Substance Use Therapists in Mastic, NY

Photo of Carol Pollock, LMHC, CASAC, NCC, BC-TMH, Counselor
Carol Pollock
Counselor, LMHC, CASAC, NCC, BC-TMH
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Mastic, NY 11950  (Online Only)
I specialize in working with adults experiencing difficulties with relationships, emotional regulation, substance use concerns, self-esteem, life transitions, stress management and any challenge that feels too big a barrier to overcome alone.
I am so excited that you are considering therapy, whether it is your first time or you are returning! It is such a strength to recognize when you may benefit from additional support and have the courage to ask for help. Many of the clients I work with sometimes struggle to see their own strengths and need help navigating personal challenges standing in the way of achieving their goals.
I specialize in working with adults experiencing difficulties with relationships, emotional regulation, substance use concerns, self-esteem, life transitions, stress management and any challenge that feels too big a barrier to overcome alone.
I am so excited that you are considering therapy, whether it is your first time or you are returning! It is such a strength to recognize when you may benefit from additional support and have the courage to ask for help. Many of the clients I work with sometimes struggle to see their own strengths and need help navigating personal challenges standing in the way of achieving their goals.
(631) 894-9901 View (631) 894-9901
Photo of Lois Anne Montecalvo, LMSW, ACHT, RMT, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Lois Anne Montecalvo
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW, ACHT, RMT
Verified Verified
Mastic, NY 11950
Not accepting new clients
Who I am is the "Possibility of Greatness" for all people! I am committed to you living a powerful life and one that you love... Together we can tackle any outside/inside force that keeps you playing small. Whether that may be food, alcohol, drugs an unhealthy relationship or anxiety; commit now figure it out later....NO MUD-NO LOTUS...
Who I am is the "Possibility of Greatness" for all people! I am committed to you living a powerful life and one that you love... Together we can tackle any outside/inside force that keeps you playing small. Whether that may be food, alcohol, drugs an unhealthy relationship or anxiety; commit now figure it out later....NO MUD-NO LOTUS...
(631) 240-4887 View (631) 240-4887
Photo of Michael Ash, LCSW-R, CASAC-M, ACSW, PLLC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Michael Ash
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-R, CASAC-M, ACSW, PLLC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Mastic, NY 11950
You may be experiencing feelings and behaviors you cannot always explain, control, or understand. I am an experienced, dedicated, and caring therapist devoted to helping the individual and family through challenges. My passion and experience is extensive in the areas of addictions, co-dependency, family issues, trauma, criminal justice-involved persons; adolescent and childhood challenges. My approach encompasses the promotion of increased self-awareness and knowledge. I believe each of us has the ability to feel joy and to accept life's twists and turns with grace and serenity.
You may be experiencing feelings and behaviors you cannot always explain, control, or understand. I am an experienced, dedicated, and caring therapist devoted to helping the individual and family through challenges. My passion and experience is extensive in the areas of addictions, co-dependency, family issues, trauma, criminal justice-involved persons; adolescent and childhood challenges. My approach encompasses the promotion of increased self-awareness and knowledge. I believe each of us has the ability to feel joy and to accept life's twists and turns with grace and serenity.
(646) 480-6011 View (646) 480-6011
Photo of Aiyana Smith, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Aiyana Smith
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Mastic, NY 11950  (Online Only)
Do any of the following resonate with you? You feel lost in life. You feel unable to do your day-to-day tasks. You've lost the happy moments you used to have in your life. You're struggling to motivate yourself to do anything. You wish you could just switch it all off and unplug from what's happening. If so, I'm here to help. Being in a state of mental pain and fustration can feel like you are getting ready to lose it. And sometimes you do. It can feel exhausting and emotionally draining. Mental Health Counseling can help you to regain a sense of mental peace and calm, helping you to get your life back to normal.
Do any of the following resonate with you? You feel lost in life. You feel unable to do your day-to-day tasks. You've lost the happy moments you used to have in your life. You're struggling to motivate yourself to do anything. You wish you could just switch it all off and unplug from what's happening. If so, I'm here to help. Being in a state of mental pain and fustration can feel like you are getting ready to lose it. And sometimes you do. It can feel exhausting and emotionally draining. Mental Health Counseling can help you to regain a sense of mental peace and calm, helping you to get your life back to normal.
(631) 706-9829 View (631) 706-9829

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Charles P Gerace, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Charles P Gerace
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Coram, NY 11727
As a certified therapist specializing in substance use, anxiety, depression, & relationship issues, I understand the courage it takes to seek support.
As a dedicated therapist, my ideal client is an individual who recognizes the importance of their mental health and is motivated to embark on a journey of self-discovery & positive transformation. I am passionate about working with individuals facing various challenges, such as substance use, anxiety, depression, & relationship issues. In my therapeutic approach, I prioritize creating a safe & non-judgmental space where clients can explore their thoughts and emotions freely. My ideal client is someone who seeks not only to understand themselves better but also to develop practical coping strategies to navigate life's complexities.
As a certified therapist specializing in substance use, anxiety, depression, & relationship issues, I understand the courage it takes to seek support.
As a dedicated therapist, my ideal client is an individual who recognizes the importance of their mental health and is motivated to embark on a journey of self-discovery & positive transformation. I am passionate about working with individuals facing various challenges, such as substance use, anxiety, depression, & relationship issues. In my therapeutic approach, I prioritize creating a safe & non-judgmental space where clients can explore their thoughts and emotions freely. My ideal client is someone who seeks not only to understand themselves better but also to develop practical coping strategies to navigate life's complexities.
(516) 715-3623 View (516) 715-3623
Photo of Kerrie Ryan, LMSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Kerrie Ryan
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Patchogue, NY 11772
I am a Licensed Master Social Worker offering individual and group therapy. I earned a Master’s degree from Adelphi University and I have a postgraduate certificate in addictions. I have over ten years of experience in the mental health and substance use fields. I have worked in case management for those with co-occurring disorders and have experience in crisis intervention. I work with adolescents and adults with specialties in anxiety, coping skills, infertility, rebuilding self-esteem and women’s issues.
I am a Licensed Master Social Worker offering individual and group therapy. I earned a Master’s degree from Adelphi University and I have a postgraduate certificate in addictions. I have over ten years of experience in the mental health and substance use fields. I have worked in case management for those with co-occurring disorders and have experience in crisis intervention. I work with adolescents and adults with specialties in anxiety, coping skills, infertility, rebuilding self-esteem and women’s issues.
(631) 250-3603 View (631) 250-3603
Photo of Melissa Cascino, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Melissa Cascino
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Medford, NY 11763
I also have significant knowledge in the area of chemical dependency and substance use/abuse as well.
Congratulations! You took the first step towards happiness and self-improvement! Life can throw us curveballs leaving us to deal with difficult decisions. Inevitably, sometimes we get stuck resulting in unhappiness or feeling unfulfilled. Unexpected changes, toxic relationships, unhealthy attitudes, maladaptive coping habits, or just a general desire to lead a more productive life without knowing how to get there can also cause dismay. Managing these problems and getting back to enjoying life is an attainable goal and I'm happy to help by providing keen insight and the concrete tools needed to make positive and lasting change.
I also have significant knowledge in the area of chemical dependency and substance use/abuse as well.
Congratulations! You took the first step towards happiness and self-improvement! Life can throw us curveballs leaving us to deal with difficult decisions. Inevitably, sometimes we get stuck resulting in unhappiness or feeling unfulfilled. Unexpected changes, toxic relationships, unhealthy attitudes, maladaptive coping habits, or just a general desire to lead a more productive life without knowing how to get there can also cause dismay. Managing these problems and getting back to enjoying life is an attainable goal and I'm happy to help by providing keen insight and the concrete tools needed to make positive and lasting change.
(516) 400-4214 View (516) 400-4214
Photo of Kristofer Isaksen, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Kristofer Isaksen
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Yaphank, NY 11980  (Online Only)
I work with adults, adolescents, and late childhood clients 10 years of age and older who struggle with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Alcohol and Substance Use Disorder(s), Gambling Disorder, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Anxiety, Depression, Grief/Loss, and other traumas. I deliver a warm, empathetic, and solution focused. I am easily approachable and provide person-centered quality care. I entrench my practice with the sole focus of meeting the person where they are at.
I work with adults, adolescents, and late childhood clients 10 years of age and older who struggle with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Alcohol and Substance Use Disorder(s), Gambling Disorder, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Anxiety, Depression, Grief/Loss, and other traumas. I deliver a warm, empathetic, and solution focused. I am easily approachable and provide person-centered quality care. I entrench my practice with the sole focus of meeting the person where they are at.
(631) 619-2408 View (631) 619-2408
Photo of Adam Goldberg, MA, MS, MHC-LP, Pre-Licensed Professional
Adam Goldberg
Pre-Licensed Professional, MA, MS, MHC-LP
Verified Verified
Patchogue, NY 11772
I have experience working with individuals with anxiety, depression, substance use, anger, communication issues, trauma, and a variety of other challenges from general to more severe psychiatric conditions.
Everyone comes in to therapy with a unique life history and individualized challenges. If you have ever experienced difficulty in regulating your thoughts, emotions, or behaviors, if you have struggled to manage particular aspects of life such as work, maintaining relationships, having an idea of who you are and who you'd like to be and you are looking to work towards a healthier version of yourself, I firmly believe and have seen firsthand that things can change.
I have experience working with individuals with anxiety, depression, substance use, anger, communication issues, trauma, and a variety of other challenges from general to more severe psychiatric conditions.
Everyone comes in to therapy with a unique life history and individualized challenges. If you have ever experienced difficulty in regulating your thoughts, emotions, or behaviors, if you have struggled to manage particular aspects of life such as work, maintaining relationships, having an idea of who you are and who you'd like to be and you are looking to work towards a healthier version of yourself, I firmly believe and have seen firsthand that things can change.
(631) 621-3926 View (631) 621-3926
Photo of Tara Nystrom - Tranquility Wellness Therapy LLC, MS, LMHC, Counselor
Tranquility Wellness Therapy LLC
Counselor, MS, LMHC
Verified Verified
Holtsville, NY 11742
I have been working with individuals who experience family conflicts, behavioral issues, parenting concerns, substance use, infertility issues, and more, for the past 10 years. I previously worked for Child Protective Services for 8 years and have knowledge of child abuse and neglect concerns, court matters, and custody issues. I worked with an intensive family program (HCBS Waiver) that focused on youths with severe emotional and behavioral issues for 5 years. I also have a Masters Degree in School Counseling, which has given me vast knowledge in CSE proceedings, educational laws, and academic requirements.
I have been working with individuals who experience family conflicts, behavioral issues, parenting concerns, substance use, infertility issues, and more, for the past 10 years. I previously worked for Child Protective Services for 8 years and have knowledge of child abuse and neglect concerns, court matters, and custody issues. I worked with an intensive family program (HCBS Waiver) that focused on youths with severe emotional and behavioral issues for 5 years. I also have a Masters Degree in School Counseling, which has given me vast knowledge in CSE proceedings, educational laws, and academic requirements.
(631) 983-6267 View (631) 983-6267
Photo of Pamela Pucci, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Pamela Pucci
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Mastic Beach, NY 11951
Hello! I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 6 years of counseling experience. My specialties include working with depression, anxiety, substance use, mood disorders, bipolar and borderline personality disorders, and more. My top modalities are cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), and motivational interviewing. My behavioral health background includes case management, vocational case management, and social work for individuals with mental health and or substance use diagnosis. I use a person-centered, strengths-based approach to support you in making your desired changes.
Hello! I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 6 years of counseling experience. My specialties include working with depression, anxiety, substance use, mood disorders, bipolar and borderline personality disorders, and more. My top modalities are cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), and motivational interviewing. My behavioral health background includes case management, vocational case management, and social work for individuals with mental health and or substance use diagnosis. I use a person-centered, strengths-based approach to support you in making your desired changes.
(716) 466-0449 View (716) 466-0449
Photo of Jennifer Scheck, LCSW, CASAC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Jennifer Scheck
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CASAC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Patchogue, NY 11772  (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
I offer Telehealth therapy services to adolescents and adults with a focus on substance use and mental health. I also work with significant others (spouses/partners, siblings, parents etc.) who seek support to cope with a loved one's addiction or mental health. The decision to begin therapy is deeply personal and often comes with much consideration. Choosing to share your story and acknowledge life's challenges takes courage and can be a new beginning for personal growth. I am a person centered Clinical Social Worker and Certified Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor who will support you with compassion, dignity and respect.
I offer Telehealth therapy services to adolescents and adults with a focus on substance use and mental health. I also work with significant others (spouses/partners, siblings, parents etc.) who seek support to cope with a loved one's addiction or mental health. The decision to begin therapy is deeply personal and often comes with much consideration. Choosing to share your story and acknowledge life's challenges takes courage and can be a new beginning for personal growth. I am a person centered Clinical Social Worker and Certified Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor who will support you with compassion, dignity and respect.
(631) 625-6679 View (631) 625-6679
Photo of Yvens Riche, MHC-LP, CASAC-T, Pre-Licensed Professional
Yvens Riche
Pre-Licensed Professional, MHC-LP, CASAC-T
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Medford, NY 11763
I am an experienced Counselor with a demonstrated history of working in the mental health care field. Skilled in treating both adults and adolescents, I utilized CBT, TF-CBT, Mindfulness, addiction counseling, Crisis Intervention, Family Therapy, Group therapy, and Spirituality in my practice. I work with clients who experiencing Depression, Anxiety and/or Substance Use Disorder and Forensic and mandate individuals. I am able to attain an understanding of each of my clients and help them to identify coping skills that are more effective and beneficial to their lifestyles.
I am an experienced Counselor with a demonstrated history of working in the mental health care field. Skilled in treating both adults and adolescents, I utilized CBT, TF-CBT, Mindfulness, addiction counseling, Crisis Intervention, Family Therapy, Group therapy, and Spirituality in my practice. I work with clients who experiencing Depression, Anxiety and/or Substance Use Disorder and Forensic and mandate individuals. I am able to attain an understanding of each of my clients and help them to identify coping skills that are more effective and beneficial to their lifestyles.
(631) 801-7983 View (631) 801-7983
Photo of Joshua Barnes, LP-MHC, M-CASAC, MPS, Pre-Licensed Professional
Joshua Barnes
Pre-Licensed Professional, LP-MHC, M-CASAC, MPS
Verified Verified
Center Moriches, NY 11934  (Online Only)
I offer a professional, respectful, client centered environment to help my clients understand and resolve their problems, discover their strengths, and to accentuate positive behaviors and relationships. I have experience working with individuals, couples, and families; helping them to deal with life stressors and transitions. My work emphasizes crisis management through individual counseling, group therapy, and medication management. Specifically, my work includes working with individual with mental health diagnosis such as anxiety, depression or bi-polar. I have also served to counsel troubled marriages, substance use and abuse.
I offer a professional, respectful, client centered environment to help my clients understand and resolve their problems, discover their strengths, and to accentuate positive behaviors and relationships. I have experience working with individuals, couples, and families; helping them to deal with life stressors and transitions. My work emphasizes crisis management through individual counseling, group therapy, and medication management. Specifically, my work includes working with individual with mental health diagnosis such as anxiety, depression or bi-polar. I have also served to counsel troubled marriages, substance use and abuse.
(718) 650-2572 View (718) 650-2572
Photo of Leah Block, LCSW, CASAC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Leah Block
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CASAC
Verified Verified
Hauppauge, NY 11749  (Online Only)
I specialize in: codependency, infidelity, family substance use recovery, compulsive eating behavior, and family members of substance users/narcissists/borderline personality/abuse.
The unfolding nature of our lives is a sacred journey and can be trusted. When we know how to listen, engage and trust the wisdom of our own lives, journeys and hearts, we become more ourselves. I view therapy as a process of learning to listen and live life more authentically, from our inner GPS, rather than from others telling us who we are, who we should be and what to think/do/etc. This process is key to life satisfaction as we become the person we were meant to be.
I specialize in: codependency, infidelity, family substance use recovery, compulsive eating behavior, and family members of substance users/narcissists/borderline personality/abuse.
The unfolding nature of our lives is a sacred journey and can be trusted. When we know how to listen, engage and trust the wisdom of our own lives, journeys and hearts, we become more ourselves. I view therapy as a process of learning to listen and live life more authentically, from our inner GPS, rather than from others telling us who we are, who we should be and what to think/do/etc. This process is key to life satisfaction as we become the person we were meant to be.
(516) 206-2897 View (516) 206-2897
Claire L Olsen
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CASAC, NCACII, ACSW
Verified Verified
Patchogue, NY 11772  (Online Only)
As a passionate and experienced therapist of over 35 years, Claire continues to be inspired by each of her clients. Claire works with grief/bereavement, spiritual exploration, trauma, depression, anxiety, co-dependency, stress management and "finding your direction" during life transitions. Claire has a specialized expertise in substance use disorders and is well versed in all pathways to recovery, whether it be for yourself or a loved one. She believes in addressing underlying issues to gain insight into patterns of thoughts and behaviors and implementing proven strategies to develop healthy coping skills.
As a passionate and experienced therapist of over 35 years, Claire continues to be inspired by each of her clients. Claire works with grief/bereavement, spiritual exploration, trauma, depression, anxiety, co-dependency, stress management and "finding your direction" during life transitions. Claire has a specialized expertise in substance use disorders and is well versed in all pathways to recovery, whether it be for yourself or a loved one. She believes in addressing underlying issues to gain insight into patterns of thoughts and behaviors and implementing proven strategies to develop healthy coping skills.
(631) 336-9990 View (631) 336-9990
Photo of Rhea N Spina, LMHC, KAP, Counselor
Rhea N Spina
Counselor, LMHC, KAP
Verified Verified
Hauppauge, NY 11749
Accepting New Clients - Daytime M-F 10am - 2pm. Rhea Spina is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Psychedelic Assisted Psychotherapist, Reiki Master, and Vibrational Sound Therapist. Some of Rhea's specialties include working with teens & young adults, substance use and recovery, anxiety, life transitions and spirituality. She also offers consultation and guided insight services. Located at the serene Holistic Center for Soulful Living, Rhea's therapeutic approach seamlessly integrates complementary and alternative modalities. She works to foster awareness and overall well-being.
Accepting New Clients - Daytime M-F 10am - 2pm. Rhea Spina is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Psychedelic Assisted Psychotherapist, Reiki Master, and Vibrational Sound Therapist. Some of Rhea's specialties include working with teens & young adults, substance use and recovery, anxiety, life transitions and spirituality. She also offers consultation and guided insight services. Located at the serene Holistic Center for Soulful Living, Rhea's therapeutic approach seamlessly integrates complementary and alternative modalities. She works to foster awareness and overall well-being.
(631) 250-2854 View (631) 250-2854
Photo of Fran Colello, LCSW, SIFI, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Fran Colello
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, SIFI
Verified Verified
Ridge, NY 11961  (Online Only)
Many of my clients are Law Enforcement, First Responders, Active Military, and Veterans who have been reluctant to begin therapy. My areas of specialty are anxiety & depression, trauma, alcohol/substance use, dual-diagnosis, and addressing the issues that result from these problems such as interpersonal and relationship issues, self esteem issues, and overall poor coping skills. When clients reach out to me, whether through email or voicemail, I make every attempt to return the correspondence. I want my clients to feel heard and that begins at the initial outreach. Please leave me a message, I'll respond at my earliest convenience.
Many of my clients are Law Enforcement, First Responders, Active Military, and Veterans who have been reluctant to begin therapy. My areas of specialty are anxiety & depression, trauma, alcohol/substance use, dual-diagnosis, and addressing the issues that result from these problems such as interpersonal and relationship issues, self esteem issues, and overall poor coping skills. When clients reach out to me, whether through email or voicemail, I make every attempt to return the correspondence. I want my clients to feel heard and that begins at the initial outreach. Please leave me a message, I'll respond at my earliest convenience.
(631) 856-7310 View (631) 856-7310
Photo of Maggie Bloomfield, LCSW, CASAC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Maggie Bloomfield
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CASAC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Westhampton, NY 11977
I specialize in Substance Use Disorder, mood disorders, PTSD, and life crises, and treat individuals, over age 15, couples, and families, using client-centered talk therapy, CBT, and writing therapy. As Certified Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC) for 25 years,I worked and supervised inpatient and outpatient. and taught the CASAC curriculum at Marymount and CCNY. As LCSW, (Stony Brook, 1997 and Post-Graduate Center for Mental Health (PCMH), I have maintained a private practice for 27 years in Westhampton Beach, NY. My passion is to motivate and facilitate clients toward positive change.
I specialize in Substance Use Disorder, mood disorders, PTSD, and life crises, and treat individuals, over age 15, couples, and families, using client-centered talk therapy, CBT, and writing therapy. As Certified Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC) for 25 years,I worked and supervised inpatient and outpatient. and taught the CASAC curriculum at Marymount and CCNY. As LCSW, (Stony Brook, 1997 and Post-Graduate Center for Mental Health (PCMH), I have maintained a private practice for 27 years in Westhampton Beach, NY. My passion is to motivate and facilitate clients toward positive change.
(631) 714-2782 View (631) 714-2782
Photo of Ramin Azarm, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Ramin Azarm
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Patchogue, NY 11772
Currently working with people struggling with or recovering from alcohol/substance use, couples, students, trauma survivors, social/performance anxiety, and depression/task avoidance.
If you are an individual or couple who is living with addiction, depression, anxiety, grief, has experienced one or more traumatic events and/or is in need of couples counseling in an effort to start the healing process and reconnect with your partner/spouse this is a great place to start your journey. Clients are encouraged to remain motivated, actively participate in therapy sessions and complete clinical tasks at home. Clinicians will collaborate with clients to develop treatment plans and monitor progress to assure that our clients are receiving adequate support and assistance towards reaching their goals.
Currently working with people struggling with or recovering from alcohol/substance use, couples, students, trauma survivors, social/performance anxiety, and depression/task avoidance.
If you are an individual or couple who is living with addiction, depression, anxiety, grief, has experienced one or more traumatic events and/or is in need of couples counseling in an effort to start the healing process and reconnect with your partner/spouse this is a great place to start your journey. Clients are encouraged to remain motivated, actively participate in therapy sessions and complete clinical tasks at home. Clinicians will collaborate with clients to develop treatment plans and monitor progress to assure that our clients are receiving adequate support and assistance towards reaching their goals.
(631) 212-9255 View (631) 212-9255

See more therapy options for Mastic

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.