Addiction Therapists in Shoreline, WA

Photo of Lea Fairbanks, LMHC, CCGS, CCTP, Counselor
Lea Fairbanks
Counselor, LMHC, CCGS, CCTP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Shoreline, WA 98155
Openings available both in person and telehealth (new clients & supervises). Life can be messy, painful and lonely. Therapy emerges as a sacred space in which we can navigate the intricate layers of life, fostering reconnection and a deeper self-understanding. Embracing a psychodynamic approach, my commitment is to accompany you on a transformative journey of self-exploration. Together, we will encourage a curious exploration of your identity and shedding light on patterns that may no longer serve you. My specialties are working with clients who are grappling with trauma, perfectionism, grief, anxiety, depression and addiction.
Openings available both in person and telehealth (new clients & supervises). Life can be messy, painful and lonely. Therapy emerges as a sacred space in which we can navigate the intricate layers of life, fostering reconnection and a deeper self-understanding. Embracing a psychodynamic approach, my commitment is to accompany you on a transformative journey of self-exploration. Together, we will encourage a curious exploration of your identity and shedding light on patterns that may no longer serve you. My specialties are working with clients who are grappling with trauma, perfectionism, grief, anxiety, depression and addiction.
(425) 441-3401 View (425) 441-3401
Photo of Victoria Rotton, MA, LMHC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Victoria Rotton
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MA, LMHC
Verified Verified
Shoreline, WA 98155
I use a number of treatment modalities and address a wide variety of issues including anxiety, depression, addiction recovery, and trauma.
Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy is a research validated method in which partners learn to identify harmful and entrenched patterns within their marriage and develop the skills to engage in a new way. Your relationship may be highly reactive and conflictual or feel like an emotional desert where closeness disappeared long ago. In either case, EFT can help you create a partnership that is nourishing and a haven for personal growth. I am an advanced practitioner of EFT. I work with both heterosexual and same sex couples.
I use a number of treatment modalities and address a wide variety of issues including anxiety, depression, addiction recovery, and trauma.
Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy is a research validated method in which partners learn to identify harmful and entrenched patterns within their marriage and develop the skills to engage in a new way. Your relationship may be highly reactive and conflictual or feel like an emotional desert where closeness disappeared long ago. In either case, EFT can help you create a partnership that is nourishing and a haven for personal growth. I am an advanced practitioner of EFT. I work with both heterosexual and same sex couples.
(425) 318-7321 View (425) 318-7321
Photo of Melissa Phares, MSW, LICSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Melissa Phares
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW
Verified Verified
Shoreline, WA 98133
I also offer special focus on assisting those with a loved one or family/personal history of substance use disorder.
Please note: As of April 9, 2024, my practice is full and I'm not currently accepting new clients. I'll update this message as my availability changes. I am a social worker with 15 years of experience helping people create healthy change. I named my practice Many Paths Counseling because I feel there is more than one right way to feel better, find answers, heal from the past, and kindle hope for the future.
I also offer special focus on assisting those with a loved one or family/personal history of substance use disorder.
Please note: As of April 9, 2024, my practice is full and I'm not currently accepting new clients. I'll update this message as my availability changes. I am a social worker with 15 years of experience helping people create healthy change. I named my practice Many Paths Counseling because I feel there is more than one right way to feel better, find answers, heal from the past, and kindle hope for the future.
(206) 785-1744 View (206) 785-1744
Photo of Diane V Miller, MS, LMHC, Counselor
Diane V Miller
Counselor, MS, LMHC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Shoreline, WA 98133  (Online Only)
I welcome clients who are contemplating making positive changes in their lives. This might consist of guidance in making adjustments during career or general life transitions and challenges. Finding the right therapist can be challenging and you are courageous in taking action. I specialize in working with individuals struggling with addiction and underlying emotional disturbances. I invite family members to participate when appropriate and together we work on building a healthy support system. Coping and stress management skills are implemented to achieve your long and short-term goals.
I welcome clients who are contemplating making positive changes in their lives. This might consist of guidance in making adjustments during career or general life transitions and challenges. Finding the right therapist can be challenging and you are courageous in taking action. I specialize in working with individuals struggling with addiction and underlying emotional disturbances. I invite family members to participate when appropriate and together we work on building a healthy support system. Coping and stress management skills are implemented to achieve your long and short-term goals.
(425) 390-8023 View (425) 390-8023
Photo of John White, LICSW, CMHS, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
John White
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, CMHS
Verified Verified
Shoreline, WA 98133
Experience with: Youth and adolescents struggling with mental health and/or substance use disorders.
Now accepting clients via teletherapy. Teletherapy is secure and easy to use: you simply need access to strong WiFi or cellular, privacy, and a smartphone/tablet/laptop. As a therapist with more than 13 years’ experience in the Seattle area, I provide strengths-based, solution-focused mental health therapy to clients from diverse backgrounds. I specialize in working with young adults, adolescents, and their families. I also frequently work with men and women to address addiction, work performance, relationship challenges, and other life stressors.
Experience with: Youth and adolescents struggling with mental health and/or substance use disorders.
Now accepting clients via teletherapy. Teletherapy is secure and easy to use: you simply need access to strong WiFi or cellular, privacy, and a smartphone/tablet/laptop. As a therapist with more than 13 years’ experience in the Seattle area, I provide strengths-based, solution-focused mental health therapy to clients from diverse backgrounds. I specialize in working with young adults, adolescents, and their families. I also frequently work with men and women to address addiction, work performance, relationship challenges, and other life stressors.
(360) 810-5480 View (360) 810-5480
Photo of Renee Calm - Calm Counseling, LLC  -  Renee Calm, MS, LMFT, Sup, Marriage & Family Therapist
Calm Counseling, LLC - Renee Calm
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT, Sup
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Shoreline, WA 98155
) addiction, I offer traditional and alternative tools and supports.
My training is in systems therapy, which examines the many facets of our lives interact. In therapy, we often look at how surrounding relationships and past experiences effect our current beliefs and values. If emotions and mood are difficult to manage, or there is difficulty adjusting to developmental and life stage changes, I offer support and tools to work through this. These challenges often arise for young adults, new mothers, managing intimate relationships and employment transitions. Too often, grief and loss bring up painful struggles for individuals and families. Therapy can be helpful in these most challenging times.
) addiction, I offer traditional and alternative tools and supports.
My training is in systems therapy, which examines the many facets of our lives interact. In therapy, we often look at how surrounding relationships and past experiences effect our current beliefs and values. If emotions and mood are difficult to manage, or there is difficulty adjusting to developmental and life stage changes, I offer support and tools to work through this. These challenges often arise for young adults, new mothers, managing intimate relationships and employment transitions. Too often, grief and loss bring up painful struggles for individuals and families. Therapy can be helpful in these most challenging times.
(206) 535-1886 View (206) 535-1886
Photo of Kevin Patrick Maloy, MA, LMHC, ACS, Counselor
Kevin Patrick Maloy
Counselor, MA, LMHC, ACS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Shoreline, WA 98133
Waitlist for new clients
I have experience working with everything from situational depression and anxiety to alcoholism/addiction, to more severe cases of chronic mental illness. I work as a collaborator with clients seeking to become their best possible selves in the midst of the various setbacks and stressors that modern life confronts us with. I am here to be a compassionate witness to your growth and transformation, to assist you with getting on course to being the best person that you are capable of becoming.
I have experience working with everything from situational depression and anxiety to alcoholism/addiction, to more severe cases of chronic mental illness. I work as a collaborator with clients seeking to become their best possible selves in the midst of the various setbacks and stressors that modern life confronts us with. I am here to be a compassionate witness to your growth and transformation, to assist you with getting on course to being the best person that you are capable of becoming.
(206) 237-6661 View (206) 237-6661
Photo of Anne C Grisham-Pleas - Stillpoint Therapy Services, LMHC, SUDP, Counselor
Stillpoint Therapy Services
Counselor, LMHC, SUDP
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Shoreline, WA 98155
I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Substance Use Disorder Professional, EMDR Therapist, and Certified Trauma Therapist.
My therapy style blends the use of a compassionate and non-judgmental approach. I see clients who have a history of trauma, substance use, anxiety, depression, grief, codependency, and perfectionism issues. I help clients achieve freedom from limiting beliefs, compulsions, and emotional distress. I create a sacred and safe space for you to share your story with me and to be vulnerable in your therapy. You deserve to learn the skills to manage symptoms of emotional distress and build a peaceful and rewarding life.
I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Substance Use Disorder Professional, EMDR Therapist, and Certified Trauma Therapist.
My therapy style blends the use of a compassionate and non-judgmental approach. I see clients who have a history of trauma, substance use, anxiety, depression, grief, codependency, and perfectionism issues. I help clients achieve freedom from limiting beliefs, compulsions, and emotional distress. I create a sacred and safe space for you to share your story with me and to be vulnerable in your therapy. You deserve to learn the skills to manage symptoms of emotional distress and build a peaceful and rewarding life.
(206) 743-9992 View (206) 743-9992
Photo of Amy Elizabeth Bloom - Amy Bloom LICSW, LICSW, CSAT, CMAT, CCBRT-C, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Amy Bloom LICSW
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, CSAT, CMAT, CCBRT-C
Verified Verified
Shoreline, WA 98133
I have been treating clients and couples for two decades. I specialized in bi-polar and other mood disorders before becoming a certified multiple addictions, sex addiction therapist and couple's counselor. I was certified by the International Institute for Trauma and Addiction Professionals with Patrick Carnes in 2008. I treat those who suffer from mood, sexual addiction/compulsion issues, I treat spouses/partners who have betrayal trauma and help couples find their way back to each other. I am able to offer insight, compassion, levity and support. I do not treat sex offenders. I am not certified in sex offender treatment
I have been treating clients and couples for two decades. I specialized in bi-polar and other mood disorders before becoming a certified multiple addictions, sex addiction therapist and couple's counselor. I was certified by the International Institute for Trauma and Addiction Professionals with Patrick Carnes in 2008. I treat those who suffer from mood, sexual addiction/compulsion issues, I treat spouses/partners who have betrayal trauma and help couples find their way back to each other. I am able to offer insight, compassion, levity and support. I do not treat sex offenders. I am not certified in sex offender treatment
(425) 600-1339 View (425) 600-1339
Photo of Justine Joslyn, MA
Justine Joslyn
MA
Verified Verified
Shoreline, WA 98133  (Online Only)
Hello! Since 2006, I have helped couples & families resolve stuck dynamics with communication & connection skills. I also assist individuals recover from depression, anxiety, trauma, addiction & ADHD/ADD, with support through transitions such as divorce, loss, abuse recovery & existential or spiritual awakening. My style is flexible and tailored to your preferences, balancing compassion with real results. You'll also learn how to re-connect to your with your wise inner guidance, and replace negative ego chatter with empowering narratives that inspire smart, bold moves with your career, creativity & relationships.
Hello! Since 2006, I have helped couples & families resolve stuck dynamics with communication & connection skills. I also assist individuals recover from depression, anxiety, trauma, addiction & ADHD/ADD, with support through transitions such as divorce, loss, abuse recovery & existential or spiritual awakening. My style is flexible and tailored to your preferences, balancing compassion with real results. You'll also learn how to re-connect to your with your wise inner guidance, and replace negative ego chatter with empowering narratives that inspire smart, bold moves with your career, creativity & relationships.
(360) 946-0941 View (360) 946-0941
Photo of Leslie G Cohn, PhD, Psychologist
Leslie G Cohn
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Shoreline, WA 98155  (Online Only)
I am a licensed psychologist with more than 25 years of experience treating clients with anxiety, depression, substance dependence, trauma, chronic illness, mania, and relationship concerns. My approach is eclectic, encompassing Internal Family Systems, CBT, family of origin, motivational interviewing and hypnosis. Please see my website for more comprehensive information.
I am a licensed psychologist with more than 25 years of experience treating clients with anxiety, depression, substance dependence, trauma, chronic illness, mania, and relationship concerns. My approach is eclectic, encompassing Internal Family Systems, CBT, family of origin, motivational interviewing and hypnosis. Please see my website for more comprehensive information.
(206) 745-0867 View (206) 745-0867
Photo of Jason Summers, MA, LMHC, Counselor
Jason Summers
Counselor, MA, LMHC
Verified Verified
Shoreline, WA 98133
I work with individuals on a variety of issues including anxiety and depression, shame, and addiction.
I believe that people innately have the internal resources to meet life's challenges. We all have great potential for growth and change when we are empowered to access these resources within ourselves. But it is in relationship with others that these resources are inspired and engaged. My approach to therapy is collaborative. My hope is to help create the conditions where you feel encouraged and supported to explore the themes that are present in your life.
I work with individuals on a variety of issues including anxiety and depression, shame, and addiction.
I believe that people innately have the internal resources to meet life's challenges. We all have great potential for growth and change when we are empowered to access these resources within ourselves. But it is in relationship with others that these resources are inspired and engaged. My approach to therapy is collaborative. My hope is to help create the conditions where you feel encouraged and supported to explore the themes that are present in your life.
(206) 483-1685 View (206) 483-1685
Photo of Pamela Woodroffe, LICSW, SUDP, MAC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Pamela Woodroffe
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, SUDP, MAC
Verified Verified
Shoreline, WA 98133  (Online Only)
I've worked nearly 20 years in health care settings including addiction treatment, primary care clinics, and counseling physicians in training.
Are current events triggering feelings of worry and despair? Perhaps past traumas are coming up for review? Are you experiencing a shift in what really, deeply matters to you? I would love to help you reflect, sort out, and heal. I offer teletherapy sessions (audio, visual) to clients in Washington State in the comfort of your own home. I enjoy working with people experiencing anxiety and panic, depression, mood disorders, trauma, and life transitions. Specialties include working with health care professionals, including physicians, with stress and work-related trauma.
I've worked nearly 20 years in health care settings including addiction treatment, primary care clinics, and counseling physicians in training.
Are current events triggering feelings of worry and despair? Perhaps past traumas are coming up for review? Are you experiencing a shift in what really, deeply matters to you? I would love to help you reflect, sort out, and heal. I offer teletherapy sessions (audio, visual) to clients in Washington State in the comfort of your own home. I enjoy working with people experiencing anxiety and panic, depression, mood disorders, trauma, and life transitions. Specialties include working with health care professionals, including physicians, with stress and work-related trauma.
(206) 966-6915 View (206) 966-6915
Photo of Bil Kareta, MAPC, LMHC, SD, Counselor
Bil Kareta
Counselor, MAPC, LMHC, SD
Verified Verified
Shoreline, WA 98133
Therapy with Individuals: I use cognitive behavioral methods to treat depression, thought disorders, borderline personality disorders, substance abuse, trauma, and anxiety.
Life is a difficult and confusing journey for all of us. Occasionally we get "stuck" along the path. Sometimes that growth is blocked because of issues, patterns and behaviors from the past which affect the way we feel, do or react in the present. If you are experiencing issues such as depression, anxiety, stress and relationship concerns. I can offer you: a combination of heart, skill, and understanding to help you find your own solutions to these problems that face you. Through the use of solution-oriented, emotionally focused, and reality based techniques, can help you and your relationships overcome obstacles and achieve your goals.
Therapy with Individuals: I use cognitive behavioral methods to treat depression, thought disorders, borderline personality disorders, substance abuse, trauma, and anxiety.
Life is a difficult and confusing journey for all of us. Occasionally we get "stuck" along the path. Sometimes that growth is blocked because of issues, patterns and behaviors from the past which affect the way we feel, do or react in the present. If you are experiencing issues such as depression, anxiety, stress and relationship concerns. I can offer you: a combination of heart, skill, and understanding to help you find your own solutions to these problems that face you. Through the use of solution-oriented, emotionally focused, and reality based techniques, can help you and your relationships overcome obstacles and achieve your goals.
(206) 557-6792 View (206) 557-6792
Photo of Fred Ingham, MA, LMHC, CSAT, Counselor
Fred Ingham
Counselor, MA, LMHC, CSAT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Shoreline, WA 98133
I am a Certified Sex Addiction Therapist (CSAT).
Is out-of-control sexual behavior hurting you or someone you care about? Pornography, prostitution, infidelity and other secretive sexual activity can contribute to physical, legal and relationship problems, and destroy families and careers. I work with adults in the greater Seattle area who want to stop acting out sexually and restore their sense of integrity and wholeness. I also help families and partners heal and move forward. My compassionate, non-judgmental approach works by addressing not only the problematic sexual behaviors but also the personal and relationship issues that are intertwined with them.
I am a Certified Sex Addiction Therapist (CSAT).
Is out-of-control sexual behavior hurting you or someone you care about? Pornography, prostitution, infidelity and other secretive sexual activity can contribute to physical, legal and relationship problems, and destroy families and careers. I work with adults in the greater Seattle area who want to stop acting out sexually and restore their sense of integrity and wholeness. I also help families and partners heal and move forward. My compassionate, non-judgmental approach works by addressing not only the problematic sexual behaviors but also the personal and relationship issues that are intertwined with them.
(206) 966-6215 View (206) 966-6215
Photo of Steve Dill, LMHC, CSAT, Counselor
Steve Dill
Counselor, LMHC, CSAT
Verified Verified
Shoreline, WA 98133  (Online Only)
When you or your loved one is struggling with the effects of betrayal or addiction, having someone who's an expert in both addiction recovery and relational reconciliation makes a significant difference in treatment outcomes.
Are you watching porn when you’ve tried to stop? Are you sexually “on” too much or all the time? Pursuing sexual encounters even when it violates your vows or values or it’s getting in the way of your work or other goals? These are sensitive issues and require a safe person to confide in but, if you can relate to this and your contemplating a change - call me - I can help. I’m a CSAT, Certified Sexual Addictions Therapist and I‘ve helped numerous men find their way back to peace with themselves and frequently reconciled relationships.
When you or your loved one is struggling with the effects of betrayal or addiction, having someone who's an expert in both addiction recovery and relational reconciliation makes a significant difference in treatment outcomes.
Are you watching porn when you’ve tried to stop? Are you sexually “on” too much or all the time? Pursuing sexual encounters even when it violates your vows or values or it’s getting in the way of your work or other goals? These are sensitive issues and require a safe person to confide in but, if you can relate to this and your contemplating a change - call me - I can help. I’m a CSAT, Certified Sexual Addictions Therapist and I‘ve helped numerous men find their way back to peace with themselves and frequently reconciled relationships.
(206) 539-1260 View (206) 539-1260
Photo of Jessica Wong Life Healing Therapy And Counseling, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Jessica Wong Life Healing Therapy And Counseling
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Shoreline, WA 98177
Waitlist for new clients
Please email to join the waitlist. Life can be meaningful even when painful events happen. I believe the path out of suffering is when we pass through our struggles, instead of running away from them. I am honored to be your secure emotional support through your personal and relational struggles. I hold a Master's in Marriage and Family Therapy and work with a broad spectrum of challenges including depression, anxiety, trauma, and substance addiction. I help my clients improve their self-esteem, process grief, and heal from painful events. My clients often find strength, relief, acceptance, and growth from working with me.
Please email to join the waitlist. Life can be meaningful even when painful events happen. I believe the path out of suffering is when we pass through our struggles, instead of running away from them. I am honored to be your secure emotional support through your personal and relational struggles. I hold a Master's in Marriage and Family Therapy and work with a broad spectrum of challenges including depression, anxiety, trauma, and substance addiction. I help my clients improve their self-esteem, process grief, and heal from painful events. My clients often find strength, relief, acceptance, and growth from working with me.
(425) 217-3170 View (425) 217-3170
Photo of Connor McCabe, PhD, Psychologist
Connor McCabe
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Shoreline, WA 98133
My clinical practice to-date has focused primarily on adolescents and adults with anxiety, depression, specific phobias, and addiction.
My goal for each of my clients is to help them build and sustain a life they want to live. This can seem like a daunting task, especially for the many of us who have struggled to make long-lasting changes in our mental health. As a clinical psychologist, I strive to help clients foster awareness of the underlying thoughts and behaviors that drive emotional suffering, and to help clients build a diverse repertoire of evidence-based skills for taking back control of these experiences.
My clinical practice to-date has focused primarily on adolescents and adults with anxiety, depression, specific phobias, and addiction.
My goal for each of my clients is to help them build and sustain a life they want to live. This can seem like a daunting task, especially for the many of us who have struggled to make long-lasting changes in our mental health. As a clinical psychologist, I strive to help clients foster awareness of the underlying thoughts and behaviors that drive emotional suffering, and to help clients build a diverse repertoire of evidence-based skills for taking back control of these experiences.
(206) 590-8242 View (206) 590-8242
Photo of Heather Robinson, LMHC, SUDP, Counselor
Heather Robinson
Counselor, LMHC, SUDP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Shoreline, WA 98155
Though my specialty is in substance abuse, my clients do not have to have a substance abuse issue to gain benefit from our work together.
I invite you to begin working towards a more fulfilling future. I take my time, work at a pace that you find comfortable, and maintain an open and collaborative environment, with an emphasis on shared trust. Using multiple modalities, including hypnotherapy and EMDR, I am competent to treat most issues. I have over 20 years of experience in the field and love my job! Taking the leap into therapy is an exceptional gift that you deserve!
Though my specialty is in substance abuse, my clients do not have to have a substance abuse issue to gain benefit from our work together.
I invite you to begin working towards a more fulfilling future. I take my time, work at a pace that you find comfortable, and maintain an open and collaborative environment, with an emphasis on shared trust. Using multiple modalities, including hypnotherapy and EMDR, I am competent to treat most issues. I have over 20 years of experience in the field and love my job! Taking the leap into therapy is an exceptional gift that you deserve!
(206) 800-7633 View (206) 800-7633
Photo of Antonia Marie Eberhart, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Antonia Marie Eberhart
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Shoreline, WA 98133
Waitlist for new clients
I love working with people to help them better understand themselves and others, to move from feeling disempowered and defeated to finding agency, connection, and direction. I serve individuals and couples struggling with painful experiences, challenging symptoms, and confusion and fears about what to do next. I treat mood disorders, anxiety disorders, substance use disorders, trauma-related disorders, and relational discord.
I love working with people to help them better understand themselves and others, to move from feeling disempowered and defeated to finding agency, connection, and direction. I serve individuals and couples struggling with painful experiences, challenging symptoms, and confusion and fears about what to do next. I treat mood disorders, anxiety disorders, substance use disorders, trauma-related disorders, and relational discord.
(206) 800-8506 View (206) 800-8506
1
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.