Addiction Therapists in Laurel Heights, San Francisco, CA
![Photo of Helen Star, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/46245ecd-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Helen Star
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Laurel Heights, San Francisco, CA 94118
I work primarily with stress, addiction, anxiety and trauma.
Sometimes anxiety, depression and trauma responses impact your relationships and work. My approach is to provide deep, abiding support to help you come back to center, allowing a more resilient self to emerge. Together we will build on your strengths to address life challenges with the aim that the consultation room is a safe space where actual life strategies are developed. You and I can address issues ranging from phase of life challenges, Work stress, relationship conflicts, trauma resolution, depression and anxiety management or the impacts of addictive processes in your life.
I work primarily with stress, addiction, anxiety and trauma.
Sometimes anxiety, depression and trauma responses impact your relationships and work. My approach is to provide deep, abiding support to help you come back to center, allowing a more resilient self to emerge. Together we will build on your strengths to address life challenges with the aim that the consultation room is a safe space where actual life strategies are developed. You and I can address issues ranging from phase of life challenges, Work stress, relationship conflicts, trauma resolution, depression and anxiety management or the impacts of addictive processes in your life.
![Photo of Arthur Brendze, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1bc27aae-3251-4138-8170-f4bc58ab6f2f/4/320x400.jpeg)
Arthur Brendze
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Laurel Heights, San Francisco, CA 94110 (Online Only)
I am happy to share my unusually broad and varied experience with you: Isolation, Depression, Anxiety, Anger, Addiction/ Recovery/Codependency, Self-Esteem, Relationships/Marriage, Personality Disorders, Retirement/Aging/Saging, Loss/Grief, Religion/Spirituality, Diversity/Cross-Cultural, Same Sex Issues, Childhood/Parenting, Weight/Body-Image and more.
I am a licensed psychotherapist with over 30 years of experience in Psychotherapy, Relationship/Marriage Counseling and Organizational Development and Transformation. Before becoming a licensed psychotherapist, I was a wooden boatbuilder, USCG Licensed Captain, businessman and educator. I still am. Over the years, a diverse spectrum of individuals, couples and groups have arrived in my practice with an equally diverse spectrum of challenges …some common …some not so common. We have worked on them together, usually with satisfying success for all concerned.
I am happy to share my unusually broad and varied experience with you: Isolation, Depression, Anxiety, Anger, Addiction/ Recovery/Codependency, Self-Esteem, Relationships/Marriage, Personality Disorders, Retirement/Aging/Saging, Loss/Grief, Religion/Spirituality, Diversity/Cross-Cultural, Same Sex Issues, Childhood/Parenting, Weight/Body-Image and more.
I am a licensed psychotherapist with over 30 years of experience in Psychotherapy, Relationship/Marriage Counseling and Organizational Development and Transformation. Before becoming a licensed psychotherapist, I was a wooden boatbuilder, USCG Licensed Captain, businessman and educator. I still am. Over the years, a diverse spectrum of individuals, couples and groups have arrived in my practice with an equally diverse spectrum of challenges …some common …some not so common. We have worked on them together, usually with satisfying success for all concerned.
![Photo of Sara Alexander, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c4e9627-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Sara Alexander
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
Laurel Heights, San Francisco, CA 94118 (Online Only)
Underneath depression, anxiety, marital conflict, eating disorders, substance abuse, and other troubles there lies a single, painful, relentless problem: self judgement. Feelings are transient, and there are not good ones or bad ones, but we are not all raised to understand that. Encouraged by our culture to appear strong and happy, we feel pressured to hide our true feelings from each other. But when we take the time and care to pay attention to our authentic experience, it is possible to grow an enormous love for ourselves and great tenderness towards others, and even deep inner peace and great humor.
Underneath depression, anxiety, marital conflict, eating disorders, substance abuse, and other troubles there lies a single, painful, relentless problem: self judgement. Feelings are transient, and there are not good ones or bad ones, but we are not all raised to understand that. Encouraged by our culture to appear strong and happy, we feel pressured to hide our true feelings from each other. But when we take the time and care to pay attention to our authentic experience, it is possible to grow an enormous love for ourselves and great tenderness towards others, and even deep inner peace and great humor.
![Photo of Josie Dameyer, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/620711af-4b28-49b0-a43d-07684d9679e9/1/320x400.jpeg)
Josie Dameyer
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Laurel Heights, San Francisco, CA 94118
Josie Dameyer, Ph.D., MFT. I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Client Centered therapeutic techniques. I work with Individuals of all ages and specialize in the treatment of anxiety and depression, substance abuse, and stress related to career, relationship, or parenting.
Josie Dameyer, Ph.D., MFT. I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Client Centered therapeutic techniques. I work with Individuals of all ages and specialize in the treatment of anxiety and depression, substance abuse, and stress related to career, relationship, or parenting.
![Photo of Kristina Kenyon, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7ce5784d-3343-49a5-8eab-8a2ed7b5fdb4/1/320x400.jpeg)
Kristina Kenyon
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Laurel Heights, San Francisco, CA 94118
I believe we all come into this world being enough as we are but sometimes there are challenges, losses, difficulties, or behaviors that get in the way of what you may be wanting or where you want to be in your life. Together, we can build insight and understanding and work towards making the changes you want to see.
I believe we all come into this world being enough as we are but sometimes there are challenges, losses, difficulties, or behaviors that get in the way of what you may be wanting or where you want to be in your life. Together, we can build insight and understanding and work towards making the changes you want to see.
![Photo of Mary Jean (Mj) Paris, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/65d7420d-845a-4700-a734-dd4d8434dcf2/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am a licensed clinical psychologist with over thirty years of psychotherapy experience. I've come to view what I do as an unique and specialized form of education. I "teach" not so much by telling people what to do (although good advice can sometimes be very useful), but by offering supportive, empathic and honest feedback. Individuals and problems are unique; sometimes solution oriented approaches are warranted, and other times insight and exploration help to provide clarification and relief.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist with over thirty years of psychotherapy experience. I've come to view what I do as an unique and specialized form of education. I "teach" not so much by telling people what to do (although good advice can sometimes be very useful), but by offering supportive, empathic and honest feedback. Individuals and problems are unique; sometimes solution oriented approaches are warranted, and other times insight and exploration help to provide clarification and relief.
![Photo of Lara Curry, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/51f5f730-d5d4-4406-8542-f1e4d18c3ae3/1/320x400.jpeg)
Lara Curry
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Laurel Heights, San Francisco, CA 94118
My name is Lara Curry. I'm a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I've helped people struggling with anxiety, depression, alcohol use, relationship issues, and relapse prevention. I employ EMDR, Family Systems, Psychodynamic, Trauma-focused, and Solution-focused brief therapy modalities. I assume anyone seeking psychotherapy genuinely desires to help sort out the difficulties in their lives. I try to work as a co-investigator to understand the issues and help explain how they evolved and how to resolve them in an informal, caring partnership with my clients.
My name is Lara Curry. I'm a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I've helped people struggling with anxiety, depression, alcohol use, relationship issues, and relapse prevention. I employ EMDR, Family Systems, Psychodynamic, Trauma-focused, and Solution-focused brief therapy modalities. I assume anyone seeking psychotherapy genuinely desires to help sort out the difficulties in their lives. I try to work as a co-investigator to understand the issues and help explain how they evolved and how to resolve them in an informal, caring partnership with my clients.
![Photo of Cindy Shu, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4fcd3645-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/1/320x400.jpeg)
Cindy Shu
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Laurel Heights, San Francisco, CA 94118 (Online Only)
As a therapist, I want to encourage others to reach out and experience the benefits of therapy. My therapeutic style is rooted in the belief that people are intrinsically valued and are deserving of fundamental human connection; to be seen, to be heard, and to be understood. These fundamental values hold the framework in how I work with the individual. I enjoy working with Asian American individuals who may have conflict with immigrant parents due to cultural and generational differences. Individuals who struggle with self-identity, and reconciling cultural issues and family dynamics.
As a therapist, I want to encourage others to reach out and experience the benefits of therapy. My therapeutic style is rooted in the belief that people are intrinsically valued and are deserving of fundamental human connection; to be seen, to be heard, and to be understood. These fundamental values hold the framework in how I work with the individual. I enjoy working with Asian American individuals who may have conflict with immigrant parents due to cultural and generational differences. Individuals who struggle with self-identity, and reconciling cultural issues and family dynamics.
![Photo of Becca F. Barnett, MS, MDiv, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3e98e810-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Becca F. Barnett
Psychologist, MS, MDiv, PhD
Verified Verified
Laurel Heights, San Francisco, CA 94118
Waitlist for new clients
As a licensed psychologist skilled in providing psychotherapy that addresses the full spectrum of human experience, I collaborate with you to attain healing and resolution of your problems, advance in your growth and transformation, and increasingly realize your potential. I facilitate the integration of your sense of identity, purpose, and values with the way you live your life to endow it with greater authenticity and meaning. As an Episcopal priest and Buddhist practitioner, I foster your spiritual development and worldly integration. In these ways, I assist you in the creation of a more peaceful, happy, and fulfilling life.
As a licensed psychologist skilled in providing psychotherapy that addresses the full spectrum of human experience, I collaborate with you to attain healing and resolution of your problems, advance in your growth and transformation, and increasingly realize your potential. I facilitate the integration of your sense of identity, purpose, and values with the way you live your life to endow it with greater authenticity and meaning. As an Episcopal priest and Buddhist practitioner, I foster your spiritual development and worldly integration. In these ways, I assist you in the creation of a more peaceful, happy, and fulfilling life.
![Photo of Roxana Alexis Ortiz, MFT, PCC, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/408ebd22-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Roxana Alexis Ortiz
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT, PCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Laurel Heights, San Francisco, CA 94118 (Online Only)
Seeking therapy can often be a scary and confusing decision to make. If you are experiencing difficulties in life that seem overwhelming or you feel stuck in a rut, I can be the person that will join you on the path to figuring out what step to take next. My approach to therapy is integrative and I work collaboratively with my clients to create a treatment plan that is unique to each individual in order to promote growth.
Seeking therapy can often be a scary and confusing decision to make. If you are experiencing difficulties in life that seem overwhelming or you feel stuck in a rut, I can be the person that will join you on the path to figuring out what step to take next. My approach to therapy is integrative and I work collaboratively with my clients to create a treatment plan that is unique to each individual in order to promote growth.
![Photo of Jules Osborne, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/82e5fbfb-b107-416e-afe5-681b865cbde0/1/320x400.jpeg)
Jules Osborne
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Laurel Heights, San Francisco, CA 94118
Are you tired of feeling that your anxiety/depression is in the driver’s seat and your innate creativity is held captive in the trunk? Are you ready for your anxiety/depression to take a back seat and choose what drives you - to feel creative, playful and confident. I am an expert in supporting creative folx who are feeling stuck, anxious, and alone and with no outlet, to feel seen and heard, and give expression to unspoken parts of themselves, to get clear on their needs, wants and their truth. Moving from a place of unbearable pain and stuckness to living full, creative, purpose-driven lives.
Are you tired of feeling that your anxiety/depression is in the driver’s seat and your innate creativity is held captive in the trunk? Are you ready for your anxiety/depression to take a back seat and choose what drives you - to feel creative, playful and confident. I am an expert in supporting creative folx who are feeling stuck, anxious, and alone and with no outlet, to feel seen and heard, and give expression to unspoken parts of themselves, to get clear on their needs, wants and their truth. Moving from a place of unbearable pain and stuckness to living full, creative, purpose-driven lives.
![Photo of Michael Myette, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1b63a741-6530-4de9-a5c2-259417054d10/1/320x400.jpeg)
Michael Myette
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Laurel Heights, San Francisco, CA 94115 (Online Only)
Welcome!...If you are reading this, you are most likely looking to make a change. It could be something you have been working towards for some time, or a sudden spark of inspiration and clarity. Whatever your journey to this moment, you are in a ripe time for development and growth! I have extensive experience helping adults of all ages and orientations identify and meet their therapy, work, relationship, and life goals. I especially enjoy working adults struggling with anxiety, trauma, low-self-worth, life transitions, work/life balance, perfectionism, and self-actualization.
Welcome!...If you are reading this, you are most likely looking to make a change. It could be something you have been working towards for some time, or a sudden spark of inspiration and clarity. Whatever your journey to this moment, you are in a ripe time for development and growth! I have extensive experience helping adults of all ages and orientations identify and meet their therapy, work, relationship, and life goals. I especially enjoy working adults struggling with anxiety, trauma, low-self-worth, life transitions, work/life balance, perfectionism, and self-actualization.
![Photo of Daniel M. Kaplan, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3bcdfeb7-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Daniel M. Kaplan
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Laurel Heights, San Francisco, CA 94115 (Online Only)
Finding a therapist that can help can be a daunting endeavor. Finding one who specializes in hypnosis can be even more daunting. Allow me to assist you in the difficulties of your life so that together, we might generate relief and solutions to your ongoing pain. I also utilize mindfulness based cognitive therapy to help you move past 'problems' and realize solutions as well as collaborative solution oriented approaches to help you reach your goal, in collaborative, therapeutic conversations. Allow me to help you generate the very solutions and outcomes that will help you become 'unstuck' from hurtful or ineffective patterns.
Finding a therapist that can help can be a daunting endeavor. Finding one who specializes in hypnosis can be even more daunting. Allow me to assist you in the difficulties of your life so that together, we might generate relief and solutions to your ongoing pain. I also utilize mindfulness based cognitive therapy to help you move past 'problems' and realize solutions as well as collaborative solution oriented approaches to help you reach your goal, in collaborative, therapeutic conversations. Allow me to help you generate the very solutions and outcomes that will help you become 'unstuck' from hurtful or ineffective patterns.
![Photo of Hope Czbas, LPCC](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e46c7276-58ca-45c2-867a-ad692efe965c/1/320x400.jpeg)
Hope Czbas
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, LPCC
Verified Verified
Laurel Heights, San Francisco, CA 94118
Hey Y’all! My name is Hope Czbas and I’m a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC). My approach to therapy is initially one that is client centered; I believe it is important to first meet a client where they are at with that of compassion and understanding. I have a wide array of training within the mental health field but have the most experience supporting those healing through trauma, identity issues and emotional distress & regulation skills.
Hey Y’all! My name is Hope Czbas and I’m a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC). My approach to therapy is initially one that is client centered; I believe it is important to first meet a client where they are at with that of compassion and understanding. I have a wide array of training within the mental health field but have the most experience supporting those healing through trauma, identity issues and emotional distress & regulation skills.
![Photo of Anna Stosich, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8d989c25-1f02-4739-a5a3-31cf2073fae3/1/320x400.jpeg)
Anna Stosich
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Laurel Heights, San Francisco, CA 94118
I am Anna Stosich, a highly passionate and licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). It is my mission to enable healing for everyone through therapy, everyone deserves to feel at peace, energetic, and whole. I provide an integrative approach for the treatment of trauma, depression, anxiety, and relational stressors. I work from a somatic perspective, which incorporates the wisdom of your body into the therapeutic process. I draw from somatic practices including hypnotherapy, Somatic Experiencing, Internal Family Systems, and Mindfulness.
I am Anna Stosich, a highly passionate and licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). It is my mission to enable healing for everyone through therapy, everyone deserves to feel at peace, energetic, and whole. I provide an integrative approach for the treatment of trauma, depression, anxiety, and relational stressors. I work from a somatic perspective, which incorporates the wisdom of your body into the therapeutic process. I draw from somatic practices including hypnotherapy, Somatic Experiencing, Internal Family Systems, and Mindfulness.
![Photo of Dr. Mario Sandoval - Mario Sandoval, PhD, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/fde44fe2-031a-4cbf-80e8-bd68bdc02970/2/320x400.jpeg)
Mario Sandoval, PhD
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Laurel Heights, San Francisco, CA 94103 (Online Only)
I am skilled in providing therapy to high-level professionals in tech, science, medical, pharmaceutical, business and law industries, specializing in depression, anxiety, Post-traumatic Stress Disorder, Autism Spectrum Disorder, LGBTQ-issues, and addictions. Challenges related to professional development, harnessing managerial skills, career and educational transitions, work-life balance, primary relationships, and intentional and curated living are most often the focus of the work with those I serve. I see patients in New York State and the State of California.
I am skilled in providing therapy to high-level professionals in tech, science, medical, pharmaceutical, business and law industries, specializing in depression, anxiety, Post-traumatic Stress Disorder, Autism Spectrum Disorder, LGBTQ-issues, and addictions. Challenges related to professional development, harnessing managerial skills, career and educational transitions, work-life balance, primary relationships, and intentional and curated living are most often the focus of the work with those I serve. I see patients in New York State and the State of California.
![Photo of Jorge Villarroel, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/49242241-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Jorge Villarroel
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Laurel Heights, San Francisco, CA 94115 (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
I approach therapy with warmth, compassionate curiosity, and honest reflection, focusing on the present moment. I am a supportive and open-minded therapist. I work together with individuals toward self-discovery, connecting with others from a perspective of personal awareness. I believe the therapeutic relationship has the potential to transform our lives in real and meaningful ways. Perhaps you feel stuck, or experience depression, anxiety, or pain that keeps you from living a full life and having healthy relationships, therapy can help one overcome these issues.
I approach therapy with warmth, compassionate curiosity, and honest reflection, focusing on the present moment. I am a supportive and open-minded therapist. I work together with individuals toward self-discovery, connecting with others from a perspective of personal awareness. I believe the therapeutic relationship has the potential to transform our lives in real and meaningful ways. Perhaps you feel stuck, or experience depression, anxiety, or pain that keeps you from living a full life and having healthy relationships, therapy can help one overcome these issues.
Online Therapists
![Photo of Helen Chuong Brody, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/dbb3dc1a-cd7f-4bfa-9802-90ff52dc78d4/2/320x400.jpeg)
My specialties include couples therapy, anxiety, depression, trauma, PTSD, parenting, addiction, pregnancy, postpartum, grief, infidelity, anger, relationships, bicultural families.
I bring warmth, compassion and extensive experience to help clients who are stuck, struggling with old ways that are no longer working, and facing life challenges. If you are at a loss for what to do or how to feel better, we can work together to understand what brings you to therapy, relieve distress beginning in session one and develop resilience to help you move forward. My style is collaborative and grounded in effective practices that calm anxiety, strengthen relationships and foster communication and connection. I create a safe and nonjudgmental space to attune and meet clients where they are every step of the way.
My specialties include couples therapy, anxiety, depression, trauma, PTSD, parenting, addiction, pregnancy, postpartum, grief, infidelity, anger, relationships, bicultural families.
I bring warmth, compassion and extensive experience to help clients who are stuck, struggling with old ways that are no longer working, and facing life challenges. If you are at a loss for what to do or how to feel better, we can work together to understand what brings you to therapy, relieve distress beginning in session one and develop resilience to help you move forward. My style is collaborative and grounded in effective practices that calm anxiety, strengthen relationships and foster communication and connection. I create a safe and nonjudgmental space to attune and meet clients where they are every step of the way.
![Photo of Tara Pratt, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/701ebd82-e0b6-4887-9fc1-8f74aa050c35/3/320x400.jpeg)
My clients are professional adults wanting goal-oriented and/or long-term relational therapy that's both practical and warm. Through therapy they've experienced much success in the following areas: Relationship with self (identity/sexuality, confidence/self compassion, processing emotions), Interpersonal relationships (dating, boundaries, communication, navigating difficult people), Anxiety (understanding anxiety, coping, tools to manage), Career (work-life balance, navigating powerful positions, career change). I also have extensive experience working with teens and those struggling with substance misuse.
My clients are professional adults wanting goal-oriented and/or long-term relational therapy that's both practical and warm. Through therapy they've experienced much success in the following areas: Relationship with self (identity/sexuality, confidence/self compassion, processing emotions), Interpersonal relationships (dating, boundaries, communication, navigating difficult people), Anxiety (understanding anxiety, coping, tools to manage), Career (work-life balance, navigating powerful positions, career change). I also have extensive experience working with teens and those struggling with substance misuse.
![Photo of Vernon Lee, PhD, CSAT-S, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c8a0c6e-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Our Sex Addiction Recovery Program( S.
In a field with very few recognized experts, Dr. Lee is an acknowledged professional in the assessment and treatment of persons with addictive sexual disorders and domestic violence.Clients come to us for professional and compassionate guidance in creating the most appropriate treatment plan for their success.
Our Sex Addiction Recovery Program( S.
In a field with very few recognized experts, Dr. Lee is an acknowledged professional in the assessment and treatment of persons with addictive sexual disorders and domestic violence.Clients come to us for professional and compassionate guidance in creating the most appropriate treatment plan for their success.
See more therapy options for Laurel Heights, San Francisco
Nearby Addiction Therapists Searches for Laurel Heights, San Francisco
- Castro
- Castro-Upper Market
- Cow Hollow
- Fillmore
- Haight-Ashbury
- Hayes Valley
- Inner Richmond
- Marina
- Pacific Heights
- Presidio
- Presidio Heights
- Western Addition
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.