Substance Use Therapists in Dunwoody, GA
![Photo of Olivia Baggett, LMSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7b9d2865-5a64-4f48-a44c-df1baa4669c8/2/320x400.png)
I furthered my education obtaining a Master’s in Social Work with Certificates in Marriage and Family Therapy and Substance Use Counseling.
Hey, Hey! I’m excited to meet you! I work with adolescents and adults experiencing a broad range of life experiences including anxiety, depression, perfectionism, launching, interpersonal conflict, familial dysfunction, grief, trauma, and life transitions. I believe therapy is for everyone and lean strongly on my ability to authentically connect with my clients.
I furthered my education obtaining a Master’s in Social Work with Certificates in Marriage and Family Therapy and Substance Use Counseling.
Hey, Hey! I’m excited to meet you! I work with adolescents and adults experiencing a broad range of life experiences including anxiety, depression, perfectionism, launching, interpersonal conflict, familial dysfunction, grief, trauma, and life transitions. I believe therapy is for everyone and lean strongly on my ability to authentically connect with my clients.
![Photo of Rebekah Bardwell Doweyko - Bardwell Behavioral, LPC, LMHC, LCMHC, TPMC, CEDS-C, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8361d5e5-58c9-49c6-a093-2d37ec2f4cd6/1/320x400.jpeg)
Bardwell Behavioral
Counselor, LPC, LMHC, LCMHC, TPMC, CEDS-C
Verified Verified
Dunwoody, GA 30338 (Online Only)
Offering over 20 years of experience in treating disordered eating/eating disorders, substance use disorders, trauma, mood disorders, ADHD, family conflict and relationship issues, we value and honor diversity, autonomy and inclusivity.
Understanding we are all in different "stages of change", we utilize an eclectic approach to guide you through your own process at your own pace. It is absolutely an honor and our passion to treat those who struggle with mental health issues such as Eating Disorders, Substance Use, trauma, depression, anxiety, family conflict, relationship issues and associated disorders. We employ an individualized approach to therapy in order to empower people to change their lives. In the wise words of Maya Angelou, "My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, humor, and style."
Offering over 20 years of experience in treating disordered eating/eating disorders, substance use disorders, trauma, mood disorders, ADHD, family conflict and relationship issues, we value and honor diversity, autonomy and inclusivity.
Understanding we are all in different "stages of change", we utilize an eclectic approach to guide you through your own process at your own pace. It is absolutely an honor and our passion to treat those who struggle with mental health issues such as Eating Disorders, Substance Use, trauma, depression, anxiety, family conflict, relationship issues and associated disorders. We employ an individualized approach to therapy in order to empower people to change their lives. In the wise words of Maya Angelou, "My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, humor, and style."
![Photo of Angela R. Bethea-Walsh, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3e7a298f-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I specialize in evidence-based, culturally-sensitive interventions to treat substance use problems, depression, anxiety, fertility concerns, weight loss, chronic pain management, cultural stress and performance anxiety.
Change can be so difficult, uncomfortable, and even painful. You've tried to make a difference in your life, but without the results you want. Maybe you've stalled for too long in making a life-changing decision. You wonder, "What's wrong with me? I haven't changed yet!" Nothing is wrong with you. I use evidenced-based treatments with a team approach to help people cross the bridge to the life they want. My practice is in "The Queen Building" at The Concourse Corporate Center in the Perimeter area of Atlanta near GA-400 and I-285.
I specialize in evidence-based, culturally-sensitive interventions to treat substance use problems, depression, anxiety, fertility concerns, weight loss, chronic pain management, cultural stress and performance anxiety.
Change can be so difficult, uncomfortable, and even painful. You've tried to make a difference in your life, but without the results you want. Maybe you've stalled for too long in making a life-changing decision. You wonder, "What's wrong with me? I haven't changed yet!" Nothing is wrong with you. I use evidenced-based treatments with a team approach to help people cross the bridge to the life they want. My practice is in "The Queen Building" at The Concourse Corporate Center in the Perimeter area of Atlanta near GA-400 and I-285.
![Photo of Tyler Trotter - Attento Counseling, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d1b8bc01-503b-4d65-a507-5ef79de4373b/2/320x400.jpeg)
Tyler Trotter - Attento Counseling
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Dunwoody, GA 30338
I have experience in working with substance use, depression, anxiety, and trauma among others.
I am a genuine, kind, compassionate, and empathetic person and I am here to help you. I believe that everyone is extremely important and has inherent worth and dignity. It is from this place of non-judgment and authenticity that I provide the compassionate care that I do. I work with you on the goals you would like to achieve. I provide a comfortable space to come and have a conversation. I know therapy can be somewhat overwhelming when reaching out at first, but I am here to help you with many of life’s issues that may arise.
I have experience in working with substance use, depression, anxiety, and trauma among others.
I am a genuine, kind, compassionate, and empathetic person and I am here to help you. I believe that everyone is extremely important and has inherent worth and dignity. It is from this place of non-judgment and authenticity that I provide the compassionate care that I do. I work with you on the goals you would like to achieve. I provide a comfortable space to come and have a conversation. I know therapy can be somewhat overwhelming when reaching out at first, but I am here to help you with many of life’s issues that may arise.
![Photo of Erin Mills, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b5c8af8f-6adc-411d-b59b-7be524878d9d/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am passionate about working with people who have substance abuse concerns, trauma, family conflict, and difficulty coping. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I strive to make any difficult life experience more manageable while gently guiding my clients and their families towards the life they want and see for themselves. I work with adolescents, young adults, and adults utilizing a client-centered, supportive approach. I work to make my office a safe, judgement-free space where my clients can discuss their struggles and get the support they need.
I am passionate about working with people who have substance abuse concerns, trauma, family conflict, and difficulty coping. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I strive to make any difficult life experience more manageable while gently guiding my clients and their families towards the life they want and see for themselves. I work with adolescents, young adults, and adults utilizing a client-centered, supportive approach. I work to make my office a safe, judgement-free space where my clients can discuss their struggles and get the support they need.
![Photo of Counseling Services of Atlanta - Counseling Services of Atlanta, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/43d3f4cb-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Counseling Services of Atlanta offers individual, couples, family, and group therapy. We offer therapy and counseling services for both adults and children of all ages including video sessions. We now have 4 male therapists and 20 female therapists! We can treat a wide variety of mental health concerns and sessions are available by phone if needed. We are centrally located to provide services for Marietta, Smyrna, Kennesaw, Powder Springs, Austell, Mableton, Dallas, Douglasville, Hiram, Acworth, Atlanta, Peachtree Corners, Lawrenceville, Alpharetta, Roswell, Dunwoody, Sandy Springs, Duluth, and Tucker areas.
Counseling Services of Atlanta offers individual, couples, family, and group therapy. We offer therapy and counseling services for both adults and children of all ages including video sessions. We now have 4 male therapists and 20 female therapists! We can treat a wide variety of mental health concerns and sessions are available by phone if needed. We are centrally located to provide services for Marietta, Smyrna, Kennesaw, Powder Springs, Austell, Mableton, Dallas, Douglasville, Hiram, Acworth, Atlanta, Peachtree Corners, Lawrenceville, Alpharetta, Roswell, Dunwoody, Sandy Springs, Duluth, and Tucker areas.
![Photo of Daniel P. David, PhD, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/99f34e1c-b979-42f8-a82e-8e3d7b78a9ed/2/320x400.jpeg)
Daniel P. David
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, PhD, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Dunwoody, GA 30338 (Online Only)
When you're struggling with life-controlling problems, it's important to get the help that you need. I specialize in working with men from all backgrounds. I provide clients with a full range of therapy options as well as affordable fees. Your mental health and wellness begins by you taking the first step. Call me and we can begin your road to recovery today. I offer years of real world experiences outside of the therapist's consultation room. I have worked with all sorts men from adolescents to business professionals, medical professionals, lawyers, small business owners, young career seekers and senior statesmen.
When you're struggling with life-controlling problems, it's important to get the help that you need. I specialize in working with men from all backgrounds. I provide clients with a full range of therapy options as well as affordable fees. Your mental health and wellness begins by you taking the first step. Call me and we can begin your road to recovery today. I offer years of real world experiences outside of the therapist's consultation room. I have worked with all sorts men from adolescents to business professionals, medical professionals, lawyers, small business owners, young career seekers and senior statesmen.
![Photo of Carla Weathers Towler Counseling Llc., MS, LPC, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/32ff968e-e672-471b-af92-a88547670851/1/320x400.png)
Carla Weathers Towler Counseling Llc.
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Dunwoody, GA 30338 (Online Only)
You feel the pressure to be flawless...with people, work, appearance, etc. Whether you are stressed out over your relationships or being overly critical of yourself when you make a mistake, it is time to make a change. At this point, it's hard to remember a time you didn’t feel like this. But one thing is for sure: you are ready for some relief. Can you imagine eating out without panicking? Or living your life not worried about what others think? Having a conversation with your partner without blowing up? You are ready to find joy in the day-to-day again. Most of all, you are ready to embrace a fresh start, and I am here to help.
You feel the pressure to be flawless...with people, work, appearance, etc. Whether you are stressed out over your relationships or being overly critical of yourself when you make a mistake, it is time to make a change. At this point, it's hard to remember a time you didn’t feel like this. But one thing is for sure: you are ready for some relief. Can you imagine eating out without panicking? Or living your life not worried about what others think? Having a conversation with your partner without blowing up? You are ready to find joy in the day-to-day again. Most of all, you are ready to embrace a fresh start, and I am here to help.
![Photo of Ellen Atkeson, MS, LPC, CPCS, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c80a960-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Ellen Atkeson
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, CPCS
Verified Verified
8 Endorsed
Dunwoody, GA 30338
All of us have experiences, feelings, and behaviors we cannot always explain, control, or understand about ourselves. I view therapy as a valuable opportunity to learn about our feelings, thoughts, behaviors, experiences, and develop healthier coping skills so that we can feel better about ourselves and interact more effectively in the world around us. In our work together I will offer you strategies to enhance your life through the use of mindfulness, behavioral, and cognitive techniques. My approach is direct, compassionate, empowering, and non-judgmental.
All of us have experiences, feelings, and behaviors we cannot always explain, control, or understand about ourselves. I view therapy as a valuable opportunity to learn about our feelings, thoughts, behaviors, experiences, and develop healthier coping skills so that we can feel better about ourselves and interact more effectively in the world around us. In our work together I will offer you strategies to enhance your life through the use of mindfulness, behavioral, and cognitive techniques. My approach is direct, compassionate, empowering, and non-judgmental.
![Photo of Martha Leslie Baker, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a6aa3aae-4dac-4c8a-8085-52b7c6c19402/1/320x400.jpeg)
Martha Leslie Baker
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Dunwoody, GA 30346 (Online Only)
Let's face it, it's really hard to be human. Clients come to me for many different reasons. One thing they all have in common, and by the way, so do I, is that we just want to be okay and want to minimize our struggles. I enter into partnership with folks who come to see me and use my skill, training, and experience to meet people where they are and to help them navigate life's challenges. I seek to leave people with skills they can continue to grow through once we end our formal time together. I'm deeply passionate about what I do in our shared time and constantly grow my knowledge base. I see the therapeutic space as sacred.
Let's face it, it's really hard to be human. Clients come to me for many different reasons. One thing they all have in common, and by the way, so do I, is that we just want to be okay and want to minimize our struggles. I enter into partnership with folks who come to see me and use my skill, training, and experience to meet people where they are and to help them navigate life's challenges. I seek to leave people with skills they can continue to grow through once we end our formal time together. I'm deeply passionate about what I do in our shared time and constantly grow my knowledge base. I see the therapeutic space as sacred.
![Photo of Jasmine Harden - Lifebulb Counseling & Therapy, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7eaec391-a159-4104-9857-9d3029e2cfa1/1/320x400.jpeg)
Lifebulb Counseling & Therapy
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Dunwoody, GA 30338
Working with us you'll get results. Because we believe you're best served by a clinician who's passionate about not only their work, but who they work with as well. That's why we started Lifebulb - We're committed to building an organization that truly allows therapists to get back to enjoying their work, so you, our client, can receive the highest quality therapy services, whether in person at one of our locations or online through telehealth. We hire only highly trained and educated, licensed clinicians dedicated to the therapy process. We're confident we can help you achieve your therapy goals.
Working with us you'll get results. Because we believe you're best served by a clinician who's passionate about not only their work, but who they work with as well. That's why we started Lifebulb - We're committed to building an organization that truly allows therapists to get back to enjoying their work, so you, our client, can receive the highest quality therapy services, whether in person at one of our locations or online through telehealth. We hire only highly trained and educated, licensed clinicians dedicated to the therapy process. We're confident we can help you achieve your therapy goals.
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![Photo of Keira Oseroff - Collaborative Neurofeedback, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4a5af245-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Collaborative Neurofeedback
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Dunwoody, GA 30346
Collaborative Neurofeedback offers advanced brain training technology with Neuroptimal™. This non-linear neurofeedback facilitates your brain's natural tendency toward resilience and flexibility. Neuroptimal™ is a tool that helps the brain to achieve optimal functioning. Whether one struggles with managing stress, sleep, or simply wants to function at their very best, neurofeedback can help! Additionally, neurofeedback increases sense of calm, improves confidence, problem solving, helps coping with stress, and offers a greater general sense of well-being.
Collaborative Neurofeedback offers advanced brain training technology with Neuroptimal™. This non-linear neurofeedback facilitates your brain's natural tendency toward resilience and flexibility. Neuroptimal™ is a tool that helps the brain to achieve optimal functioning. Whether one struggles with managing stress, sleep, or simply wants to function at their very best, neurofeedback can help! Additionally, neurofeedback increases sense of calm, improves confidence, problem solving, helps coping with stress, and offers a greater general sense of well-being.
![Photo of Pamela M. Barnett, Author, HR, LPC, CPCS, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7253af59-cafe-49ea-b5d4-ea8790140550/1/320x400.jpeg)
Pamela M. Barnett
Licensed Professional Counselor, Author, HR, LPC, CPCS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Dunwoody, GA 30338
At times everyone struggles and feels overwhelmed by challenging events (past or present), confusing feelings, and painful thoughts. It is helpful to have a confidential, objective, and experienced guide to sort through all this. I understand your cares and struggles. Those things that you feel as if you lost in childhood, teen years and even now can be replaced. You can see all things differently, and live the rest of your life with a different perspective, in newness loving yourself like you have never loved yourself before. You are worth it, you deserve it. This is a shared journey toward healing and creating your best life.
At times everyone struggles and feels overwhelmed by challenging events (past or present), confusing feelings, and painful thoughts. It is helpful to have a confidential, objective, and experienced guide to sort through all this. I understand your cares and struggles. Those things that you feel as if you lost in childhood, teen years and even now can be replaced. You can see all things differently, and live the rest of your life with a different perspective, in newness loving yourself like you have never loved yourself before. You are worth it, you deserve it. This is a shared journey toward healing and creating your best life.
![Photo of Justen L DeBowles, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/51c97600-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Justen L DeBowles
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Dunwoody, GA 30338
Welcome to the first step in improving your mental well-being. When working with an individual, I understand that life can be a very turbulent experience, full of unexpected twists, turns, and difficulties. However, it does not have to be negative. I am a firm believer that life should be enjoyable, and every one of us has the potential to improve ourselves. I have experience with Social difficulties, Relationship difficulties, Adolescent difficulties, and Family stress. I use a client-centered approach along with therapeutic techniques to help you develop the inner strength to surpass the difficulties that life has thrown your way.
Welcome to the first step in improving your mental well-being. When working with an individual, I understand that life can be a very turbulent experience, full of unexpected twists, turns, and difficulties. However, it does not have to be negative. I am a firm believer that life should be enjoyable, and every one of us has the potential to improve ourselves. I have experience with Social difficulties, Relationship difficulties, Adolescent difficulties, and Family stress. I use a client-centered approach along with therapeutic techniques to help you develop the inner strength to surpass the difficulties that life has thrown your way.
![Photo of Tameka Ruffin, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/13d7bb0d-0c64-4052-a50f-357a3b44ec35/1/320x400.jpeg)
Being born with a naturally intuitive nature presented many challenges; it felt overwhelming and burdensome most of the time, but something deep within knew that it was bigger than me. Yet, most days I felt different and out of place, a misfit… I was always highly sensitive to my environment and the pain that filled the space of the hearts of those around me. This unique gift of perception allowed me to feel what others were experiencing, namely their pain.
Being born with a naturally intuitive nature presented many challenges; it felt overwhelming and burdensome most of the time, but something deep within knew that it was bigger than me. Yet, most days I felt different and out of place, a misfit… I was always highly sensitive to my environment and the pain that filled the space of the hearts of those around me. This unique gift of perception allowed me to feel what others were experiencing, namely their pain.
![Photo of Wendy S Dubin, MEd, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3e4afae1-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/1/320x400.jpeg)
I am an experienced and dedicated Licensed Professional Counselor an Marriage and Family Therapist with over thirty years of experience. I work with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families. I also supervise and train other counselors who are working towards their licensure.
I am an experienced and dedicated Licensed Professional Counselor an Marriage and Family Therapist with over thirty years of experience. I work with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families. I also supervise and train other counselors who are working towards their licensure.
![Photo of Neal Baker, PhD, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/48ef6293-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Life can be difficult for us all, but does it seem tougher on you at times? Maybe there actually IS something making life more challenging. Do you sometimes have feelings of guilt, shame, hopelessness, or panic, but can't identify the causes of these? Do you suffer from sleep problems, low energy, stomach issues, or muscle tension that you can't explain? Do you have trouble concentrating or have racing thoughts that are impossible to control? These are just some of the ways that anxiety and depression affects us. Add in daily stress or unresolved trauma and it can become challenging or even impossible to cope with daily life.
Life can be difficult for us all, but does it seem tougher on you at times? Maybe there actually IS something making life more challenging. Do you sometimes have feelings of guilt, shame, hopelessness, or panic, but can't identify the causes of these? Do you suffer from sleep problems, low energy, stomach issues, or muscle tension that you can't explain? Do you have trouble concentrating or have racing thoughts that are impossible to control? These are just some of the ways that anxiety and depression affects us. Add in daily stress or unresolved trauma and it can become challenging or even impossible to cope with daily life.
![Photo of Marnie Ellis Fulton, LCSW, CPRP, MAC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/13669bc2-bf56-4a81-9e70-ea9f7fde2325/2/320x400.jpeg)
Marnie Ellis Fulton
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CPRP, MAC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Dunwoody, GA 30338
I'm passionate about working collaboratively with all of my clients, especially: clients of all ages with autoimmune, other chronic or potential life-limiting illness; teens/college students and parents with concerns related to academic and/or behavioral issues and in strengthening relationships; clients with mood, anxiety and addiction issues; clients with grief and loss issues and clients contemplating separation and/or divorce. I can objectively mediate a separation or divorce to each parties satisfaction.
I'm passionate about working collaboratively with all of my clients, especially: clients of all ages with autoimmune, other chronic or potential life-limiting illness; teens/college students and parents with concerns related to academic and/or behavioral issues and in strengthening relationships; clients with mood, anxiety and addiction issues; clients with grief and loss issues and clients contemplating separation and/or divorce. I can objectively mediate a separation or divorce to each parties satisfaction.
![Photo of DAntoinette Edwards - HeartSync Therapy, LLC, LPC, CPCS, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3a0f288f-c8bb-4d63-ab92-418e9e83acca/1/320x400.jpeg)
HeartSync Therapy, LLC
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, CPCS
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Dunwoody, GA 30338
D'Antoinette Edwards is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Georgia with over a decade of experience working with adult, geriatric, and teen populations with mental health, substance abuse, and co-occurring issues. She achieved her Bachelors of Arts degree in Psychology and Sociology from Georgia State University and her Masters of Science degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Mercer University.
D'Antoinette Edwards is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Georgia with over a decade of experience working with adult, geriatric, and teen populations with mental health, substance abuse, and co-occurring issues. She achieved her Bachelors of Arts degree in Psychology and Sociology from Georgia State University and her Masters of Science degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Mercer University.
![Photo of Chelsea 'lovewtcs' Ward-Smith, LPC, BBB, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/625a95e8-8e36-41f8-a9ad-c3477cd59cb4/2/320x400.jpeg)
Chelsea 'lovewtcs' Ward-Smith
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, BBB, NCC
Verified Verified
Dunwoody, GA 30338 (Online Only)
Welcome, my name is Chelsea Ward-Smith. I am a licensed professional counselor, BBB instructor, coach, & etc. LoveWTCS gives you courage, the ability to change, and creates a more balanced and healthier life through mindfulness. "The deeper the sorrow is carved within. The more balanced of the mind, body and soul." Once you can see the love around you. You will then see the love within yourself. Your mental health and/or diagnoses do not define you. However, it is a part of you & can be managed by changing your mindset and managing your emotions successfully through coping skills, self awareness of your triggers, and self care.
Welcome, my name is Chelsea Ward-Smith. I am a licensed professional counselor, BBB instructor, coach, & etc. LoveWTCS gives you courage, the ability to change, and creates a more balanced and healthier life through mindfulness. "The deeper the sorrow is carved within. The more balanced of the mind, body and soul." Once you can see the love around you. You will then see the love within yourself. Your mental health and/or diagnoses do not define you. However, it is a part of you & can be managed by changing your mindset and managing your emotions successfully through coping skills, self awareness of your triggers, and self care.
See more therapy options for Dunwoody
Nearby Substance Use Therapists Searches for Dunwoody
- Alpharetta
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- Chamblee
- Doraville
- Duluth
- Johns Creek
- Milton
- Norcross
- Peachtree Corners
- Roswell
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- Tucker
Substance Use Therapists
How do substance and drug recovery or rehabilitation programs work?
In inpatient programs, individuals live in a facility with other clients in recovery; in outpatient programs, individuals reside at home. These facilities are staffed with healthcare professionals including physicians, nurses, psychologists, counselors, and psychotherapists. Staff often also includes people who have recovered themselves, serving as mentors and guides. These programs may use abstinence, harm reduction, detoxification, psychotherapy, and other methods.
How do 12-step programs combined with psychotherapy work?
Members of 12-step programs help each other reach abstinence and work to maintain it. These programs promote complete change in the individual’s emotional, mental, physical, and even spiritual perspectives. Some programs require that new members attend 90 meetings in 90 days. Many people do attend these programs in conjunction with their work in psychotherapy; the combination of therapy along with 12-step can be extremely effective.
How does harm reduction combined with psychotherapy work?
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, harm reduction prevents death, injury, disease, overdose, and substance misuse. People who choose harm reduction for substance use reduce the amount of drugs they consume. It is not abstinence-based like a 12-step program, but combining harm reduction with psychotherapy proves to be effective for many people.
Are there specific medications for substance and drug use?
There are medications approved to treat substance use disorder—such as buprenorphine, methadone, naltrexone, and acamprosate. These medications do help people cope with substance use as well as avoid the problem of relapse. Naltrexone can help reduce cravings, methadone is an opioid medication used to treat severe pain, and acamprosate may help ease symptoms like poor sleep and anxious feelings.