Addiction Therapists in Hood River County, OR
![Photo of Monique Adams, LCSW, LICSW, CADCIII, MAC, SUDP, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e00ac276-e944-4f66-8ec5-9267b9cbb793/3/320x400.jpeg)
Monique Adams
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LICSW, CADCIII, MAC, SUDP
Verified Verified
Hood River, OR 97031 (Online Only)
I can help you build skills to deal with mental health issues, I can help you walk through how to get into substance treatment or offer post treatment support.
I love to see people who are exploring helping themselves achieve a better space in their life. Many people are suffering, yet they aren't quite sure the next steps. I have experience working with many issues that can make you feel as if you have lost your path or wanting something more out of life. I try to adapt my style to your particular needs and take a collaborative approach, yet guided to therapy sessions. Sometimes we need a safe place to process our thoughts.
I can help you build skills to deal with mental health issues, I can help you walk through how to get into substance treatment or offer post treatment support.
I love to see people who are exploring helping themselves achieve a better space in their life. Many people are suffering, yet they aren't quite sure the next steps. I have experience working with many issues that can make you feel as if you have lost your path or wanting something more out of life. I try to adapt my style to your particular needs and take a collaborative approach, yet guided to therapy sessions. Sometimes we need a safe place to process our thoughts.
![Photo of Henri M. Shields-Lucero, LCSW, CADCIII, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/488e46dc-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Henri M. Shields-Lucero
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CADCIII
Verified Verified
Hood River, OR 97031
I have worked in Oregon for the past 12 years as a counselor in youth residential, adult and adolescent substance abuse treatment programs, and in hospital emergency rooms.
Sometimes we can be unkind to ourselves, feel disconnected in our relationships or overwhelmed by life's problems. I believe counseling is a learning process. I will work with you to develop a compassionate understanding of who you are and new insight about areas in your life where you want support to change. I am passionate about working with individuals and families to support mental health and healing from addiction. I believe our well-being is informed by a healthy connection to family and community. In the therapy process I incorporate perspectives including relationship attachment, developing insight through mindfulness and understanding the effects of trauma.
I have worked in Oregon for the past 12 years as a counselor in youth residential, adult and adolescent substance abuse treatment programs, and in hospital emergency rooms.
Sometimes we can be unkind to ourselves, feel disconnected in our relationships or overwhelmed by life's problems. I believe counseling is a learning process. I will work with you to develop a compassionate understanding of who you are and new insight about areas in your life where you want support to change. I am passionate about working with individuals and families to support mental health and healing from addiction. I believe our well-being is informed by a healthy connection to family and community. In the therapy process I incorporate perspectives including relationship attachment, developing insight through mindfulness and understanding the effects of trauma.
![Photo of Eli Schroppel, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/94750a22-726d-478e-9644-d74e7787edd5/2/320x400.png)
I believe that the experiences we go through in life shape us, the people around us impact us, and I believe that the process of growing is a life long journey. I practice psychodynamic therapy informed by person centered ways of relating. That’s just a fancy way to say that I think your life impacts who you are, how you behave and feel, and that an empathetic, supportive relationship is the best place to work on the change you want to see.
I believe that the experiences we go through in life shape us, the people around us impact us, and I believe that the process of growing is a life long journey. I practice psychodynamic therapy informed by person centered ways of relating. That’s just a fancy way to say that I think your life impacts who you are, how you behave and feel, and that an empathetic, supportive relationship is the best place to work on the change you want to see.
![Photo of Marguerite Congoran, LPC , LPC Intern](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a67af305-0873-4f6b-8145-62c16394498f/1/320x400.jpeg)
I work with individuals, couples and families of all different ages and backgrounds. As a depth oriented and relational therapist, I use inner work, self-awareness techniques, parts work (IFS), dreamwork, relationship work, art, conflict resolution and communication techniques. My work helps individuals heal personal and intergenerational trauma, and find a greater sense of wholeness through the integration of the mind, body, and spirit. I am a good listener and follow closely the unfolding process of my clients. My work is deeply inspired by nature and helps clients seek insight from the balance of elements in the natural world.
I work with individuals, couples and families of all different ages and backgrounds. As a depth oriented and relational therapist, I use inner work, self-awareness techniques, parts work (IFS), dreamwork, relationship work, art, conflict resolution and communication techniques. My work helps individuals heal personal and intergenerational trauma, and find a greater sense of wholeness through the integration of the mind, body, and spirit. I am a good listener and follow closely the unfolding process of my clients. My work is deeply inspired by nature and helps clients seek insight from the balance of elements in the natural world.
![Photo of Jane E Kepner, MDiv, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4089b0e1-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Jane E Kepner
Psychologist, MDiv, PhD
Verified Verified
Hood River, OR 97031
Waitlist for new clients
Anyone seeking knowledge, development, and relief from anxiety and depression is a candidate for Jungian therapy and possibly analysis. Those who are willing to engage in active dialogue with the energies of both the inner and outer worlds discover new or renewed life. It is a journey of soul work. Jungian analysis seeks to orient you to the original and whole Self you are, in both your higher development and in relationship to the world and others.
Anyone seeking knowledge, development, and relief from anxiety and depression is a candidate for Jungian therapy and possibly analysis. Those who are willing to engage in active dialogue with the energies of both the inner and outer worlds discover new or renewed life. It is a journey of soul work. Jungian analysis seeks to orient you to the original and whole Self you are, in both your higher development and in relationship to the world and others.
![Photo of Angie Arledge, CSWA, SWA](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/72a27e4c-8eca-4114-acc5-7d937cece2ac/2/320x400.jpeg)
Angie Arledge
Clinical Social Work Associate, CSWA, SWA
Verified Verified
Bonneville, OR 97014 (Online Only)
Currently Taking New Clients in Oregon and Washington states. My passion is to walk alongside individuals to support them in finding their strengths. I am compassionate and will meet you where you are at. I think that self-investing and community care are essential to our mental wellness, and together I will walk alongside you on your journey of finding that contentment you are searching for. I will provide a safe, non-judgmental space for you to process through and collaborate in finding those safe coping strategies to achieve your goals.
Currently Taking New Clients in Oregon and Washington states. My passion is to walk alongside individuals to support them in finding their strengths. I am compassionate and will meet you where you are at. I think that self-investing and community care are essential to our mental wellness, and together I will walk alongside you on your journey of finding that contentment you are searching for. I will provide a safe, non-judgmental space for you to process through and collaborate in finding those safe coping strategies to achieve your goals.
![Photo of Terri Dickens, LCSW, CADCII, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6ff17fbf-cb3f-4b72-ae34-51188bda5408/3/320x400.jpeg)
Relational Therapist. Oregon only. Terri (she, her, hers)
Relational Therapist. Oregon only. Terri (she, her, hers)
![Photo of Tony DiCenzo, MA, LMFT, QMHP, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/514e11bb-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
When pain lingers long enough or becomes greater than our ability to keep pushing forward, we finally become willing to do whatever it takes to get relief. Psychological and emotional distress affects our sleep, our eating behaviors, use of alcohol and other drugs, our well-being, and our ability to function at home, work, and in our relationships. We're often plagued by fear, anxiety, anger, frustration, confusion, depression, self-doubt, failure, hopelessness, and even total despair.
When pain lingers long enough or becomes greater than our ability to keep pushing forward, we finally become willing to do whatever it takes to get relief. Psychological and emotional distress affects our sleep, our eating behaviors, use of alcohol and other drugs, our well-being, and our ability to function at home, work, and in our relationships. We're often plagued by fear, anxiety, anger, frustration, confusion, depression, self-doubt, failure, hopelessness, and even total despair.
![Photo of Co-Regulation Counseling Angela L. Aurit, LCSW, CADCIII, CGAC II, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/178fe0a8-6d52-4d0f-8e98-ed62058d7387/2/320x400.jpeg)
Co-Regulation Counseling Angela L. Aurit
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CADCIII, CGAC II
Verified Verified
Hood River, OR 97031
Not accepting new clients
What has brought you here to this moment? Does something keep showing up in your life that is causing you distress, affecting your well being, relationships, and or future outlook? Do you need to add to your toolbox to address challenges such as substance use, problem gambling, chronic pain, trauma, and or mental health issues?.
When I was in the 9th grade, I was one of two students from every class that were selected by their classmates to become Natural Helpers. We received training in the skills of active listening, mediation and problem-solving. Little did I know that this experience would lead me to where I am today, as a counselor and therapist for the last twenty-two years. In my work in residential treatment, outpatient clinics and pain management practice, I have thoroughly loved getting to watch people of the ages 13 to 95 have epiphanies, adopt new perspectives, change unhelpful thought patterns, and begin to love and know themselves again.
What has brought you here to this moment? Does something keep showing up in your life that is causing you distress, affecting your well being, relationships, and or future outlook? Do you need to add to your toolbox to address challenges such as substance use, problem gambling, chronic pain, trauma, and or mental health issues?.
When I was in the 9th grade, I was one of two students from every class that were selected by their classmates to become Natural Helpers. We received training in the skills of active listening, mediation and problem-solving. Little did I know that this experience would lead me to where I am today, as a counselor and therapist for the last twenty-two years. In my work in residential treatment, outpatient clinics and pain management practice, I have thoroughly loved getting to watch people of the ages 13 to 95 have epiphanies, adopt new perspectives, change unhelpful thought patterns, and begin to love and know themselves again.
![Photo of Paul Grim, LMHC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3ce671ff-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/5/320x400.jpeg)
Paul Grim
Counselor, LMHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Hood River, OR 97031
Not accepting new clients
I specialize in treating addiction, depression, anxiety, and attachment disorders (relationship problems).
Please visit my website www.whitesalmoncounseling.com in order to request a session and to learn more about me. My approach is called "integrative" counseling which is a blend of several different counseling methods and theories. I can do brief solution-oriented counseling or longer term insight-oriented counseling which emphasizes personal growth and transformation. Each client is unique, therefore the therapy should be customized and flexible. With most clients, I focus on their entire lifestyle including physical activity, diet, sleep, work, purpose, and relationships. I'm a big fan of Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs.
I specialize in treating addiction, depression, anxiety, and attachment disorders (relationship problems).
Please visit my website www.whitesalmoncounseling.com in order to request a session and to learn more about me. My approach is called "integrative" counseling which is a blend of several different counseling methods and theories. I can do brief solution-oriented counseling or longer term insight-oriented counseling which emphasizes personal growth and transformation. Each client is unique, therefore the therapy should be customized and flexible. With most clients, I focus on their entire lifestyle including physical activity, diet, sleep, work, purpose, and relationships. I'm a big fan of Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs.
![Photo of Tawnia Anthony Berens, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/dff08a60-7ca4-4fc2-9b85-8f02745d7d7a/1/320x400.jpeg)
Tawnia Anthony Berens
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Hood River, OR 97031 (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
Good mental health is a key to overall well being. With the many challenges of living in the world, counseling can help to navigate life’s ups and downs. I offer individual and family therapy for adults and teens 13 years and up. I utilize a variety of modalities, including EMDR, CBT, DBT, Non-Violent Communication and anger management. Whatever brings you to counseling, I look forward in assisting you to move through it and overcome it. As a Christian, I consider faith a great strength and support in meeting life’s challenges and I enjoy integrating it in counseling with clients that are interested.
Good mental health is a key to overall well being. With the many challenges of living in the world, counseling can help to navigate life’s ups and downs. I offer individual and family therapy for adults and teens 13 years and up. I utilize a variety of modalities, including EMDR, CBT, DBT, Non-Violent Communication and anger management. Whatever brings you to counseling, I look forward in assisting you to move through it and overcome it. As a Christian, I consider faith a great strength and support in meeting life’s challenges and I enjoy integrating it in counseling with clients that are interested.
![Photo of Melody Nadeau, EMDR Consulting & Intensives, LISW-CP, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/acef79c7-d457-49de-89bd-b8e0328552bd/2/320x400.jpeg)
Melody Nadeau, EMDR Consulting & Intensives
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LISW-CP
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Hood River, OR 97031 (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
Availability for EMDR Therapist Consultation Only-Client Waitlist currently Closed. You're doing the best you can, yet you still feel like you're walking through life on autopilot, just going through the motions. Maybe there's something recent or from your childhood that you've been avoiding and while not wanting to feel that pain now you're not feeling much of anything, even when you want to. You vaguely remember the last time you got excited about anything and sometimes there's a part of you that just feels less than. Or maybe you're constantly on edge and can't seem to focus, feeling like your emotions are all over the place.
Availability for EMDR Therapist Consultation Only-Client Waitlist currently Closed. You're doing the best you can, yet you still feel like you're walking through life on autopilot, just going through the motions. Maybe there's something recent or from your childhood that you've been avoiding and while not wanting to feel that pain now you're not feeling much of anything, even when you want to. You vaguely remember the last time you got excited about anything and sometimes there's a part of you that just feels less than. Or maybe you're constantly on edge and can't seem to focus, feeling like your emotions are all over the place.
![Photo of Suzanne Elton, PhD, LPC, LMHC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3bab2f25-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Suzanne Elton
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LPC, LMHC
Verified Verified
Hood River, OR 97031
Not accepting new clients
A life long learner, the focus of my current work has been the completion of a PhD in Depth Psychology and furthering my knowledge and skill in helping men and women heal from trauma. I find success working with those who are igniting that warrior spark—moving forwards through difficult transitions in life. Many are healing from old, unhealthy patterns in relationships. I like to provide a safe, nonjudgemental environment for you to work through your distress. I provide a straight-forward and practical approach, as well as working in depth with those clients desiring an in-depth therapeutic process.
A life long learner, the focus of my current work has been the completion of a PhD in Depth Psychology and furthering my knowledge and skill in helping men and women heal from trauma. I find success working with those who are igniting that warrior spark—moving forwards through difficult transitions in life. Many are healing from old, unhealthy patterns in relationships. I like to provide a safe, nonjudgemental environment for you to work through your distress. I provide a straight-forward and practical approach, as well as working in depth with those clients desiring an in-depth therapeutic process.
Online Therapists
![Photo of Larry Venaska, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3c0fa8c7-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/6/320x400.jpeg)
I have extensive experience treating addictions including process addictions (sex addiction, gambling, co-dependency, emotional eating) and substance abuse and specialize in family issues and conflict resolution.
Are you feeling stuck, overwhelmed or hopeless? Can't get your needs met to your satisfaction? Do you find one or more areas of your life to be unfullfilling such as romantic relationship, work, parenting, extended family? Do you have legal or financial struggles or relationship conflicts that affect your mood significantly? I draw on a variety of therapeutic approaches, experience in working with past clients and personal experience to collaborate with you in creating the best healing environment specific for you.
I have extensive experience treating addictions including process addictions (sex addiction, gambling, co-dependency, emotional eating) and substance abuse and specialize in family issues and conflict resolution.
Are you feeling stuck, overwhelmed or hopeless? Can't get your needs met to your satisfaction? Do you find one or more areas of your life to be unfullfilling such as romantic relationship, work, parenting, extended family? Do you have legal or financial struggles or relationship conflicts that affect your mood significantly? I draw on a variety of therapeutic approaches, experience in working with past clients and personal experience to collaborate with you in creating the best healing environment specific for you.
![Photo of Chris Hansson, MA, LPC, LMHC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e790c802-d85a-49a2-aeca-c55042f2ee52/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am dually licensed in Washington and Oregon and work individually with adults who are looking for support around their mental health: Neurodivergence- ADHD, ASD; Depression, Anxiety, Trauma, life transitions, such as grief/loss, significant changes such as child birth, separation/divorce, job change, substance use, illness.
New year, new you? It's time for a change: You are tired of the same issues and patterns popping up in times of stress (which seems to be all the time these days). Let's focus on the roadblocks in your life, and creating a plan to overcome them at a pace that feels comfortable to you.
I am dually licensed in Washington and Oregon and work individually with adults who are looking for support around their mental health: Neurodivergence- ADHD, ASD; Depression, Anxiety, Trauma, life transitions, such as grief/loss, significant changes such as child birth, separation/divorce, job change, substance use, illness.
New year, new you? It's time for a change: You are tired of the same issues and patterns popping up in times of stress (which seems to be all the time these days). Let's focus on the roadblocks in your life, and creating a plan to overcome them at a pace that feels comfortable to you.
![Photo of Mary Cosentino-Cathey, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/505ec535-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
***Telehealth - I see clients located anywhere in Oregon*** Life can be challenging. My hope is to bring a safe space for others to dive into the brave journey of self discovery. I am a psychotherapist with over fifteen years experience helping people from all different walks of life who are struggling with anxiety, depression, addiction, trauma, and life transitions. My belief is that we all already carry within us the answers to our questions, sometimes we just need someone to help us uncover what those are. You deserve love, connection, and understanding, and my goal is to help you become the most authentic version of yourself.
***Telehealth - I see clients located anywhere in Oregon*** Life can be challenging. My hope is to bring a safe space for others to dive into the brave journey of self discovery. I am a psychotherapist with over fifteen years experience helping people from all different walks of life who are struggling with anxiety, depression, addiction, trauma, and life transitions. My belief is that we all already carry within us the answers to our questions, sometimes we just need someone to help us uncover what those are. You deserve love, connection, and understanding, and my goal is to help you become the most authentic version of yourself.
![Photo of Dianna K Bowlen - A Season for Change Counseling & Hypnosis, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/e3410c27-185f-4c5a-b5ff-eb83b758c4c1/2/320x400.jpeg)
A Season for Change Counseling & Hypnosis
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97206 (Online Only)
Trauma therapy, (general mental health), crisis, EMDR, hypnosis, addiction issues, couples/family therapy, LGBYTQ, working with first responders and populations from around the world.
With compassion and listening, I will work with you to identify your underlying issues, help you to clarify your core beliefs, and help you to release limiting beliefs and behavioral patterns. My goal is to support you, to deepen your capacity for self-reflection, acceptance, and life purpose. I will honor your strengths while helping you to work through life transitions. I work with individuals, couples, and families. I can integrate whatever style of therapy you are interested in (e.g. talk, education, interactive, area specific). I use John Gottman's therapy for couples counseling. I offer sliding scale or insurance billing.
Trauma therapy, (general mental health), crisis, EMDR, hypnosis, addiction issues, couples/family therapy, LGBYTQ, working with first responders and populations from around the world.
With compassion and listening, I will work with you to identify your underlying issues, help you to clarify your core beliefs, and help you to release limiting beliefs and behavioral patterns. My goal is to support you, to deepen your capacity for self-reflection, acceptance, and life purpose. I will honor your strengths while helping you to work through life transitions. I work with individuals, couples, and families. I can integrate whatever style of therapy you are interested in (e.g. talk, education, interactive, area specific). I use John Gottman's therapy for couples counseling. I offer sliding scale or insurance billing.
![Photo of Natalie (Nat) Day, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/dcb1c7ae-8c91-4c14-b79e-bdb94282604e/1/320x400.jpeg)
Natalie (Nat) Day
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97086 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Natalie (Nat) Day, LCSW graduated from Boise State University with a Masters in Social Work in 2018. Over the last decade she's worked in residential treatment, on-campus college counseling, substance abuse treatment, inpatient psychiatric care, and community mental health. Specializing in the treatment of trauma, addictions, couples counseling, and sexuality (kink/BDSM/sex work), her approach to therapy is eclectic, drawing on a variety of evidenced based practices. Nat serves the othered/isolated; supports self acceptance, connection, and community; and believes in individuals' innate power and resilience.
Natalie (Nat) Day, LCSW graduated from Boise State University with a Masters in Social Work in 2018. Over the last decade she's worked in residential treatment, on-campus college counseling, substance abuse treatment, inpatient psychiatric care, and community mental health. Specializing in the treatment of trauma, addictions, couples counseling, and sexuality (kink/BDSM/sex work), her approach to therapy is eclectic, drawing on a variety of evidenced based practices. Nat serves the othered/isolated; supports self acceptance, connection, and community; and believes in individuals' innate power and resilience.
![Photo of Clarissa Jane Shepherd, LPC, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/51eba991-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Clarissa Jane Shepherd
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
Woodburn, OR 97071 (Online Only)
I specialize in trauma based treatment, working with those struggling with anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, ADHD, parenting issues, marriage & family difficulties, weight issues/struggles, spiritual crisis & questions, women's issues including struggles associated with pregnancy & postpartum, coping with spousal abuse, pornography addiction, etc.
I specialize in trauma based treatment, working with those struggling with anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, ADHD, parenting issues, marriage & family difficulties, weight issues/struggles, spiritual crisis & questions, women's issues including struggles associated with pregnancy & postpartum, coping with spousal abuse, pornography addiction, etc.
![Photo of Samuel Stem, PsyD, LPC, CADCIII, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3d36721f-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Samuel Stem
Licensed Professional Counselor, PsyD, LPC, CADCIII
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Portland, OR 97211
I specialize in confidential and non-judgmental addiction and mental health counseling, paired together for the most effective approach.
I am a Kink-knowledgeable, LGBTQ-friendly, insight-oriented practitioner. I work with clients concerned with substance use/abuse, self-esteem, depression, anxiety, life transitions and emotional regulation concerns. I offer an initial free consultation to help you decide if I may be a good fit, as well as a generous sliding scale. Located in NE Portland, close to public transit, with weekend and evening hours available.
I specialize in confidential and non-judgmental addiction and mental health counseling, paired together for the most effective approach.
I am a Kink-knowledgeable, LGBTQ-friendly, insight-oriented practitioner. I work with clients concerned with substance use/abuse, self-esteem, depression, anxiety, life transitions and emotional regulation concerns. I offer an initial free consultation to help you decide if I may be a good fit, as well as a generous sliding scale. Located in NE Portland, close to public transit, with weekend and evening hours available.
See more therapy options for Hood River County
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.