Addiction Therapists in Noe Valley, San Francisco, CA
![Photo of Abbie Endres, MA, LMFT, PMH-C, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/51366cf6-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Abbie Endres
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, PMH-C
Verified Verified
Noe Valley, San Francisco, CA 94131 (Online Only)
I have special training in somatic/body-oriented therapy, pregnancy and infant loss, harm reduction and abstinence-based addiction work, abuse and trauma recovery, managing anxiety, and healing through grief and loss.
You've begun a courageous search. Take heart, healing is possible. My work is rooted in the body/mind connection, nourished by the imagination, and anchored in the support of our therapy relationship. My style includes both directing and listening. I understand that your timing and willingness to explore your concerns are unique and must be navigated with respect. We work together to take stock, talk about your goals, and gather the tools needed - from your own strengths, the training I bring, and a community of resources - to help you continue your journey of wellbeing.
I have special training in somatic/body-oriented therapy, pregnancy and infant loss, harm reduction and abstinence-based addiction work, abuse and trauma recovery, managing anxiety, and healing through grief and loss.
You've begun a courageous search. Take heart, healing is possible. My work is rooted in the body/mind connection, nourished by the imagination, and anchored in the support of our therapy relationship. My style includes both directing and listening. I understand that your timing and willingness to explore your concerns are unique and must be navigated with respect. We work together to take stock, talk about your goals, and gather the tools needed - from your own strengths, the training I bring, and a community of resources - to help you continue your journey of wellbeing.
![Photo of Aparna Bell, MS, LPCC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/495f734f-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Aparna Bell
Counselor, MS, LPCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Noe Valley, San Francisco, CA 94114 (Online Only)
I work with individuals suffering from depression, substance abuse issues, anxiety, relationship problems, co-dependency, stress and other problems. I can help you develop coping skills and gain greater insight into core issues that may be impeding your success and happiness. I provide a safe space to explore your deepest thoughts and feelings with warmth and compassion. We all struggle at times and need help from others. Therapy can help you heal and find self acceptance and a more fulfilling life. We can't control the things that happen to us but we can find ways of moving forward in a healthy way with support and guidance.
I work with individuals suffering from depression, substance abuse issues, anxiety, relationship problems, co-dependency, stress and other problems. I can help you develop coping skills and gain greater insight into core issues that may be impeding your success and happiness. I provide a safe space to explore your deepest thoughts and feelings with warmth and compassion. We all struggle at times and need help from others. Therapy can help you heal and find self acceptance and a more fulfilling life. We can't control the things that happen to us but we can find ways of moving forward in a healthy way with support and guidance.
![Photo of Helen Chuong Brody, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d204c702-c9a3-49f9-8dfb-6275f2b35cd3/1/320x400.jpeg)
Helen Chuong Brody
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Noe Valley, San Francisco, CA 94114
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 unexpected 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 unexpected 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 Dr. Sean Robertson, MA, PsyD](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2248fdf7-b042-4c66-990b-50def4e93e24/1/320x400.png)
In addition to couples counseling, I also offer couples intimacy coaching for performance anxiety, sex addiction, sexuality, and open relationships.
Start seeing challenges as opportunities to get your needs met and improve your relationship! I’m Dr. Sean Robertson, creator of RDP. I work as an online Couples Counselor and Intimacy Coach. I know relationships can be hard, even though they’re also one of the most fulfilling parts of our life. In my couples counseling I create an empathic space for learning and deep connection, while also being diligent about ensuring that clients implement the tools I teach. My methods are based in behavioral psychology, Gottman Method, and attachment psychology.
In addition to couples counseling, I also offer couples intimacy coaching for performance anxiety, sex addiction, sexuality, and open relationships.
Start seeing challenges as opportunities to get your needs met and improve your relationship! I’m Dr. Sean Robertson, creator of RDP. I work as an online Couples Counselor and Intimacy Coach. I know relationships can be hard, even though they’re also one of the most fulfilling parts of our life. In my couples counseling I create an empathic space for learning and deep connection, while also being diligent about ensuring that clients implement the tools I teach. My methods are based in behavioral psychology, Gottman Method, and attachment psychology.
![Photo of Mary Deyo, MA, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/23a68f3d-f634-4a83-9a89-1fe83372ca12/2/320x400.jpeg)
NOW ACCEPTING CLIENTS for individual, couples and group therapy. PLEASE ASK ABOUT ONLINE SUPPORT GROUPS Anyone who is currently struggling with emotional pain and wanting to change, is my ideal client. I am here to guide you through a journey into your mind and heart, to help you face your greatest fears, and discover your unimaginable strength. Out of the ashes, rises the phoenix and out of a personal crisis, comes tremendous growth and healing. Whether you are dealing with mood swings, depression, anxiety, addiction, panic, trauma or relationship issues, I am here to help. https://fitforjoy.org/guests1/dr-mary-deyo
NOW ACCEPTING CLIENTS for individual, couples and group therapy. PLEASE ASK ABOUT ONLINE SUPPORT GROUPS Anyone who is currently struggling with emotional pain and wanting to change, is my ideal client. I am here to guide you through a journey into your mind and heart, to help you face your greatest fears, and discover your unimaginable strength. Out of the ashes, rises the phoenix and out of a personal crisis, comes tremendous growth and healing. Whether you are dealing with mood swings, depression, anxiety, addiction, panic, trauma or relationship issues, I am here to help. https://fitforjoy.org/guests1/dr-mary-deyo
![Photo of Peggy Handler, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/66fc1c08-81a8-4147-9765-0801306caa78/2/320x400.jpeg)
Peggy Handler
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Noe Valley, San Francisco, CA 94114
Do you long for a deeper sense of peace, wholeness and connection to life? Do repetitive patterns prevent you from having a fulfilling life and satisfying relationships? Any issue or symptom, such as addiction, depression or anxiety, or an underlying sense of disconnection, fear or doubt, is a message from your unconscious that something inside Is out of alignment. We will collaboratively explore your experiences and their meaning to help you connect to yourself and life in a fuller and more satisfying way.
Do you long for a deeper sense of peace, wholeness and connection to life? Do repetitive patterns prevent you from having a fulfilling life and satisfying relationships? Any issue or symptom, such as addiction, depression or anxiety, or an underlying sense of disconnection, fear or doubt, is a message from your unconscious that something inside Is out of alignment. We will collaboratively explore your experiences and their meaning to help you connect to yourself and life in a fuller and more satisfying way.
![Photo of Dr. Sean Robertson, MA, PsyD](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/17bf10b6-0b7a-4f7a-83fb-aa7d5e0fb2fc/1/320x400.png)
In addition to couples counseling, I also offer couples intimacy coaching for performance anxiety, sex addiction, sexuality, and open relationships.
Start seeing challenges as opportunities to get your needs met and improve your relationship! I’m Dr. Sean Robertson, creator of RDP. I work as an online Couples Counselor and Intimacy Coach. I know relationships can be hard, even though they’re also one of the most fulfilling parts of our life. In my couples counseling I create an empathic space for learning and deep connection, while also being diligent about ensuring that clients implement the tools I teach. My methods are based in behavioral psychology, Gottman Method, and attachment psychology.
In addition to couples counseling, I also offer couples intimacy coaching for performance anxiety, sex addiction, sexuality, and open relationships.
Start seeing challenges as opportunities to get your needs met and improve your relationship! I’m Dr. Sean Robertson, creator of RDP. I work as an online Couples Counselor and Intimacy Coach. I know relationships can be hard, even though they’re also one of the most fulfilling parts of our life. In my couples counseling I create an empathic space for learning and deep connection, while also being diligent about ensuring that clients implement the tools I teach. My methods are based in behavioral psychology, Gottman Method, and attachment psychology.
![Photo of Ginny Pizzardi, MS, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3d8eb28c-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Ginny Pizzardi
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, MFT
Verified Verified
Noe Valley, San Francisco, CA 94114
My areas of expertise include self-esteem, relationships, grief, parenting, adoption, trauma and addiction.
Are you struggling in your relationships or personal connections? Suffering from depression or anxiety? Experiencing loss, grief or sadness? Difficulty with work/life balance? You don't need to struggle alone. I'm a psychotherapist with over 40 years of experience, and I'm here to help. Individuals, couples and families call me when they're ready to tackle the problems that make life difficult.
My areas of expertise include self-esteem, relationships, grief, parenting, adoption, trauma and addiction.
Are you struggling in your relationships or personal connections? Suffering from depression or anxiety? Experiencing loss, grief or sadness? Difficulty with work/life balance? You don't need to struggle alone. I'm a psychotherapist with over 40 years of experience, and I'm here to help. Individuals, couples and families call me when they're ready to tackle the problems that make life difficult.
![Photo of Christine Corrigan, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c7296f2-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
As a clinical psychologist I specialize in treating anxiety and depression in the context of trauma, work stress, relationship problems and family conflict. I help people deal with issues including grief and loss, substance abuse, domestic violence, and childhood trauma. My approach is to seek immediate reduction in symptoms while carefully addressing long-term, underlying problems.
As a clinical psychologist I specialize in treating anxiety and depression in the context of trauma, work stress, relationship problems and family conflict. I help people deal with issues including grief and loss, substance abuse, domestic violence, and childhood trauma. My approach is to seek immediate reduction in symptoms while carefully addressing long-term, underlying problems.
![Photo of Mary Deyo, MA, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c7625ff2-8c8c-4ee9-8997-957a7de4fa1c/2/320x400.jpeg)
Anyone who is currently struggling with emotional pain and wanting to change, is my ideal client. I am here to guide you through a journey into your mind and heart, to help you face your greatest fears, and discover your unimaginable strength. Out of the ashes, rises the phoenix and out of a personal crisis, comes tremendous growth and healing. Whether you are dealing with mood swings, depression, anxiety, addiction, panic, trauma or relationship issues, I am here to help.
Anyone who is currently struggling with emotional pain and wanting to change, is my ideal client. I am here to guide you through a journey into your mind and heart, to help you face your greatest fears, and discover your unimaginable strength. Out of the ashes, rises the phoenix and out of a personal crisis, comes tremendous growth and healing. Whether you are dealing with mood swings, depression, anxiety, addiction, panic, trauma or relationship issues, I am here to help.
![Photo of Walter Bowles, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e90dec6b-7d11-4dda-a15a-66c3e2b3c8ac/2/320x400.jpeg)
Walter Bowles
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Noe Valley, San Francisco, CA 94110 (Online Only)
Hi! I offer individual therapy to California residents. I utilize an eclectic relational therapy style and specialize in working with adults who are creatives, artists, and/or the LGBTQIA+ community who are experiencing grief, depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, personality disorders, entertainment business stress, substance, body image, disordered eating, and issues with sex, sexuality, trauma, chem-sex, inner child wounds, and body image by using exploratory harm reduction techniques. Connecting with satisfaction and contentment can lead to balance, fulfilling potential, discovering meaning, and joy.
Hi! I offer individual therapy to California residents. I utilize an eclectic relational therapy style and specialize in working with adults who are creatives, artists, and/or the LGBTQIA+ community who are experiencing grief, depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, personality disorders, entertainment business stress, substance, body image, disordered eating, and issues with sex, sexuality, trauma, chem-sex, inner child wounds, and body image by using exploratory harm reduction techniques. Connecting with satisfaction and contentment can lead to balance, fulfilling potential, discovering meaning, and joy.
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![Photo of Leah Seidler, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3bc581b0-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/1/320x400.jpeg)
Leah Seidler
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Noe Valley, San Francisco, CA 94114
I offer couples and individuals immediate insights, deeper clarity, and long-term improvement in an accepting and collaborative therapy environment. I'm a very experienced, analytical, and highly-trained psychotherapist (educated at UC Berkeley), yet I am practical, warm, and open. I work with people experiencing marital, parenting, career, spiritual, emotional, sexual, infertility, and addiction concerns; I'm expert at addressing those concerns. I enjoy working with couples and individuals who desire the help of a dedicated partner to more effectively navigate their relationships and lives.
I offer couples and individuals immediate insights, deeper clarity, and long-term improvement in an accepting and collaborative therapy environment. I'm a very experienced, analytical, and highly-trained psychotherapist (educated at UC Berkeley), yet I am practical, warm, and open. I work with people experiencing marital, parenting, career, spiritual, emotional, sexual, infertility, and addiction concerns; I'm expert at addressing those concerns. I enjoy working with couples and individuals who desire the help of a dedicated partner to more effectively navigate their relationships and lives.
![Photo of Bradley Akin, LMFT, MA, BS, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4907cfab-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Bradley Akin
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MA, BS
Verified Verified
Noe Valley, San Francisco, CA 94114
Sometimes we feel anxious, depressed, ashamed, disappointed, or just plain numb because we think we should be better, faster, smarter, or simply not have these feelings at all. With the goal of moving forward in a more positive direction, relationship challenges, communication breakdowns, trauma history, substance use dependency, procrastination, fear, isolation, grief, positive expressions of anger, coming out, are just some of the things we work on in therapy. The solutions my clients seek are often found within, and I help them find them with insight, gentle nudging or sometimes with stronger, more direct interventions.
Sometimes we feel anxious, depressed, ashamed, disappointed, or just plain numb because we think we should be better, faster, smarter, or simply not have these feelings at all. With the goal of moving forward in a more positive direction, relationship challenges, communication breakdowns, trauma history, substance use dependency, procrastination, fear, isolation, grief, positive expressions of anger, coming out, are just some of the things we work on in therapy. The solutions my clients seek are often found within, and I help them find them with insight, gentle nudging or sometimes with stronger, more direct interventions.
![Photo of Jinu Niki, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6f2f8f96-0830-4840-bc77-7456c35f7527/1/320x400.jpeg)
My name is Jin Niki, and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) with cross-state licensure in California and Nevada. I work with a wide range of populations and specialize in anxiety, depression, trauma, substance use, and distressful life transitions. I am a firm believer that in order to achieve overall wellness, one must place priority on creating a life that feels good on the inside rather than a life that appears good from the outside. The wider the discrepancy between the two, the greater the distress from emotional pain.
My name is Jin Niki, and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) with cross-state licensure in California and Nevada. I work with a wide range of populations and specialize in anxiety, depression, trauma, substance use, and distressful life transitions. I am a firm believer that in order to achieve overall wellness, one must place priority on creating a life that feels good on the inside rather than a life that appears good from the outside. The wider the discrepancy between the two, the greater the distress from emotional pain.
![Photo of Janelle Gervais, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/13740c8b-f836-434b-95e4-5bb02badcbe5/1/320x400.jpeg)
Janelle Gervais
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Noe Valley, San Francisco, CA 94131
I am also heavily trauma and addiction focused with my adult clients and often view both through a growth-based and existential lens.
Hi there! My name is Janelle Gervais and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) based in Sacramento, CA working with clients statewide via telehealth. I work with adults, adolescents, children, and family systems and specialize in treating trauma, addiction, depression/anxiety, family conflict, and parenting/behavior management from a humanistic person-centered approach.
I am also heavily trauma and addiction focused with my adult clients and often view both through a growth-based and existential lens.
Hi there! My name is Janelle Gervais and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) based in Sacramento, CA working with clients statewide via telehealth. I work with adults, adolescents, children, and family systems and specialize in treating trauma, addiction, depression/anxiety, family conflict, and parenting/behavior management from a humanistic person-centered approach.
![Photo of Stacey Mcguirl, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/1dc4aa84-6625-4df5-a4e8-dfc943b16628/2/320x400.jpeg)
Stacey Mcguirl
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Noe Valley, San Francisco, CA 94131
I also work with a range of other topics including: grief, disordered eating, self development, addiction, creativity and family of origin issues.
I offer a free first session, so that you can get a sense of how I work and see if we are a good fit. I provide Tele-health therapy for clients in both California and Pennsylvania. Therapy provides a space to speak freely and be heard with care that can provide a person with more internal space for lived experience, emotion, thought and desire. In psychotherapy, you can express your thoughts and feelings and gain insight into the unconscious sources of your conflicts. With warmth and curiosity, I will provide an attentive ear and a thoughtful mind.
I also work with a range of other topics including: grief, disordered eating, self development, addiction, creativity and family of origin issues.
I offer a free first session, so that you can get a sense of how I work and see if we are a good fit. I provide Tele-health therapy for clients in both California and Pennsylvania. Therapy provides a space to speak freely and be heard with care that can provide a person with more internal space for lived experience, emotion, thought and desire. In psychotherapy, you can express your thoughts and feelings and gain insight into the unconscious sources of your conflicts. With warmth and curiosity, I will provide an attentive ear and a thoughtful mind.
![Photo of Roger Lake, MS, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4603d378-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Roger Lake
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Noe Valley, San Francisco, CA 94114
I am a family therapist and my approach to psychotherapy has been shaped by over thirty years of work with addictions. Helping clients into Recovery has led to a special understanding of the complexities of relationships and the processes of change for individuals, couples, and families.
I have spent most of those years seeing couples and families in San Francisco's wonderfully diverse cultural landscape. I am no stranger to the complexities of gender, class and ethnicity as they influence the work of family or individual therapy.
I am a family therapist and my approach to psychotherapy has been shaped by over thirty years of work with addictions. Helping clients into Recovery has led to a special understanding of the complexities of relationships and the processes of change for individuals, couples, and families.
I have spent most of those years seeing couples and families in San Francisco's wonderfully diverse cultural landscape. I am no stranger to the complexities of gender, class and ethnicity as they influence the work of family or individual therapy.
![Photo of Clare Willis, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ac3910ae-64c0-4137-8a81-b51b367dfb4e/2/320x400.jpeg)
We all want to live in harmony—with loved ones, in our work and creative lives, and in our minds and bodies—yet sometimes we find ourselves struggling. Perhaps you are facing a new problem—work struggles, relationship challenges, thoughts and feelings that are hard to control, or maybe you have a long term issue that you have finally decided you are going to tackle head on—whatever it is I applaud you for taking this step, and I offer you my support.
We all want to live in harmony—with loved ones, in our work and creative lives, and in our minds and bodies—yet sometimes we find ourselves struggling. Perhaps you are facing a new problem—work struggles, relationship challenges, thoughts and feelings that are hard to control, or maybe you have a long term issue that you have finally decided you are going to tackle head on—whatever it is I applaud you for taking this step, and I offer you my support.
![Photo of Lynn E O'Connor, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3bfed231-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/1/320x400.jpeg)
My practice, Prosocial Consulting, Counseling, & Psychotherapy, specializes in helping other mental health providers and coaches, offering clinical and research consultation, along with psychotherapy. My approach is relational, integrative, and case-specific. My research and clinical work have been focused on empathy, compassion, guilt, pathological altruism, and psychological problems. Using skills and experience derived from 25 years teaching doctoral students how to conduct research and write, along with training in Allen's Getting Things Done (GTD) and Forte's Building a Second Brain have led to a specialty in productivity.
My practice, Prosocial Consulting, Counseling, & Psychotherapy, specializes in helping other mental health providers and coaches, offering clinical and research consultation, along with psychotherapy. My approach is relational, integrative, and case-specific. My research and clinical work have been focused on empathy, compassion, guilt, pathological altruism, and psychological problems. Using skills and experience derived from 25 years teaching doctoral students how to conduct research and write, along with training in Allen's Getting Things Done (GTD) and Forte's Building a Second Brain have led to a specialty in productivity.
![Photo of Thomas Masat, LMFT, CGP, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5138fe7b-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Thomas Masat
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, CGP
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Noe Valley, San Francisco, CA 94114 (Online Only)
I work with patients seeking greater intimacy and connection, sex and desire. Often, patients are exploring their relationship to sexual orientation, problematic sexual behaviors including porn, and compulsive behaviors. Finding a middle path can be challenging...and profoundly rewarding as you create new ways of relating to yourself and others.
I work with patients seeking greater intimacy and connection, sex and desire. Often, patients are exploring their relationship to sexual orientation, problematic sexual behaviors including porn, and compulsive behaviors. Finding a middle path can be challenging...and profoundly rewarding as you create new ways of relating to yourself and others.
See more therapy options for Noe Valley, San Francisco
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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.