yourself, I can help. Let’s collaborate and explore this knotted chain, which is really a portal into what blocks self confidence and connection. We'll find new solutions, reduce or resolve triggers that affect your everyday life in a way that is paced.
![Photo of Victoria Coleman - Serenity Psychotherapy LLC, LPCC, LMFT, LCSW, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b224f9a7-74d5-4a60-a787-3eb1d56ec237/1/320x400.jpeg)
Serenity Psychotherapy LLC
Counselor, LPCC, LMFT, LCSW
Verified Verified
Palo Alto, CA 94301 (Online Only)
Dr. Victoria Coleman: Getting to the root of your pain, learning to deal with it, building upon your strengths then learning to act versus react to people and events is the goal of my approach. I have a long history of working with diverse populations, who have developed varied problems: Mental Health, Substance Abuse, Marital, Parenting, Occupational, grief and more My approach is to work with your strengths; help you to develop new views and skills and then organize them into a plan that works in obtaining your goals.
Dr. Victoria Coleman: Getting to the root of your pain, learning to deal with it, building upon your strengths then learning to act versus react to people and events is the goal of my approach. I have a long history of working with diverse populations, who have developed varied problems: Mental Health, Substance Abuse, Marital, Parenting, Occupational, grief and more My approach is to work with your strengths; help you to develop new views and skills and then organize them into a plan that works in obtaining your goals.
![Photo of Dee-Dee Stout, MA, MINT, Drug & Alcohol Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9c8f50f7-78e9-4670-83a6-6c66e329451f/3/320x400.jpeg)
"I see things differently." I see you fully able to achieve your goals. I see you as one who likely needs a non-judgmental place to talk about things: your future goals, how drug/alcohol use, etc fits w/that future, & how you see yourself getting there: abstinence, sober curious. moderation. I'm a collaborator, one who's committed to listening deeply & providing a space to talk about anything, for individuals/families/all. I am not a therapist; my main focus is on today & tomorrow though we may visit the past. And I follow the science of change & addiction; it shows there's no one way to recover/change & that's great news!
"I see things differently." I see you fully able to achieve your goals. I see you as one who likely needs a non-judgmental place to talk about things: your future goals, how drug/alcohol use, etc fits w/that future, & how you see yourself getting there: abstinence, sober curious. moderation. I'm a collaborator, one who's committed to listening deeply & providing a space to talk about anything, for individuals/families/all. I am not a therapist; my main focus is on today & tomorrow though we may visit the past. And I follow the science of change & addiction; it shows there's no one way to recover/change & that's great news!
![Photo of Susan Hamlin, MS, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/440830ee-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Susan Hamlin
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MS, LCSW
Verified Verified
Palo Alto, CA 94306 (Online Only)
A seasoned psychotherapist with tremendous respect for the complicated difficulty people face when deciding to contact a psychotherapist. Coming to the point of seeking help, is a critical moment that has often been building for a over period and the person making the phone call has already tried in many ways to solve a problem that has become overwhelming. My approach in treatment is accessible, direct and thoughtful.
Trained as a psychoanalyst and an addictions specialist, I treat individuals, couples. Areas of particular interest and expertise are issues are issues related to addiction and adult transitions.
A seasoned psychotherapist with tremendous respect for the complicated difficulty people face when deciding to contact a psychotherapist. Coming to the point of seeking help, is a critical moment that has often been building for a over period and the person making the phone call has already tried in many ways to solve a problem that has become overwhelming. My approach in treatment is accessible, direct and thoughtful.
Trained as a psychoanalyst and an addictions specialist, I treat individuals, couples. Areas of particular interest and expertise are issues are issues related to addiction and adult transitions.
See more therapy options for Palo Alto
Nearby Substance Use Therapists Searches for Palo Alto
- Atherton
- Belmont
- Foster City
- Los Altos
- Los Altos Hills
- Menlo Park
- Mountain View
- Newark
- Redwood City
- San Carlos
- Sunnyvale
- Woodside
Substance Use Therapists
How do substance and drug recovery or rehabilitation programs work?
In inpatient programs, individuals live in a facility with other clients in recovery; in outpatient programs, individuals reside at home. These facilities are staffed with healthcare professionals including physicians, nurses, psychologists, counselors, and psychotherapists. Staff often also includes people who have recovered themselves, serving as mentors and guides. These programs may use abstinence, harm reduction, detoxification, psychotherapy, and other methods.
How do 12-step programs combined with psychotherapy work?
Members of 12-step programs help each other reach abstinence and work to maintain it. These programs promote complete change in the individual’s emotional, mental, physical, and even spiritual perspectives. Some programs require that new members attend 90 meetings in 90 days. Many people do attend these programs in conjunction with their work in psychotherapy; the combination of therapy along with 12-step can be extremely effective.
How does harm reduction combined with psychotherapy work?
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, harm reduction prevents death, injury, disease, overdose, and substance misuse. People who choose harm reduction for substance use reduce the amount of drugs they consume. It is not abstinence-based like a 12-step program, but combining harm reduction with psychotherapy proves to be effective for many people.
Are there specific medications for substance and drug use?
There are medications approved to treat substance use disorder—such as buprenorphine, methadone, naltrexone, and acamprosate. These medications do help people cope with substance use as well as avoid the problem of relapse. Naltrexone can help reduce cravings, methadone is an opioid medication used to treat severe pain, and acamprosate may help ease symptoms like poor sleep and anxious feelings.