Addiction Therapists in Shillington, PA

Photo of Dee Foll, LPC ATR, CAADC, CCTP, Licensed Professional Counselor
Dee Foll
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC ATR, CAADC, CCTP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Shillington, PA 19607  (Online Only)
I don't think that I have an ideal client, however I do have quite a lot of experience working with persons who have substance abuse problems. I also have a lot of experience working with persons who have depression, anxiety and trauma.
I don't think that I have an ideal client, however I do have quite a lot of experience working with persons who have substance abuse problems. I also have a lot of experience working with persons who have depression, anxiety and trauma.
(610) 546-7205 View (610) 546-7205
Photo of Albert V. Pohl, MDiv, CAADC, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Albert V. Pohl
Licensed Professional Counselor, MDiv, CAADC, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Shillington, PA 19607
Learn helpful approaches to loved ones with addiction &/or mental health issues.
Confidential, compassionate and individually tailored counseling and life coaching. Support and guidance for difficult and painful feelings, relationship issues, or problem behaviors, including depression, anxiety, stress, sadness, anger, guilt, embarrassment, confusion. Education and coaching for misunderstanding and/or conflict at work, at home, with partner or spouse, with children, with parents. Experienced education and counseling for struggles with alcohol and/or drug use. Understanding, support and guidance with on-going issues in recovery and/or dual diagnoses. ADHD coaching. Counseling for those on Disability.
Learn helpful approaches to loved ones with addiction &/or mental health issues.
Confidential, compassionate and individually tailored counseling and life coaching. Support and guidance for difficult and painful feelings, relationship issues, or problem behaviors, including depression, anxiety, stress, sadness, anger, guilt, embarrassment, confusion. Education and coaching for misunderstanding and/or conflict at work, at home, with partner or spouse, with children, with parents. Experienced education and counseling for struggles with alcohol and/or drug use. Understanding, support and guidance with on-going issues in recovery and/or dual diagnoses. ADHD coaching. Counseling for those on Disability.
(484) 933-4919 View (484) 933-4919
Photo of Christine DiPrinzio Guerrero, MA, LPC, CAADC, NBCC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Christine DiPrinzio Guerrero
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, CAADC, NBCC
Verified Verified
Shillington, PA 19607
Life is full of challenges and sometimes you need help to feel your best. I use a solution-focused approach that can result in rapid progress for depression, anxiety, adjustment problems, anger management, problem gambling, drug/alcohol, process addictions, codependency, DUI's, and Relationship/Marital issues. Hypnotherapy is available for in-person clients, and I can personalize it for almost any treatment issue, including anxiety, phobias, and smoking cessation. Call for more information. Evening hours available.
Life is full of challenges and sometimes you need help to feel your best. I use a solution-focused approach that can result in rapid progress for depression, anxiety, adjustment problems, anger management, problem gambling, drug/alcohol, process addictions, codependency, DUI's, and Relationship/Marital issues. Hypnotherapy is available for in-person clients, and I can personalize it for almost any treatment issue, including anxiety, phobias, and smoking cessation. Call for more information. Evening hours available.
(610) 810-1273 View (610) 810-1273
Photo of April Faust, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
April Faust
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Shillington, PA 19607
As a therapist in private mental health practice, I strive to provide support and guidance to a diverse range of individuals seeking help and healing. My ideal client seeks a safe and nonjudgmental space to explore their thoughts, feelings, and experiences. They want to develop a deeper understanding of themselves, gain insight into their patterns and behaviors, and learn effective coping strategies. They value personal growth and are committed to investing time and effort into their therapeutic journey. Their needs revolve around finding a compassionate therapist who can provide empathy, active listening, and validation.
As a therapist in private mental health practice, I strive to provide support and guidance to a diverse range of individuals seeking help and healing. My ideal client seeks a safe and nonjudgmental space to explore their thoughts, feelings, and experiences. They want to develop a deeper understanding of themselves, gain insight into their patterns and behaviors, and learn effective coping strategies. They value personal growth and are committed to investing time and effort into their therapeutic journey. Their needs revolve around finding a compassionate therapist who can provide empathy, active listening, and validation.
(610) 467-9963 View (610) 467-9963
Photo of LaTasha Thomas, Licensed Professional Counselor
LaTasha Thomas
Licensed Professional Counselor
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Shillington, PA 19607
Are you having trouble navigating difficult times? Do you struggle with depression or anxiety? Has life become overwhelming? If so, I can help. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and Registered Yoga Teacher that uses a combination of traditional clinical techniques, as well as mindfulness and movement, to assist in the unpacking and healing of emotional baggage and pain. If you or a loved one are looking to relieve emotional strain and tension or regain your personal power and authenticity, I am the professional for you.
Are you having trouble navigating difficult times? Do you struggle with depression or anxiety? Has life become overwhelming? If so, I can help. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and Registered Yoga Teacher that uses a combination of traditional clinical techniques, as well as mindfulness and movement, to assist in the unpacking and healing of emotional baggage and pain. If you or a loved one are looking to relieve emotional strain and tension or regain your personal power and authenticity, I am the professional for you.
(484) 685-4335 View (484) 685-4335
Photo of Leslie M. Chaundy - Mind Matters Counseling & Psychological Assocs, PsyD, LCSW, NCSP, ABSNP, Psychologist
Mind Matters Counseling & Psychological Assocs
Psychologist, PsyD, LCSW, NCSP, ABSNP
Verified Verified
Shillington, PA 19607
Our vision at Mind Matters Coaching, Counseling & Psychological Associates, LLC is to help bring growth, healing, and peace of mind to people who struggle with matters of the mind. We have caring, compassionate, experienced, credentialed, and licensed professionals who are both doctoral level psychologists and master's level clinicians. We provide individual, family, and couples counseling, life coaching, child and adolescent therapy, EMDR, educational, psychological, and forensic testing and evaluations, career coaching, and consultation for both individuals and businesses.
Our vision at Mind Matters Coaching, Counseling & Psychological Associates, LLC is to help bring growth, healing, and peace of mind to people who struggle with matters of the mind. We have caring, compassionate, experienced, credentialed, and licensed professionals who are both doctoral level psychologists and master's level clinicians. We provide individual, family, and couples counseling, life coaching, child and adolescent therapy, EMDR, educational, psychological, and forensic testing and evaluations, career coaching, and consultation for both individuals and businesses.
(610) 816-6232 View (610) 816-6232
Dr. Katja M. Spradlin-McHugh, LLC
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Shillington, PA 19607  (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
HEAL. Heal by Embracing Abundance of Life. Life is glorious. Life can get hard. We do our best to be our best. That's a lot of pressure. When we focus on falling short of that lofty goal, we tend to feel guilt, shame, depression, anxiety. We are not alone in life. Reach out for a helping hand in regaining the gloriousness of life. I invite you to accept help and to embrace the abundance of life in healing your SELF. If you would like to reach out, email or call for a time to meet. I wish you peace.
HEAL. Heal by Embracing Abundance of Life. Life is glorious. Life can get hard. We do our best to be our best. That's a lot of pressure. When we focus on falling short of that lofty goal, we tend to feel guilt, shame, depression, anxiety. We are not alone in life. Reach out for a helping hand in regaining the gloriousness of life. I invite you to accept help and to embrace the abundance of life in healing your SELF. If you would like to reach out, email or call for a time to meet. I wish you peace.
(610) 756-0124 View (610) 756-0124

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Adrienne Hermes, LPC, C-DBT, CYT, Licensed Professional Counselor
Adrienne Hermes
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, C-DBT, CYT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
West Reading, PA 19611
Whether you are struggling with anxiety, depression, PTSD, or addiction, exploring how to calm the body in order to sort out the mind can help you feel in control. Through our work together we can explore strategies, in addition to talk therapy, such as breathwork (lifeforce yoga), sitting with discomfort (DBT & somatic experiencing) and developing a growth mindset (CBT, DBT, & EMDR) to assist you with managing the challenges you experience.
Whether you are struggling with anxiety, depression, PTSD, or addiction, exploring how to calm the body in order to sort out the mind can help you feel in control. Through our work together we can explore strategies, in addition to talk therapy, such as breathwork (lifeforce yoga), sitting with discomfort (DBT & somatic experiencing) and developing a growth mindset (CBT, DBT, & EMDR) to assist you with managing the challenges you experience.
(215) 398-6298 View (215) 398-6298
Photo of Melissa Lopez, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Melissa Lopez
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Reading, PA 19610  (Online Only)
Trauma can manifest into problem areas such as problem sexual behaviors, substance/alcohol abuse, depression/anxiety, social/work difficulties, perfectionism, self-harm, and/or self-esteem.
Hello & Welcome! So very glad you are here. My name is Melissa Lopez. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with 17 years of direct practice experience. I specialize in trauma recovery.
Trauma can manifest into problem areas such as problem sexual behaviors, substance/alcohol abuse, depression/anxiety, social/work difficulties, perfectionism, self-harm, and/or self-esteem.
Hello & Welcome! So very glad you are here. My name is Melissa Lopez. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with 17 years of direct practice experience. I specialize in trauma recovery.
(484) 209-5213 View (484) 209-5213
Photo of Katie Hoffman-Reed, LMHC, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Katie Hoffman-Reed
Licensed Professional Counselor, LMHC, LPC
Verified Verified
Reading, PA 19610
I work with individuals and couples from all spheres of life; children and adolescents in the home, school, and community, LGBTQ+,people living with anxiety, depression, ADHD, substance abuse, addiction and self-esteem issues.
The hardest part is over; you are here. Let’s take this journey together. Whether as a child, an adolescent, or an adult, it can be difficult to deal with the challenges life has given us or placed in front of us. I truly believe that it is my purpose coupled with my passion to help people see themselves as deserving of love, family, friends, success, dreams, and a fulfilling future! Here, you will rediscover yourself, your courage, confidence, and the will to live fully and freely as you heal mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
I work with individuals and couples from all spheres of life; children and adolescents in the home, school, and community, LGBTQ+,people living with anxiety, depression, ADHD, substance abuse, addiction and self-esteem issues.
The hardest part is over; you are here. Let’s take this journey together. Whether as a child, an adolescent, or an adult, it can be difficult to deal with the challenges life has given us or placed in front of us. I truly believe that it is my purpose coupled with my passion to help people see themselves as deserving of love, family, friends, success, dreams, and a fulfilling future! Here, you will rediscover yourself, your courage, confidence, and the will to live fully and freely as you heal mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
(484) 469-9189 View (484) 469-9189
Photo of Lisa Vespico-Mull, LPC, SAP, ICAADC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Lisa Vespico-Mull
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, SAP, ICAADC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Wyomissing, PA 19610  (Online Only)
Embrace Your Change LLC helps adolescents and adults struggling with Substance Use. I have a calm demeanor and I am very empathetic. I have always been passionate about assisting people with addiction and their family members but I have also served many experiencing depression, anxiety, grief, divorce, marital issues, stress, OCD, and life transitions. I can work with teens, couples, and families. I will address your goals and help encourage you to see your blind spots and move forward. Due to my life experiences, I am able to connect on many levels and use my intuition and skills to help you make change and find solutions.
Embrace Your Change LLC helps adolescents and adults struggling with Substance Use. I have a calm demeanor and I am very empathetic. I have always been passionate about assisting people with addiction and their family members but I have also served many experiencing depression, anxiety, grief, divorce, marital issues, stress, OCD, and life transitions. I can work with teens, couples, and families. I will address your goals and help encourage you to see your blind spots and move forward. Due to my life experiences, I am able to connect on many levels and use my intuition and skills to help you make change and find solutions.
(484) 900-8032 View (484) 900-8032
Photo of Kelli Frey, LPC, Counselor
Kelli Frey
Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Reading, PA 19601
I specialize in Substance Use Disorder, Co-Dependency, Co-Occurring Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder, Mental Health including anxiety, stress, and relational discord.
Are you seeking Serenity in your life? I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) who empowers individuals, couples and families to gain Serenity in their lives by focusing on what and who they can control and letting go of the rest. I enjoy meeting my clients where they are at, playing to their strengths, and recognize therapy is not a “one size fits all” experience and work diligently with my clients to adapt the process to their unique needs.
I specialize in Substance Use Disorder, Co-Dependency, Co-Occurring Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder, Mental Health including anxiety, stress, and relational discord.
Are you seeking Serenity in your life? I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) who empowers individuals, couples and families to gain Serenity in their lives by focusing on what and who they can control and letting go of the rest. I enjoy meeting my clients where they are at, playing to their strengths, and recognize therapy is not a “one size fits all” experience and work diligently with my clients to adapt the process to their unique needs.
(610) 510-4784 View (610) 510-4784
Photo of Nastassja Hanna, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Nastassja Hanna
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
West Reading, PA 19611  (Online Only)
Nastassja Hanna is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and National Certified Counselor (NCC) with five years of experience in the mental health field. She is passionate about working with adolescents, adults, couples, and families addressing a wide range of issues, including anxiety, depression, trauma, addiction within the family, relationship issues, borderline personality, self-esteem, spiritual and religious issues, and life adjustments. Nastassja completed her Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (MACMHC) at Lancaster Bible College / Capital Seminary and Graduate School.
Nastassja Hanna is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and National Certified Counselor (NCC) with five years of experience in the mental health field. She is passionate about working with adolescents, adults, couples, and families addressing a wide range of issues, including anxiety, depression, trauma, addiction within the family, relationship issues, borderline personality, self-esteem, spiritual and religious issues, and life adjustments. Nastassja completed her Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (MACMHC) at Lancaster Bible College / Capital Seminary and Graduate School.
(610) 756-8664 View (610) 756-8664
Photo of Kelli A. Frey, MA, LPC, CADC, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Kelli A. Frey
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, CADC, NCC
Verified Verified
Reading, PA 19611
I specialize in Substance Use Disorder (addiction), impact of Substance Use Disorder on the family system, Co-Occurring Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder issues, depression, anxiety, and family dynamic issues.
Sick and tired of being sick and tired? Weary of feeling stuck? Desire a breakthrough? Seeking Serenity in your life? Are you, or someone you love, struggling with Substance Use Disorder or a Mental Health concern? The ideal client will be open, honest, willing and committed to the therapeutic process by not giving up when things get difficult. We don’t know what we don’t know so an openness to learning, implementing new skills, and viewing circumstances from a different vantage point (focusing on things that we can control and letting go of things we cannot control) are all critical points of growth and strength.
I specialize in Substance Use Disorder (addiction), impact of Substance Use Disorder on the family system, Co-Occurring Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder issues, depression, anxiety, and family dynamic issues.
Sick and tired of being sick and tired? Weary of feeling stuck? Desire a breakthrough? Seeking Serenity in your life? Are you, or someone you love, struggling with Substance Use Disorder or a Mental Health concern? The ideal client will be open, honest, willing and committed to the therapeutic process by not giving up when things get difficult. We don’t know what we don’t know so an openness to learning, implementing new skills, and viewing circumstances from a different vantage point (focusing on things that we can control and letting go of things we cannot control) are all critical points of growth and strength.
(610) 222-5923 View (610) 222-5923
Photo of Tara Elliot, MA, LPC, CCTP, RYT, Licensed Professional Counselor
Tara Elliot
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, CCTP, RYT
Verified Verified
Sinking Spring, PA 19608  (Online Only)
I work with those struggling with anxiety, depression, loss & grief, relationship issues, self-esteem, & addiction/recovery.
I strive to create a safe, supportive environment to explore many of life's difficulties including complex trauma, trauma, PTSD, anxiety, depression, relationship/attachment issues, self-esteem, chronic illness, phobias, loss & grief, mood disorders, & spiritual issues. Using an integrated approach, I incorporate different styles and techniques tailored to each individual's needs supporting the whole person with a mind-body-spirit approach. Working together, we increase self-awareness through the use of breathwork, meditation, and mindfulness as we facilitate the process of psychological & emotional healing.
I work with those struggling with anxiety, depression, loss & grief, relationship issues, self-esteem, & addiction/recovery.
I strive to create a safe, supportive environment to explore many of life's difficulties including complex trauma, trauma, PTSD, anxiety, depression, relationship/attachment issues, self-esteem, chronic illness, phobias, loss & grief, mood disorders, & spiritual issues. Using an integrated approach, I incorporate different styles and techniques tailored to each individual's needs supporting the whole person with a mind-body-spirit approach. Working together, we increase self-awareness through the use of breathwork, meditation, and mindfulness as we facilitate the process of psychological & emotional healing.
(610) 756-0896 View (610) 756-0896
Photo of Roger Lavine, MA, LPC, MBA, Licensed Professional Counselor
Roger Lavine
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, MBA
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
West Reading, PA 19611
My areas of specialty include mood, personality, and substance use disorders.
I utilize a person-centered approach to counseling which allows the individual to experience a sense of empowerment and involvement throughout the therapeutic process. I believe that establishing a positive, non-judgmental, and trusting relationship between client and therapist is the key to initiating change and working towards solutions. Whether you're feeling anxious, depressed, stressed, misunderstood, unheard, or just stuck and feeling as if there's no way out, we can work together to find workable, realistic alternatives to improve your feeling, thinking, and behaving, as you move towards overall healthy and authentic living.
My areas of specialty include mood, personality, and substance use disorders.
I utilize a person-centered approach to counseling which allows the individual to experience a sense of empowerment and involvement throughout the therapeutic process. I believe that establishing a positive, non-judgmental, and trusting relationship between client and therapist is the key to initiating change and working towards solutions. Whether you're feeling anxious, depressed, stressed, misunderstood, unheard, or just stuck and feeling as if there's no way out, we can work together to find workable, realistic alternatives to improve your feeling, thinking, and behaving, as you move towards overall healthy and authentic living.
(610) 463-1097 View (610) 463-1097
Photo of John Driessnack, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
John Driessnack
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Reading, PA 19601  (Online Only)
I am a licensed clinical social worker and specialize in helping people to effectively manage anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns using cognitive behavioral techniques. I have worked with a range of populations, nearly all ages, and also have experience with couple's counseling and addiction treatment. I work with people to develop insight into the source of their problems, how their core beliefs about the world might be hindering their progress, and focus on their natural strengths to overcome those barriers with practical skills that generate sustainable change.
I am a licensed clinical social worker and specialize in helping people to effectively manage anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns using cognitive behavioral techniques. I have worked with a range of populations, nearly all ages, and also have experience with couple's counseling and addiction treatment. I work with people to develop insight into the source of their problems, how their core beliefs about the world might be hindering their progress, and focus on their natural strengths to overcome those barriers with practical skills that generate sustainable change.
(484) 290-1730 View (484) 290-1730
Photo of Diane Lillington, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Diane Lillington
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Wyomissing, PA 19610
Waitlist for new clients
Helping clients gain better self-awareness in a holistic and non-judgmental atmosphere is what I do best. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has worked in various capacities within the mental health and addiction field. I enjoy supporting clients to improve their quality of life through building insight, motivation, and increasing feelings of self-worth. My vision is to deliver highest quality, personalized treatment that supports my clients’ innate ability to heal. I value a strengths-based approach, collaborative goal setting, and an integrative model of treating the whole person.
Helping clients gain better self-awareness in a holistic and non-judgmental atmosphere is what I do best. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has worked in various capacities within the mental health and addiction field. I enjoy supporting clients to improve their quality of life through building insight, motivation, and increasing feelings of self-worth. My vision is to deliver highest quality, personalized treatment that supports my clients’ innate ability to heal. I value a strengths-based approach, collaborative goal setting, and an integrative model of treating the whole person.
(610) 546-7592 View (610) 546-7592
Photo of Rachael Livingston, LPC, CAADC, CCTP-II, Licensed Professional Counselor
Rachael Livingston
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, CAADC, CCTP-II
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Wyomissing, PA 19610
I am a licensed professional counselor (LPC) within the state of Pennsylvania. I am a trauma informed therapist who offers specialized care in the treatment of trauma as well as addiction related concerns. I hold certifications as a certified clinical trauma professional level 2 (CCTP-II) and certified advanced alcohol and drug counselor (CAADC). I also offer support for other common challenges such as depression, anxiety, relationship/attachment concerns, life stressors, perinatal concerns, and struggles with self-esteem/identity. I am an LGBTQ+ ally and offer virtual and in person therapy sessions for adults ages 18+.
I am a licensed professional counselor (LPC) within the state of Pennsylvania. I am a trauma informed therapist who offers specialized care in the treatment of trauma as well as addiction related concerns. I hold certifications as a certified clinical trauma professional level 2 (CCTP-II) and certified advanced alcohol and drug counselor (CAADC). I also offer support for other common challenges such as depression, anxiety, relationship/attachment concerns, life stressors, perinatal concerns, and struggles with self-esteem/identity. I am an LGBTQ+ ally and offer virtual and in person therapy sessions for adults ages 18+.
(610) 753-5434 View (610) 753-5434
Photo of Michael L Raskind - Serenity Psychotherapy LLC, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Serenity Psychotherapy LLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Reading, PA 19602  (Online Only)
Everyone struggles at times, and there should be no shame in asking for help. This is why we started Serenity Psychotherapy with a core belief that everybody should have access to professional mental health services and dedicated health care professionals anywhere in the world. With our national teletherapy sessions, we seek to help individuals, families, couples, and children with all the tools and therapy sessions they may need to live happier lives. Here at Serenity Psychotherapy, we have an array of therapists with various specializations, such as depression, anxiety, relationship, substance abuse, and parenting problems.
Everyone struggles at times, and there should be no shame in asking for help. This is why we started Serenity Psychotherapy with a core belief that everybody should have access to professional mental health services and dedicated health care professionals anywhere in the world. With our national teletherapy sessions, we seek to help individuals, families, couples, and children with all the tools and therapy sessions they may need to live happier lives. Here at Serenity Psychotherapy, we have an array of therapists with various specializations, such as depression, anxiety, relationship, substance abuse, and parenting problems.
(610) 510-6360 View (610) 510-6360

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.