Addiction Therapists in Austell, GA
![Photo of Joann Hayward, CCADC, CCFC, Drug & Alcohol Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/920d4eb2-39e4-485c-a217-963a77f39112/3/320x400.jpeg)
I have been in the field of Counseling Psychology and Mental Health for over 20 years. My experience in that setting range from professional couselor, psychotherpist, vocational rehabilitation counselor with several behavioral health centers and social service agencies. I have provided psychiatric evaluations, asessments, group therapy,individual counseling, psycho-education groups and life skills training. I provide services to individuals both male and female ages 18yrs through late adulthood. I am also a Professor with Mercer University and teach a wide variety of counseling and human services courses to include: Psychology, Sociolgy, Multicultural issues, Psychology of Women and Substance Abuse.
I have been in the field of Counseling Psychology and Mental Health for over 20 years. My experience in that setting range from professional couselor, psychotherpist, vocational rehabilitation counselor with several behavioral health centers and social service agencies. I have provided psychiatric evaluations, asessments, group therapy,individual counseling, psycho-education groups and life skills training. I provide services to individuals both male and female ages 18yrs through late adulthood. I am also a Professor with Mercer University and teach a wide variety of counseling and human services courses to include: Psychology, Sociolgy, Multicultural issues, Psychology of Women and Substance Abuse.
![Photo of LaDonna Stallworth, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/95506cbc-f69a-41a5-8fc7-83d372a9b95a/1/320x400.jpeg)
LaDonna Stallworth
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Austell, GA 30168 (Online Only)
I also have experience in addiction, co-occurring disorders, and grief.
Hi there, I'm LaDonna and I’m a licensed professional counselor in the state of Georgia. As a Black woman, I’ve experienced firsthand the anxiety that comes with living in a society not built for us to succeed. Black women are frequently overlooked, dismissed, and even silenced which evokes anxiety, depression, and oftentimes trauma. Allow me to create a safe space for you as you delve into everyday challenges and past hurts. In hopes of assisting in achieving your goals, I'll validate your experiences, listen to you, and walk with you on your journey. Your voice matters, you deserve this healing!
I also have experience in addiction, co-occurring disorders, and grief.
Hi there, I'm LaDonna and I’m a licensed professional counselor in the state of Georgia. As a Black woman, I’ve experienced firsthand the anxiety that comes with living in a society not built for us to succeed. Black women are frequently overlooked, dismissed, and even silenced which evokes anxiety, depression, and oftentimes trauma. Allow me to create a safe space for you as you delve into everyday challenges and past hurts. In hopes of assisting in achieving your goals, I'll validate your experiences, listen to you, and walk with you on your journey. Your voice matters, you deserve this healing!
![Photo of Matthew L Swofford - Matthew L Swofford, LPC, LLC, MS, LPC, CCTP, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/400495fb-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Matthew L Swofford, LPC, LLC
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, CCTP
Verified Verified
Austell, GA 30106
Has your life lost meaning? Have you been feeling trapped, stuck, directionless, and utterly confused? I bet you've said to yourself, " I'm tired. I'm angry and I don't want to do this anymore!" Does this sound familiar? If so, I can help provide relief from the pain. You don't have to suffer alone anymore. I've been in the mental health and addiction field for ten years. I use my experience as a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Clinically Certified Trauma Professional to provide help and support for individuals who reach out for help. Check out my website: https://www.matthewlswofford.com/
Has your life lost meaning? Have you been feeling trapped, stuck, directionless, and utterly confused? I bet you've said to yourself, " I'm tired. I'm angry and I don't want to do this anymore!" Does this sound familiar? If so, I can help provide relief from the pain. You don't have to suffer alone anymore. I've been in the mental health and addiction field for ten years. I use my experience as a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Clinically Certified Trauma Professional to provide help and support for individuals who reach out for help. Check out my website: https://www.matthewlswofford.com/
![Photo of Heather King-Green, CADCII, ICADC, CAMSI, Drug & Alcohol Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4c9d1ea1-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Heather King-Green
Drug & Alcohol Counselor, CADCII, ICADC, CAMSI
Verified Verified
Austell, GA 30106
A real conversation with real talk to gain real life results. No sugar coating. Addiction and Anger are real life issues that interfere with positive thoughts and positive actions. Let’s get thru this together.
A real conversation with real talk to gain real life results. No sugar coating. Addiction and Anger are real life issues that interfere with positive thoughts and positive actions. Let’s get thru this together.
![Photo of Faye Cook, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/81675663-89a4-4019-92b4-626f04e0f9d0/1/320x400.jpeg)
I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started. I am a licensed professional counselor (LPC) in Georgia with more than 15 years of professional work experience. I am also a certified master addiction therapist. I have experience working with multidisciplinary teams in both the community and private sector. I have helped individuals and couples in coping with life's challenges and helping them to develop coping skills to successfully man
I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started. I am a licensed professional counselor (LPC) in Georgia with more than 15 years of professional work experience. I am also a certified master addiction therapist. I have experience working with multidisciplinary teams in both the community and private sector. I have helped individuals and couples in coping with life's challenges and helping them to develop coping skills to successfully man
![Photo of Ufuoma Oyibo - Atlanta Treatment Center, CADC-II, ICADC, SAP, CAMS-II, CETP, Drug & Alcohol Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0e11bb8e-5c6f-430a-a781-8f305907e3f3/2/320x400.jpeg)
Atlanta Treatment Center
Drug & Alcohol Counselor, CADC-II, ICADC, SAP, CAMS-II, CETP
Verified Verified
Austell, GA 30001
The journey starts NOW......Therapy is a process through which you work one-on-one or in a group setting with a trained therapist—in a safe, caring, and confidential environment—to explore your feelings, beliefs, or behaviors. We encourage you to work through challenging or influential memories, identify aspects of your life that you would like to change, better understand yourself and others, set personal goals, and work toward desired change..... Let us BEGIN!
The journey starts NOW......Therapy is a process through which you work one-on-one or in a group setting with a trained therapist—in a safe, caring, and confidential environment—to explore your feelings, beliefs, or behaviors. We encourage you to work through challenging or influential memories, identify aspects of your life that you would like to change, better understand yourself and others, set personal goals, and work toward desired change..... Let us BEGIN!
![Photo of Mary Alice Hines, LCSW, MAT, BCD, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c64661d-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Are you familiar with the song performed by Diana Ross from "Mahogany" in 1975, "Do you know where you're going to? Do you know the things that life is showing you - Where are you going to? - Do you know...?"
When people struggle and are overwhelmed by challenging events (past or present), confusing feelings, and painful thoughts, it is helpful to have a confidential, objective, experienced guide to sort through all this. Everyone encounters change and loss in love and work. I can accompany you in discovering your unique path towards healing and new meaning.
Are you familiar with the song performed by Diana Ross from "Mahogany" in 1975, "Do you know where you're going to? Do you know the things that life is showing you - Where are you going to? - Do you know...?"
When people struggle and are overwhelmed by challenging events (past or present), confusing feelings, and painful thoughts, it is helpful to have a confidential, objective, experienced guide to sort through all this. Everyone encounters change and loss in love and work. I can accompany you in discovering your unique path towards healing and new meaning.
![Photo of Adrienne Journey, LCSW, LMSW, MSW, BA, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b2cd98cb-b8c9-47ab-a382-ce1f2331ab4f/1/320x400.jpeg)
Adrienne Journey
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LMSW, MSW, BA
Verified Verified
Austell, GA 30168 (Online Only)
Are you struggling to enjoy life because of depression and anxiety? Does it feel like, no matter how hard you try, you can't seem to move forward in life? Are you struggling to reach your life goals because of past trauma and hurt? Do you have a hard time putting words to your feelings? Have you tried to solve the problems in your life on your own and realized you might need help? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions then, just by being here, you have made the right choice and have already started on your path to healing.
Are you struggling to enjoy life because of depression and anxiety? Does it feel like, no matter how hard you try, you can't seem to move forward in life? Are you struggling to reach your life goals because of past trauma and hurt? Do you have a hard time putting words to your feelings? Have you tried to solve the problems in your life on your own and realized you might need help? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions then, just by being here, you have made the right choice and have already started on your path to healing.
![Photo of Rebecca Gay Baldwin, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6c22f690-78b7-4378-9338-75f6cd1c407e/1/320x400.jpeg)
Gay welcomes those going through life’s challenges, with warm and ease. She facilitates a safe and empowering environment, where counseling can be an effective way to alleviate distress, to discover better ways to solve long-term behavioral concerns. The counseling relationship allows you to seek perspective through a mutual relationship that is accepting, empathic, and authentic. Gay welcomes those going through life’s challenges, with warm and ease. She facilitates a safe and empowering environment, where counseling can be an effective way to alleviate distress, to discover better ways to solve long-term behavioral concerns.
Gay welcomes those going through life’s challenges, with warm and ease. She facilitates a safe and empowering environment, where counseling can be an effective way to alleviate distress, to discover better ways to solve long-term behavioral concerns. The counseling relationship allows you to seek perspective through a mutual relationship that is accepting, empathic, and authentic. Gay welcomes those going through life’s challenges, with warm and ease. She facilitates a safe and empowering environment, where counseling can be an effective way to alleviate distress, to discover better ways to solve long-term behavioral concerns.
![Photo of Haley Peck, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/85ff298b-dba3-4faf-b46e-0a78bf36310b/1/320x400.png)
Hello, my name is Haley Peck. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 4 years of clinical experience guiding and helping individuals and minors facing Anxiety, Depression, Domestic Abuse/Violence, Eating Disorders, Trauma, and PTSD. I utilize a combination of Attachment-based, Cognitive Behavioral (CBT), EMDR, Client-Centered Therapy, and Trauma Focused therapies during treatments with my clients. It is of the utmost importance to me that we focus on your progress along the way, as well as self-encouragement during the hard times to remind you why you started therapy and all of the positive outcomes to look forward to.
Hello, my name is Haley Peck. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 4 years of clinical experience guiding and helping individuals and minors facing Anxiety, Depression, Domestic Abuse/Violence, Eating Disorders, Trauma, and PTSD. I utilize a combination of Attachment-based, Cognitive Behavioral (CBT), EMDR, Client-Centered Therapy, and Trauma Focused therapies during treatments with my clients. It is of the utmost importance to me that we focus on your progress along the way, as well as self-encouragement during the hard times to remind you why you started therapy and all of the positive outcomes to look forward to.
![Photo of Dadron Deon Harris, Dr, LPC, MAC, CAMS, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e0772e47-276b-43d6-91e6-7a2103c0d0b9/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dadron Deon Harris
Licensed Professional Counselor, Dr, LPC, MAC, CAMS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Austell, GA 30106
Greetings. I am a Counselor/ Therapist that focuses on meeting your needs. We are here for you as our country is undergoing a major crisis. We are offering telemental health video sessions for you. My role as a Licensed Counselor is to provide confidential behavioral health services to adults, children and adolescents in an outpatient or community setting. I focus on identifying core issues. Duties will include, but not limited to individual counseling, group therapy, family counseling and contact within the community in terms of locating employment, self help & housing.
Greetings. I am a Counselor/ Therapist that focuses on meeting your needs. We are here for you as our country is undergoing a major crisis. We are offering telemental health video sessions for you. My role as a Licensed Counselor is to provide confidential behavioral health services to adults, children and adolescents in an outpatient or community setting. I focus on identifying core issues. Duties will include, but not limited to individual counseling, group therapy, family counseling and contact within the community in terms of locating employment, self help & housing.
![Photo of Joy Moses - Family & Forensic Intervention Counseling, LLC, PhD, LPC, NCC, NCSC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a22fb044-421b-49c6-9280-1651632e6525/1/320x400.jpeg)
Family & Forensic Intervention Counseling, LLC
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LPC, NCC, NCSC
Verified Verified
Austell, GA 30106
Individuals seek therapy for a wide variety of reasons, from coping with major life challenges or childhood trauma, to dealing with depression or anxiety, to simply desiring personal growth and greater self-knowledge. I have served in the helping profession for well over a decade. Years of work in the field has informed the belief that the helping profession is most effective through collaborative and eclectic approaches to treatment, whether in residential / acute, in-home, community outpatient or private practice mental health settings. Professional Counselors bring different dynamics, expertise, approaches, and strengths to collaborative treatment.
Individuals seek therapy for a wide variety of reasons, from coping with major life challenges or childhood trauma, to dealing with depression or anxiety, to simply desiring personal growth and greater self-knowledge. I have served in the helping profession for well over a decade. Years of work in the field has informed the belief that the helping profession is most effective through collaborative and eclectic approaches to treatment, whether in residential / acute, in-home, community outpatient or private practice mental health settings. Professional Counselors bring different dynamics, expertise, approaches, and strengths to collaborative treatment.
![Photo of Mariesa Tinkham, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6f5611b1-b37d-4eaf-bdbf-6f863935b3d0/1/320x400.jpeg)
I am a clinical social worker licensed in both Michigan and Georgia currently offering Telehealth services. I began clinical work in Georgia with children and families in January of 2012, and continued community and school-based practice after moving to Michigan in July of 2013. I then transitioned to working in a medical center with clients of all ages in 2015 when I became a behavioral health consultant as part of an integrated care model. I have most recently been building an online counseling practice while completing a doctorate program.
I am a clinical social worker licensed in both Michigan and Georgia currently offering Telehealth services. I began clinical work in Georgia with children and families in January of 2012, and continued community and school-based practice after moving to Michigan in July of 2013. I then transitioned to working in a medical center with clients of all ages in 2015 when I became a behavioral health consultant as part of an integrated care model. I have most recently been building an online counseling practice while completing a doctorate program.
![Photo of Diamesha Walton, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/93370271-777f-43d1-8090-68e68de3e80c/1/320x400.png)
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with over 15 years of experience, I have built a profound foundation in the field of mental health and emotional well-being. Throughout my career, I have successfully guided individuals from various walks of life towards greater self-awareness, resilience, and personal growth. My passion for helping others has led me to specialize in areas such as anxiety management, trauma recovery, relationship counseling, and life transitions. What sets me apart is not only my extensive therapeutic expertise but also my commitment to mentoring and supervising emerging counselors.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with over 15 years of experience, I have built a profound foundation in the field of mental health and emotional well-being. Throughout my career, I have successfully guided individuals from various walks of life towards greater self-awareness, resilience, and personal growth. My passion for helping others has led me to specialize in areas such as anxiety management, trauma recovery, relationship counseling, and life transitions. What sets me apart is not only my extensive therapeutic expertise but also my commitment to mentoring and supervising emerging counselors.
![Photo of Claudia Elizee-Moore, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/27429de2-1200-4986-b31e-d189cc229dd9/3/320x400.jpeg)
Claudia Elizee-Moore
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Austell, GA 30001 (Online Only)
Claudia Elizee-Moore, LPC, LMHC, CPCS, is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Georgia and a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the state of Florida, who currently practices in Georgia. Claudia has a Master of Science degree in Mental Health Counseling, St. Thomas University, 1997. Claudia is also certified as a Paracletos Counseling Specialist and implements Christian Counseling in treatment plans, if requested. Claudia has over two decades of experience in the behavioral health field. A substantial amount of this experience has focused on working with significantly traumatized children in the foster care system.
Claudia Elizee-Moore, LPC, LMHC, CPCS, is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Georgia and a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the state of Florida, who currently practices in Georgia. Claudia has a Master of Science degree in Mental Health Counseling, St. Thomas University, 1997. Claudia is also certified as a Paracletos Counseling Specialist and implements Christian Counseling in treatment plans, if requested. Claudia has over two decades of experience in the behavioral health field. A substantial amount of this experience has focused on working with significantly traumatized children in the foster care system.
![Photo of Patricia Jean-Francois, MA, MBA, LAPC, BC-TMH, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/474e35da-6e50-478b-9dcf-c9567ab3c645/2/320x400.jpeg)
Patricia Jean-Francois
Counselor, MA, MBA, LAPC, BC-TMH
Verified Verified
Austell, GA 30001 (Online Only)
Patricia is a Haitian American, licensed associate professional counselor, in the state of GA. She received her MA in Mental Health Counseling from Alliance University, NY, specializing in the integration of Christian theology and psychology. She has a passion for working with children (ages 10 and up), adolescents along with their families, and individuals to decrease problematic symptoms, support emotional regulation and increase coping skills.
Patricia is a Haitian American, licensed associate professional counselor, in the state of GA. She received her MA in Mental Health Counseling from Alliance University, NY, specializing in the integration of Christian theology and psychology. She has a passion for working with children (ages 10 and up), adolescents along with their families, and individuals to decrease problematic symptoms, support emotional regulation and increase coping skills.
More Therapists Nearby
![Photo of Diana C Harris - The D C Harris Group LLC, LPC, CPCS, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/426f316d-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
The D C Harris Group LLC
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, CPCS
Verified Verified
Lithia Springs, GA 30122
Waitlist for new clients
I am very passionate about working with people who are struggling with substance abuse and addressing those issues that have a profound impact on a person's being able to achieve and maintain sobriety.
Congratulations on making the decision to consider getting therapy. I sincerely look forward to assisting you on your life's journey. In order for therapy to be most successful, it is important for you to take an active role and for you to know that you are in complete control, although our relationship will be collaborative. My role is to empower you in your growth process so that you will be more capable of facing life's challenges in the future without me. I don't believe in creating dependency or prolonging therapy longer than necessary.
I am very passionate about working with people who are struggling with substance abuse and addressing those issues that have a profound impact on a person's being able to achieve and maintain sobriety.
Congratulations on making the decision to consider getting therapy. I sincerely look forward to assisting you on your life's journey. In order for therapy to be most successful, it is important for you to take an active role and for you to know that you are in complete control, although our relationship will be collaborative. My role is to empower you in your growth process so that you will be more capable of facing life's challenges in the future without me. I don't believe in creating dependency or prolonging therapy longer than necessary.
![Photo of Angela R Richardson - ReConnect Therapeutic Associates, LLC, LPC, CPCS, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ff1a17d6-a457-4cf4-9a9c-18375825c143/1/320x400.jpeg)
ReConnect Therapeutic Associates, LLC
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, CPCS
Verified Verified
Mableton, GA 30126
We offer substance abuse and mental health assessments for employment or legal matters.
“WE take an eclectic approach to providing therapeutic services. Our objective in therapy is "Facilitating Good Mental Health". We believe good mental health is a journey not a destination. Life can be challenging but it is our choices that increase the level of difficulty. Therapy provides the support and tools needed to navigate life's challenges. Achieving good mental health requires a collaborative relationship, which begins with building a trusting therapeutic environment. In practice, We utilize a variety of theoretical approaches such as Reality/Choice Theory, Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), and Family Systems.”
We offer substance abuse and mental health assessments for employment or legal matters.
“WE take an eclectic approach to providing therapeutic services. Our objective in therapy is "Facilitating Good Mental Health". We believe good mental health is a journey not a destination. Life can be challenging but it is our choices that increase the level of difficulty. Therapy provides the support and tools needed to navigate life's challenges. Achieving good mental health requires a collaborative relationship, which begins with building a trusting therapeutic environment. In practice, We utilize a variety of theoretical approaches such as Reality/Choice Theory, Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), and Family Systems.”
![Photo of Aquila Arceneaux, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/54dbd4b6-ddf9-4da8-bc93-35837f9e4b9b/1/320x400.jpeg)
Life is to be lived and enjoyed, but sometimes this journey can leave you feeling a bit “stuck”. These can be troubling, lonely times. Help is here! I am a licensed professional counselor in Georgia with 13 years of experience. I have worked with various populations including teens, adults, veterans, and many more. My specialties include working with clients dealing with a multitude of issues such as anxiety, depression, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, and addiction. I counsel from a holistic perspective, working with clients in reconnecting the mind, body, and spirit. Although my approach is based in existentialism, I employ
Life is to be lived and enjoyed, but sometimes this journey can leave you feeling a bit “stuck”. These can be troubling, lonely times. Help is here! I am a licensed professional counselor in Georgia with 13 years of experience. I have worked with various populations including teens, adults, veterans, and many more. My specialties include working with clients dealing with a multitude of issues such as anxiety, depression, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, and addiction. I counsel from a holistic perspective, working with clients in reconnecting the mind, body, and spirit. Although my approach is based in existentialism, I employ
![Photo of Mattie Finn, LPC, NCC, MAC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/42ba17de-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Mattie Finn
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, NCC, MAC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Lithia Springs, GA 30122
My areas of focus but not limited to, are women's issues, identity issues, trauma, depression, anxiety, oppositional behaviors, substance use, addictions, ADHD, whole health and wellness, grief, etc.
Greetings! First, I would like to take the opportunity to thank you for visiting my profile. "You are appreciated." My name is Mattie Finn I am a Licensed Professional Counselor, servicing individuals, couples, families, and groups. My primary goal is to empower, encourage, and educate those who encounter emotional life challenges that prevent them from living a more purposeful life.
My areas of focus but not limited to, are women's issues, identity issues, trauma, depression, anxiety, oppositional behaviors, substance use, addictions, ADHD, whole health and wellness, grief, etc.
Greetings! First, I would like to take the opportunity to thank you for visiting my profile. "You are appreciated." My name is Mattie Finn I am a Licensed Professional Counselor, servicing individuals, couples, families, and groups. My primary goal is to empower, encourage, and educate those who encounter emotional life challenges that prevent them from living a more purposeful life.
See more therapy options for Austell
Nearby Addiction Therapists Searches for Austell
- Atlanta
- College Park
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- East Point
- Hiram
- Kennesaw
- Mableton
- Marietta
- Powder Springs
- Sandy Springs
- Smyrna
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.