Addiction Therapists in Presidio Heights, San Francisco, CA

Photo of Mary Kennedy, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Mary Kennedy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Presidio Heights, San Francisco, CA 94118
My expertise includes treatment of alcoholics and addicts; family recovery; codependency; trauma and the prevention of addiction in children and teens.
I am a licensed psychotherapist who is deeply committed to supporting those whose lives have been impacted by alcohol or drugs. I am compassionate, practical, engaged and genuine. If you have struggled or are still struggling, I can help. If you are worried about someone who struggles, I can help. Even if you are unsure of what you may need, I can support you. I strive to develop meaningful therapeutic relationships that allow for understanding, grieving, healing and growth. Those who find help may be teens, adult children, spouses, partners, parents, grandparents, couples, and individuals.
My expertise includes treatment of alcoholics and addicts; family recovery; codependency; trauma and the prevention of addiction in children and teens.
I am a licensed psychotherapist who is deeply committed to supporting those whose lives have been impacted by alcohol or drugs. I am compassionate, practical, engaged and genuine. If you have struggled or are still struggling, I can help. If you are worried about someone who struggles, I can help. Even if you are unsure of what you may need, I can support you. I strive to develop meaningful therapeutic relationships that allow for understanding, grieving, healing and growth. Those who find help may be teens, adult children, spouses, partners, parents, grandparents, couples, and individuals.
(415) 689-1690 View (415) 689-1690
Photo of Melanie R. Cleary, MS, PsyD, Psychologist
Melanie R. Cleary
Psychologist, MS, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Presidio Heights, San Francisco, CA 94118  (Online Only)
Therapy is a confidential space to explore areas where you are feeling stuck, experiencing difficulty, or contemplating change, with the goal of feeling more confident and whole as a person. I work with adult individuals who seek a deeper understanding of, and relief from, their suffering: depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, relationship problems, spiritual/existential questions, and various forms of addiction. Many times, addiction is accompanied by interactions with the legal system and therapy can be a safe space to process thoughts and feelings about legal problems or incarceration.
Therapy is a confidential space to explore areas where you are feeling stuck, experiencing difficulty, or contemplating change, with the goal of feeling more confident and whole as a person. I work with adult individuals who seek a deeper understanding of, and relief from, their suffering: depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, relationship problems, spiritual/existential questions, and various forms of addiction. Many times, addiction is accompanied by interactions with the legal system and therapy can be a safe space to process thoughts and feelings about legal problems or incarceration.
(415) 449-0043 View (415) 449-0043
Photo of Helen Star, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Helen Star
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Presidio 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.
(415) 237-6307 View (415) 237-6307
Photo of Joseph Campi, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Joseph Campi
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Presidio Heights, San Francisco, CA 94118
I specialize in anxiety/depression, body self image and eating disorders, men's issues and substance /recovery.
Psychotherapy offers emotional and psychological space for change. It is an opportunity to decode what is not working and with therapeutic guidance provide clients with a scaffolding to try out new thinking and ways of feeling. I see psychotherapy as a kind of lab, where clients safely get to try new approaches out, notice what works and what is most effective. My work is about helping clients; whether a problem to be solved, a desired behavioral change, or finding meaning during a life challenging experience. I encourage individuals to contact me and explore that change. I am here to help.
I specialize in anxiety/depression, body self image and eating disorders, men's issues and substance /recovery.
Psychotherapy offers emotional and psychological space for change. It is an opportunity to decode what is not working and with therapeutic guidance provide clients with a scaffolding to try out new thinking and ways of feeling. I see psychotherapy as a kind of lab, where clients safely get to try new approaches out, notice what works and what is most effective. My work is about helping clients; whether a problem to be solved, a desired behavioral change, or finding meaning during a life challenging experience. I encourage individuals to contact me and explore that change. I am here to help.
(415) 610-7772 View (415) 610-7772
Photo of Amelia Howard-Smith, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Amelia Howard-Smith
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Presidio Heights, San Francisco, CA 94118
I work individually with adults seeking treatment for depression, anxiety, addiction, and relationship issues.
You want to be seen, heard, and understood. This is what you’ll feel when you work with me. My approach is collaborative and tailored to your unique needs. I strive to help you make sense out of the past while guiding you to make changes for the future. I want to help you live the life you want to live, and I’m here to provide you with the tools to do just that. Together we’ll work towards gaining a deeper understanding of yourself, finding meaning in your life, self-acceptance, and empowerment. You’ll learn to manage strong and uncomfortable emotions and work through negative thought patterns.
I work individually with adults seeking treatment for depression, anxiety, addiction, and relationship issues.
You want to be seen, heard, and understood. This is what you’ll feel when you work with me. My approach is collaborative and tailored to your unique needs. I strive to help you make sense out of the past while guiding you to make changes for the future. I want to help you live the life you want to live, and I’m here to provide you with the tools to do just that. Together we’ll work towards gaining a deeper understanding of yourself, finding meaning in your life, self-acceptance, and empowerment. You’ll learn to manage strong and uncomfortable emotions and work through negative thought patterns.
(415) 326-1841 View (415) 326-1841
Photo of Angelique Rochelle, LMFT, C148697, EMDR, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Angelique Rochelle
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMFT, C148697, EMDR
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Presidio Heights, San Francisco, CA 94118
Coping with loss and trauma, addiction, ADHD, bipolar disorder, symptom reduction, self-harm, anxiety, depression, and autism.
Hi, I'm taking new clients. I work with all ages and I'm trained in trauma based therapies such as CBT, DBT, and EMDR. I offer individual and relationship therapy using attachment based therapies, solution-focused brief therapy, and Gestalt self-compassion techniques. I have worked with foster youth, couples, families, veterans, and the LGBTQ community. I have found my work to be professionally rewarding by assisting people in reaching their goals. In addition, I’m committed to advocating for people with disabilities and diverse populations. You can book with me by clicking on my website link.
Coping with loss and trauma, addiction, ADHD, bipolar disorder, symptom reduction, self-harm, anxiety, depression, and autism.
Hi, I'm taking new clients. I work with all ages and I'm trained in trauma based therapies such as CBT, DBT, and EMDR. I offer individual and relationship therapy using attachment based therapies, solution-focused brief therapy, and Gestalt self-compassion techniques. I have worked with foster youth, couples, families, veterans, and the LGBTQ community. I have found my work to be professionally rewarding by assisting people in reaching their goals. In addition, I’m committed to advocating for people with disabilities and diverse populations. You can book with me by clicking on my website link.
(415) 862-1320 View (415) 862-1320
Photo of Nate Hinerman, PhD, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Nate Hinerman
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, MFT
Verified Verified
Presidio Heights, San Francisco, CA 94118
I routinely treat depression and anxiety, addiction, trauma, PTSD, and a variety of personality disorders, in addition to grief and loss.
Nate Hinerman, PhD, LMFT, is Dean of Undergraduate Programs at Golden Gate University, San Francisco, where he is also a tenured Professor of Psychology, as well as the Chair of the Psychology Department. He is also on the faculty at the University of San Francisco, teaching in the Nursing School, and in the Religious Studies Department. He serves as Chair of the San Francisco End of Life Network, a community-based support and education group for hospice and palliative care professionals and patients, now in its 23rd year (www.sfeol.org).
I routinely treat depression and anxiety, addiction, trauma, PTSD, and a variety of personality disorders, in addition to grief and loss.
Nate Hinerman, PhD, LMFT, is Dean of Undergraduate Programs at Golden Gate University, San Francisco, where he is also a tenured Professor of Psychology, as well as the Chair of the Psychology Department. He is also on the faculty at the University of San Francisco, teaching in the Nursing School, and in the Religious Studies Department. He serves as Chair of the San Francisco End of Life Network, a community-based support and education group for hospice and palliative care professionals and patients, now in its 23rd year (www.sfeol.org).
(628) 215-8084 View (628) 215-8084
Photo of Sara Alexander, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Sara Alexander
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
Presidio 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.
(415) 969-7119 View (415) 969-7119
Photo of Brian King, PsyD, QME, Psychologist
Brian King
Psychologist, PsyD, QME
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Presidio Heights, San Francisco, CA 94118  (Online Only)
, depression, anxiety, pain, self-destructive behaviors, substance use).
I seek to provide a thoughtful and reflective setting where clients develop greater understanding of their problems and limitations through honest exploration of themselves, and to bolster strengths/foster growth. I provide a friendly and open atmosphere to invite sharing of whatever thought or feeling that comes up so that they can be explored, analyzed and ultimately changed if you want. I work in a collaborative way and do not necessarily see my role as an advice giver, but as a thoughtful companion in helping you find your own solutions and understanding. I use a flexible blend of clinical techniques and theories.
, depression, anxiety, pain, self-destructive behaviors, substance use).
I seek to provide a thoughtful and reflective setting where clients develop greater understanding of their problems and limitations through honest exploration of themselves, and to bolster strengths/foster growth. I provide a friendly and open atmosphere to invite sharing of whatever thought or feeling that comes up so that they can be explored, analyzed and ultimately changed if you want. I work in a collaborative way and do not necessarily see my role as an advice giver, but as a thoughtful companion in helping you find your own solutions and understanding. I use a flexible blend of clinical techniques and theories.
(415) 991-3069 View (415) 991-3069
Photo of Amy Rice, PhD, PMH-C, Psychologist
Amy Rice
Psychologist, PhD, PMH-C
Verified Verified
Presidio Heights, San Francisco, CA 94118  (Online Only)
In my San Francisco based private practice I focus on an array of issues including depression, anxiety, postpartum depression, parenting support, trauma, support for dads, relationship issues, substance abuse, transgender and gender non-binary support, and counseling for issues related to fertility including birth loss. Too often I work with individuals who have waited until the point of crisis to reach out for help, and relief can start much earlier. With empathy, sensitivity, and humor, my goal is to create a space in which to build the therapeutic relationship while cultivating a happier and healthier sense of self and wellbeing.
In my San Francisco based private practice I focus on an array of issues including depression, anxiety, postpartum depression, parenting support, trauma, support for dads, relationship issues, substance abuse, transgender and gender non-binary support, and counseling for issues related to fertility including birth loss. Too often I work with individuals who have waited until the point of crisis to reach out for help, and relief can start much earlier. With empathy, sensitivity, and humor, my goal is to create a space in which to build the therapeutic relationship while cultivating a happier and healthier sense of self and wellbeing.
(415) 801-3759 View (415) 801-3759
Photo of Caleb Birkhoff, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Caleb Birkhoff
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Presidio Heights, San Francisco, CA 94118  (Online Only)
You have friction in your relationship. You need help enhancing your connection and communication skills so you can set healthier and stronger boundaries. Maybe you're looking to get ahead of future problems before they start. It can be difficult making a change in your life, even one you want. Couples therapy is an opportunity to work on your relationship to feel closer, to build something that will last. It's also a place to understand why it just doesn't feel like it's working anymore. Come have a space to strengthen boundaries, healthy communication, and re-establish a partnership. Come try couples counseling.
You have friction in your relationship. You need help enhancing your connection and communication skills so you can set healthier and stronger boundaries. Maybe you're looking to get ahead of future problems before they start. It can be difficult making a change in your life, even one you want. Couples therapy is an opportunity to work on your relationship to feel closer, to build something that will last. It's also a place to understand why it just doesn't feel like it's working anymore. Come have a space to strengthen boundaries, healthy communication, and re-establish a partnership. Come try couples counseling.
(628) 212-6659 View (628) 212-6659
Photo of Lisa Bialy, PsyD, Psychologist
Lisa Bialy
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Presidio Heights, San Francisco, CA 94118
I specialize in: relationship problems (all kinds), mind/body issues (including addictions and medical illness), anxiety/depression (including panic attacks), and work/career satisfaction (including peak performance).
I help individuals, couples, and families identify their goals, face their fears, and explore old patterns of behavior so they can make the desired changes in their lives that lead to more meaningful, happy futures as well as better relationships with themselves and others. I am interested in why we keep doing things that don't seem to work. My approach is both pragmatic and depth oriented and my style is collaborative.
I specialize in: relationship problems (all kinds), mind/body issues (including addictions and medical illness), anxiety/depression (including panic attacks), and work/career satisfaction (including peak performance).
I help individuals, couples, and families identify their goals, face their fears, and explore old patterns of behavior so they can make the desired changes in their lives that lead to more meaningful, happy futures as well as better relationships with themselves and others. I am interested in why we keep doing things that don't seem to work. My approach is both pragmatic and depth oriented and my style is collaborative.
(415) 799-8984 View (415) 799-8984
Photo of Justin B Hecht, PhD, CJA, CGP, FAGPA, MBA , Psychologist
Justin B Hecht
Psychologist, PhD, CJA, CGP, FAGPA, MBA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Presidio Heights, San Francisco, CA 94115
I'm a general psychologist, and I provide individual, couples, and group psychotherapy to a wide variety of clients. I have an extensive background in working with anxiety disorders and stress reduction. I can also bring a number of techniques to bear in helping you overcome depression. Because of my background in business (Wharton MBA), I work particularly well with successful professionals who are seeking greater meaning and fulfillment in their careers and personal lives. My style balances patience and deep inquiry with energetic engagement. For people in recovery, my approach is a good complement to 12-step work.
I'm a general psychologist, and I provide individual, couples, and group psychotherapy to a wide variety of clients. I have an extensive background in working with anxiety disorders and stress reduction. I can also bring a number of techniques to bear in helping you overcome depression. Because of my background in business (Wharton MBA), I work particularly well with successful professionals who are seeking greater meaning and fulfillment in their careers and personal lives. My style balances patience and deep inquiry with energetic engagement. For people in recovery, my approach is a good complement to 12-step work.
(781) 650-3039 View (781) 650-3039
Mark Sexton
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Presidio Heights, San Francisco, CA 94118
Thank you for your interest in my practice. I am a Clinical Psychologist and Psychoanalyst. I specialize in helping patients to resolve conflictual or unsatisfying relationship patterns, problems with a sense of identify or low self-worth, and difficulties arising from navigating life challenges such as loss, divorce, or illness. I put an emphasis on establishing a trusting working relationship and typically see patients multiple times per week. This more intensive treatment approach is useful for resolving long-standing issues that may not have been addressed by past therapies.
Thank you for your interest in my practice. I am a Clinical Psychologist and Psychoanalyst. I specialize in helping patients to resolve conflictual or unsatisfying relationship patterns, problems with a sense of identify or low self-worth, and difficulties arising from navigating life challenges such as loss, divorce, or illness. I put an emphasis on establishing a trusting working relationship and typically see patients multiple times per week. This more intensive treatment approach is useful for resolving long-standing issues that may not have been addressed by past therapies.
(650) 741-3521 View (650) 741-3521
Photo of Sheena Craig, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Sheena Craig
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
Presidio Heights, San Francisco, CA 94118
I currently work with adult and adolescent individuals and couples. The issues I deal with include depression and dysthymia, panic attacks, stress, generalized anxiety disorder, gender identity disorder, obsessions and compulsions, childhood sexual trauma, childhood physical abuse, grief and loss, relationship difficulties, communication conflict, commitment, intimacy, sexual difficulties, insecurity, trust, infidelity and social phobia.
I currently work with adult and adolescent individuals and couples. The issues I deal with include depression and dysthymia, panic attacks, stress, generalized anxiety disorder, gender identity disorder, obsessions and compulsions, childhood sexual trauma, childhood physical abuse, grief and loss, relationship difficulties, communication conflict, commitment, intimacy, sexual difficulties, insecurity, trust, infidelity and social phobia.
(415) 858-6152 View (415) 858-6152
Photo of Jules Osborne, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Jules Osborne
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Presidio 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.
(628) 244-4271 View (628) 244-4271
Photo of Linda Michels, MA, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Linda Michels
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
Presidio Heights, San Francisco, CA 94118
I think you know what would make you happy but don't know how to make it happen. This applies to both individuals and couples. People stop themselves from moving forward because they think they can't or don't deserve to get their own needs met. I can help you overcome blocks, fears, guilt, depression, and/or self-defeating behaviors so you can free yourself to be happy and more successful. It seems daunting but, with support and direction, it is possible to improve your life. This is even true for people who are suffering from more debilitating problems such as Bipolar Disorder, OCD,or Schizoaffective Disorders.
I think you know what would make you happy but don't know how to make it happen. This applies to both individuals and couples. People stop themselves from moving forward because they think they can't or don't deserve to get their own needs met. I can help you overcome blocks, fears, guilt, depression, and/or self-defeating behaviors so you can free yourself to be happy and more successful. It seems daunting but, with support and direction, it is possible to improve your life. This is even true for people who are suffering from more debilitating problems such as Bipolar Disorder, OCD,or Schizoaffective Disorders.
(415) 800-3916 View (415) 800-3916
Photo of Lara Curry, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Lara Curry
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Presidio 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.
(661) 271-6194 View (661) 271-6194
Photo of Caitlin Wicks, PsyD, Psychologist
Caitlin Wicks
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Presidio Heights, San Francisco, CA 94118
I am here to tell you, you are not broken, even if your mind may tell you so. When we are anxious or in despair, we can’t think straight or engage our usual survival strategies. It can impact our health, body, emotions, relationships, perception of self and reality. We can't make sense of the distorted thoughts alone. We need a therapist to help guide us. I often help young women who are feeling shy, anxious, obsessive, depressed, struggling with perfectionism or life transitions. I enjoy helping girls and women achieve developmentally appropriate social-emotional, verbal and non-verbal communication skills.
I am here to tell you, you are not broken, even if your mind may tell you so. When we are anxious or in despair, we can’t think straight or engage our usual survival strategies. It can impact our health, body, emotions, relationships, perception of self and reality. We can't make sense of the distorted thoughts alone. We need a therapist to help guide us. I often help young women who are feeling shy, anxious, obsessive, depressed, struggling with perfectionism or life transitions. I enjoy helping girls and women achieve developmentally appropriate social-emotional, verbal and non-verbal communication skills.
(415) 649-5373 View (415) 649-5373
Photo of J Patrick Gannon, PhD, Psychologist
J Patrick Gannon
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Presidio Heights, San Francisco, CA 94118
I think I work best with clients who are motivated to address specific issues in their lives that hold them back in some way. Having a goal and wanting more for themselves in their personal lives, and work lives, gives the therapy the direction and purpose that increases its effectiveness. People are complex and everyone deserves to be treated as unique individuals with their own set of needs, preferences and interpersonal styles. My job is to fit into their psychological world to understand how to help them best--an "informed collaboration" that is purposeful and intentional.
I think I work best with clients who are motivated to address specific issues in their lives that hold them back in some way. Having a goal and wanting more for themselves in their personal lives, and work lives, gives the therapy the direction and purpose that increases its effectiveness. People are complex and everyone deserves to be treated as unique individuals with their own set of needs, preferences and interpersonal styles. My job is to fit into their psychological world to understand how to help them best--an "informed collaboration" that is purposeful and intentional.
(415) 341-9857 View (415) 341-9857
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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.