Addiction Counselling in Hobart, TAS

Photo of Emma Mansell, PsychD, ACA-L1, Counsellor
Emma Mansell
Counsellor, PsychD, ACA-L1
Verified Verified
Hobart, TAS 7000
Hi, I’m Emma. I’m a therapist supporting people who struggle with mental health/ addiction. My areas of specialist experience are trauma, anxiety, depression and substance misuse. I support people who are experiencing symptoms of anxiety, low mood, relationship difficulties, grief or loss and addiction. I provide a person centred approach to therapy, which looks at individuals as a whole person. I am a narrative therapist and will look at your story and the patterns of behaviour. My style is relaxed and gentle to help guide you through whatever brings you to therapy.
Hi, I’m Emma. I’m a therapist supporting people who struggle with mental health/ addiction. My areas of specialist experience are trauma, anxiety, depression and substance misuse. I support people who are experiencing symptoms of anxiety, low mood, relationship difficulties, grief or loss and addiction. I provide a person centred approach to therapy, which looks at individuals as a whole person. I am a narrative therapist and will look at your story and the patterns of behaviour. My style is relaxed and gentle to help guide you through whatever brings you to therapy.
(02) 8403 2271 View (02) 8403 2271
Photo of Francesca Palazzolo, MA, PACFA, Psychotherapist
Francesca Palazzolo
Psychotherapist, MA, PACFA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Hobart, TAS 7000
If you are struggling with any addictive behaviours, including a porn or sex addiction, (or have concerns about a partner/family member) please reach out for non-judgemental support.
I am a counsellor & psychotherapist working in the existential humanist tradition. I work with all sorts of issues including mental health, addictive behaviours and relationship issues to name a few. I am registered with PACFA (Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation Australia) which is the national peak body for counsellors and psychotherapists in Australia and have worked in youth mental health, alcohol and other drugs counselling and trauma informed counselling. If you are experiencing issues with any emotional concerns, anxiety, substance use, addiction, including behavioural addictions, please do not hesitate to reach out.
If you are struggling with any addictive behaviours, including a porn or sex addiction, (or have concerns about a partner/family member) please reach out for non-judgemental support.
I am a counsellor & psychotherapist working in the existential humanist tradition. I work with all sorts of issues including mental health, addictive behaviours and relationship issues to name a few. I am registered with PACFA (Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation Australia) which is the national peak body for counsellors and psychotherapists in Australia and have worked in youth mental health, alcohol and other drugs counselling and trauma informed counselling. If you are experiencing issues with any emotional concerns, anxiety, substance use, addiction, including behavioural addictions, please do not hesitate to reach out.
(03) 6411 0202 View (03) 6411 0202
Photo of Sasha Gobbart Mason, PACFA, Counsellor
Sasha Gobbart Mason
Counsellor, PACFA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Online Only
I hold a Bachelor's degree in Counselling and have done further training in substance use and Somatic Experiencing.
I work primarily with females experiencing mental health issues, burnout, stress and substance use. I see people through a holistic lens and aim to support you to find integration between mind, body and emotions. With lived experience, I understand how trauma disconnects us from our bodies and how difficult it is to sit with our emotions.
I hold a Bachelor's degree in Counselling and have done further training in substance use and Somatic Experiencing.
I work primarily with females experiencing mental health issues, burnout, stress and substance use. I see people through a holistic lens and aim to support you to find integration between mind, body and emotions. With lived experience, I understand how trauma disconnects us from our bodies and how difficult it is to sit with our emotions.
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Photo of johanna Waugh - Johanna - Counsellor/ Psychosexual therapist , MA, ACA-L2, Counsellor
Johanna - Counsellor/ Psychosexual therapist
Counsellor, MA, ACA-L2
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Hobart, TAS 7000
Working with singles, couples, and families is Johanna's primary focus. She also works with men and women experiencing problems related to their sexual health, including erectile dysfunction and delayed ejaculation. For women, she treats low sexual desire, fertility issues, conception-related misconceptions, hypoactive sexual desire disorder, and out-of-control sexual behaviours like sex, porn addiction. Johanna is accommodating to sex workers. Additionally, she is LGBTQ, kink, and fetish friendly, and she can work with poly/open partnerships
Working with singles, couples, and families is Johanna's primary focus. She also works with men and women experiencing problems related to their sexual health, including erectile dysfunction and delayed ejaculation. For women, she treats low sexual desire, fertility issues, conception-related misconceptions, hypoactive sexual desire disorder, and out-of-control sexual behaviours like sex, porn addiction. Johanna is accommodating to sex workers. Additionally, she is LGBTQ, kink, and fetish friendly, and she can work with poly/open partnerships
(02) 9100 0121 View (02) 9100 0121
Photo of Ingrid Glanowski, MPsych, PsyBA General, Psychologist
Ingrid Glanowski
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA General
Verified Verified
Hobart, TAS 7000
She works with a range of issues including depression, anxiety, stress, childhood trauma, addiction, self-esteem and grief.
Ingrid is registered psychologist who provides in person therapy to clients in Melbourne and online therapy to clients Australia wide. In therapy, the environment Ingrid creates is compassionate, animated and genuine. She enjoys building long-lasting and meaningful connections with clients, knowing that this can be a catalyst for a successful experience in therapy. Ingrid is specifically interested in clients who present with developmental/relational-trauma and utilises her knowledge of attachment theory and family systems to help clients develop a deeper understanding of themselves.
She works with a range of issues including depression, anxiety, stress, childhood trauma, addiction, self-esteem and grief.
Ingrid is registered psychologist who provides in person therapy to clients in Melbourne and online therapy to clients Australia wide. In therapy, the environment Ingrid creates is compassionate, animated and genuine. She enjoys building long-lasting and meaningful connections with clients, knowing that this can be a catalyst for a successful experience in therapy. Ingrid is specifically interested in clients who present with developmental/relational-trauma and utilises her knowledge of attachment theory and family systems to help clients develop a deeper understanding of themselves.
(03) 9994 1814 View (03) 9994 1814
Photo of Tammy Maskill, Counsellor
Tammy Maskill
Counsellor
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Online Only
I work primarily with trauma, alcohol and other drug use and behavioural addictions. I work with you to shed the layers of your trauma, heal unresolved wounds, and create a life that you don’t need to numb yourself to and escape from. With lived experience of trauma and substance addiction, I understand how trauma, especially from our childhood, can impact every aspect of our lives. And, how we can easily find ourselves trying to cope with behaviours that become more and more problematic.
I work primarily with trauma, alcohol and other drug use and behavioural addictions. I work with you to shed the layers of your trauma, heal unresolved wounds, and create a life that you don’t need to numb yourself to and escape from. With lived experience of trauma and substance addiction, I understand how trauma, especially from our childhood, can impact every aspect of our lives. And, how we can easily find ourselves trying to cope with behaviours that become more and more problematic.
(03) 9118 9023 View (03) 9118 9023
Photo of Izumi Yamaguchi, MA, ACA-L3, Counsellor
Izumi Yamaguchi
Counsellor, MA, ACA-L3
Verified Verified
Hobart, TAS 7000
I have experienced with a range of issues including depression, anxiety, grief, addiction, adjustment problems and relationship concerns.
I am passionate to help clients overcome their challenges and take meaningful steps toward a better future. By exploring clients' internal conflicts and working on underlying vulnerabilities, I assist clients in finding ways together to alleviate or solve them.
I have experienced with a range of issues including depression, anxiety, grief, addiction, adjustment problems and relationship concerns.
I am passionate to help clients overcome their challenges and take meaningful steps toward a better future. By exploring clients' internal conflicts and working on underlying vulnerabilities, I assist clients in finding ways together to alleviate or solve them.
(03) 7003 2420 View (03) 7003 2420
Photo of Dr Astrid Staley - Online Trauma Brainspotting Counsellor, ACA-L4, Counsellor
Online Trauma Brainspotting Counsellor
Counsellor, ACA-L4
Verified Verified
Online Only
Brainspotting liberates brains from irrational fears, addiction, PTSD, OCD eating disorders, anxiety, & resolves trauma.
Dr Astrid Staley has 15+ years of experience using talk therapies, Neuropsychotherapy & Brainspotting, a cutting-edge therapy to move people toward optimal functioning. Her experience extends to Christian & non-Christian contexts. Choose a preferred style to support a holistic approach to wellbeing in body, mind, spirit. Counselling/Coaching/ Supervision packages. Specialised ages 16+ ADHD Coaching/ Counselling support & Eating Disorder Recovery Coaching/Counselling support. Neuro Change Personal Development Coaching/Counselling package. Supporting clients 16+ years.
Brainspotting liberates brains from irrational fears, addiction, PTSD, OCD eating disorders, anxiety, & resolves trauma.
Dr Astrid Staley has 15+ years of experience using talk therapies, Neuropsychotherapy & Brainspotting, a cutting-edge therapy to move people toward optimal functioning. Her experience extends to Christian & non-Christian contexts. Choose a preferred style to support a holistic approach to wellbeing in body, mind, spirit. Counselling/Coaching/ Supervision packages. Specialised ages 16+ ADHD Coaching/ Counselling support & Eating Disorder Recovery Coaching/Counselling support. Neuro Change Personal Development Coaching/Counselling package. Supporting clients 16+ years.
(03) 5615 6373 View (03) 5615 6373
Photo of Liselotte Roosen, PhD, PsyBA - Clin. Psych, Psychologist
Liselotte Roosen
Psychologist, PhD, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Verified Verified
Online Only
Liselotte has worked in various settings - among which private practice, return-to-work programs (mainly covering stress-related issues such as burn-out), an (outpatient) addiction education and treatment center and geriatric rehabilitation units - with the bulk of her experience in private practice.
Liselotte (or Lisa) is a Clinical Psychologist registered in Australia. In addition to her master's degree in clinical and health psychology, she has completed a PhD in environmental psychology. Since obtaining her Master’s degree in 2005, Liselotte has gained a lot of experience as a psychologist and has worked with many different client populations and in various settings. She has worked with clients from 4 to 104 years old, but works mainly with adults now. Liselotte has international work experience, having worked as a psychologist in the Netherlands, Belgium, Australia and Norway.
Liselotte has worked in various settings - among which private practice, return-to-work programs (mainly covering stress-related issues such as burn-out), an (outpatient) addiction education and treatment center and geriatric rehabilitation units - with the bulk of her experience in private practice.
Liselotte (or Lisa) is a Clinical Psychologist registered in Australia. In addition to her master's degree in clinical and health psychology, she has completed a PhD in environmental psychology. Since obtaining her Master’s degree in 2005, Liselotte has gained a lot of experience as a psychologist and has worked with many different client populations and in various settings. She has worked with clients from 4 to 104 years old, but works mainly with adults now. Liselotte has international work experience, having worked as a psychologist in the Netherlands, Belgium, Australia and Norway.
1800 327 477 View 1800 327 477
Photo of Kaye de Ville, MA, PACFA, Psychotherapist
Kaye de Ville
Psychotherapist, MA, PACFA
Verified Verified
North Hobart, TAS 7000
I can help with bereavement, anxiety, depression, work related problems, relationships, social anxiety, anger, trauma, addiction to name a few.
Are you feeling anxious, depressed or just cannot make sense of things. Everyone can have therapy at anytime in life. Talking to someone who listens, remembers your history, travels with you on your journey can be rewarding and help with anxiety, depression and feelings of being alone. I can help you make sense of your life, meaning and troubling thoughts. I am also an experienced couples therapist having supported couples on their journeys from courting to commitment. I help people make sense of where they have come to, going to and how they are going to get there even when the future is uncertain.
I can help with bereavement, anxiety, depression, work related problems, relationships, social anxiety, anger, trauma, addiction to name a few.
Are you feeling anxious, depressed or just cannot make sense of things. Everyone can have therapy at anytime in life. Talking to someone who listens, remembers your history, travels with you on your journey can be rewarding and help with anxiety, depression and feelings of being alone. I can help you make sense of your life, meaning and troubling thoughts. I am also an experienced couples therapist having supported couples on their journeys from courting to commitment. I help people make sense of where they have come to, going to and how they are going to get there even when the future is uncertain.
0437 892 282 View 0437 892 282
Photo of Susanne McAllister, MA, ACA-L2, Counsellor
Susanne McAllister
Counsellor, MA, ACA-L2
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Hobart, TAS 7000
I help with anxiety, trauma, PTSD, CPTSD, depression, addiction, grief, and mental health with EMDR, Mindfulness, CBT, and Amino Acid Therapy. This will not only ease symptoms but fundamentally change your life's experience. These methods promise more than healing; they open a door to newfound happiness, energy, and a profound sense of well-being. With Telehealth, access this personalised path from any location, blending convenience with deep, meaningful change. This journey is about rediscovering your inner strength and embracing life with renewed purpose, optimism and reconnected with joy in your daily life.
I help with anxiety, trauma, PTSD, CPTSD, depression, addiction, grief, and mental health with EMDR, Mindfulness, CBT, and Amino Acid Therapy. This will not only ease symptoms but fundamentally change your life's experience. These methods promise more than healing; they open a door to newfound happiness, energy, and a profound sense of well-being. With Telehealth, access this personalised path from any location, blending convenience with deep, meaningful change. This journey is about rediscovering your inner strength and embracing life with renewed purpose, optimism and reconnected with joy in your daily life.
(03) 7003 2035 View (03) 7003 2035
Photo of Phillip Samuel: Living Free Psychology, PsyBA General, Psychologist
Phillip Samuel: Living Free Psychology
Psychologist, PsyBA General
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Online Only
I completed an initial degree in disability studies, then specialised in addiction.
HAVE Availability & NOW accepting NEW Clients! "I believe in choice & empowerment, and value respect, honesty, & integrity". "I love the collaborative process of working through life events. It is a pleasure and privilege to experience the emotional journey with people to reach a place that enables greater satisfaction & life enjoyment" I have many years experience working with anxiety, depression, the impact of trauma & abuse, stress, eating disorders, chronic health, attentional, personality & dissociative disorders.
I completed an initial degree in disability studies, then specialised in addiction.
HAVE Availability & NOW accepting NEW Clients! "I believe in choice & empowerment, and value respect, honesty, & integrity". "I love the collaborative process of working through life events. It is a pleasure and privilege to experience the emotional journey with people to reach a place that enables greater satisfaction & life enjoyment" I have many years experience working with anxiety, depression, the impact of trauma & abuse, stress, eating disorders, chronic health, attentional, personality & dissociative disorders.
0468 887 908 View 0468 887 908
Photo of Sidney Mandis, MPsych, PsyBA - Sport Psych., Psychologist
Sidney Mandis
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA - Sport Psych.
Verified Verified
Online Only
I'm a registered psychologist who works holistically with individuals and athletes presenting with various difficulties in life such as: anxiety, depression, PTSD, ADHD, sexual trauma, addiction, stress, burnout, low self-esteem, body image issues, anger management, relationship issues, ASD, injury rehabilitation, sports performance, motivation, confidence.
I'm a registered psychologist who works holistically with individuals and athletes presenting with various difficulties in life such as: anxiety, depression, PTSD, ADHD, sexual trauma, addiction, stress, burnout, low self-esteem, body image issues, anger management, relationship issues, ASD, injury rehabilitation, sports performance, motivation, confidence.
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Photo of Margot Trinder, MPsych, MAPS, Psychologist
Margot Trinder
Psychologist, MPsych, MAPS
Verified Verified
Online Only
The Issues I can assist you with include: anxiety, depression and stress, trauma, grief and loss, lifestage transitions, parenting, substance addictions, neurodiversity, family and relationship difficulties .
I am a warm and experienced psychologist working with adults across the lifespan to address a broad range of issues. I bring deep respect and awareness to how each person's story, needs and circumstances are different. I draw from my decades of experience and professional training across a wide range of therapeutic modalities. My work is guided by a strong systemic approach: seeing all parts of a person, as well as the layers of relationships, family, work, culture and society that have and continue to influence and shape us. My approach ensures that each person I work with receives support tailored specifically for them.
The Issues I can assist you with include: anxiety, depression and stress, trauma, grief and loss, lifestage transitions, parenting, substance addictions, neurodiversity, family and relationship difficulties .
I am a warm and experienced psychologist working with adults across the lifespan to address a broad range of issues. I bring deep respect and awareness to how each person's story, needs and circumstances are different. I draw from my decades of experience and professional training across a wide range of therapeutic modalities. My work is guided by a strong systemic approach: seeing all parts of a person, as well as the layers of relationships, family, work, culture and society that have and continue to influence and shape us. My approach ensures that each person I work with receives support tailored specifically for them.
(07) 5240 9828 View (07) 5240 9828
Photo of Madonna Keightley - Beyond Betrayal Counselling, ACA-L2, Counsellor
Beyond Betrayal Counselling
Counsellor, ACA-L2
Verified Verified
Hobart, TAS 7000
Have you just discovered your partner is cheating on you? Or perhaps he's visiting strip clubs or brothels? Maybe he's had multiple affairs or having sex with women he's met on dating apps? Are you wondering if he has a sex or porn addiction? I am an experienced counsellor who knows the pain of intimate partner betrayal. I have been where you are now. Visit my website for information on betrayal trauma and resources.
Have you just discovered your partner is cheating on you? Or perhaps he's visiting strip clubs or brothels? Maybe he's had multiple affairs or having sex with women he's met on dating apps? Are you wondering if he has a sex or porn addiction? I am an experienced counsellor who knows the pain of intimate partner betrayal. I have been where you are now. Visit my website for information on betrayal trauma and resources.
(03) 7003 2380 View (03) 7003 2380
Photo of Carlyn Chen, PACFA, Counsellor
Carlyn Chen
Counsellor, PACFA
Verified Verified
Hobart, TAS 7000
I am experienced seeing clients with issues such as attachment trauma, addiction, anxiety, depression, neurodiversity, oppression, racism, cultural issues, sexual abuse, childhood trauma, identity issues, religious trauma, grief, domestic violence, family issues and relationships.
I am a Teochew person working on Gadigal land, working to decolonise myself and my therapy to offer culturally sensitive and inclusive counselling to people of all cultures and identities. I offer trauma-informed, integrative therapy that will be tailored to your needs, taking into account mind, body, nervous system, emotions and context. I believe in the innate capacity of each person to heal and will work collaboratively with you to uncover and grow this. I have provided holistic counselling and case management support to young people and adults experiencing complex trauma in the not for profit and health sectors since 2015.
I am experienced seeing clients with issues such as attachment trauma, addiction, anxiety, depression, neurodiversity, oppression, racism, cultural issues, sexual abuse, childhood trauma, identity issues, religious trauma, grief, domestic violence, family issues and relationships.
I am a Teochew person working on Gadigal land, working to decolonise myself and my therapy to offer culturally sensitive and inclusive counselling to people of all cultures and identities. I offer trauma-informed, integrative therapy that will be tailored to your needs, taking into account mind, body, nervous system, emotions and context. I believe in the innate capacity of each person to heal and will work collaboratively with you to uncover and grow this. I have provided holistic counselling and case management support to young people and adults experiencing complex trauma in the not for profit and health sectors since 2015.
(02) 9100 0467 View (02) 9100 0467
Photo of Layla Oueidat - Layla at Time and Space Counselling, ACA-L2, Counsellor
Layla at Time and Space Counselling
Counsellor, ACA-L2
Verified Verified
Online Only
I bring an open mind to the challenges of navigating identity, discrimination, addiction, and the impacts of war or systemic violence, using anti-colonial, culturally sensitive, neuro-affirming approaches.
If you're feeling weighed down by life's challenges, be it mental health, substance use or other possibly addictions, identity, memories, ongoing stress, or cultural and systemic barriers—you're not alone. Whether you identify as BIPOC, bicultural, third-cultured, or any other identity, this is a space where we can work together so your experiences feel understood and heard. As someone from the MENA/SWANA region, I welcome others from there to reach out. Together, we can explore and process your past or present struggles—be it generational patterns, discrimination, addiction, or finding your path forward.
I bring an open mind to the challenges of navigating identity, discrimination, addiction, and the impacts of war or systemic violence, using anti-colonial, culturally sensitive, neuro-affirming approaches.
If you're feeling weighed down by life's challenges, be it mental health, substance use or other possibly addictions, identity, memories, ongoing stress, or cultural and systemic barriers—you're not alone. Whether you identify as BIPOC, bicultural, third-cultured, or any other identity, this is a space where we can work together so your experiences feel understood and heard. As someone from the MENA/SWANA region, I welcome others from there to reach out. Together, we can explore and process your past or present struggles—be it generational patterns, discrimination, addiction, or finding your path forward.
(03) 8771 4367 View (03) 8771 4367
Photo of Rhiannon Flavel, MA, PACFA, Psychotherapist
Rhiannon Flavel
Psychotherapist, MA, PACFA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Hobart, TAS 7000
I work with adults & adolescents experiencing complex trauma, substance use, anxiety, depression, anger, life transitions, grief & loss, overwhelm & stress, LGBTQIA+ issues, & relational challenges between people who long to connect more fully.
My approach as a psychotherapist is holistic, non-judgemental, trauma informed & deeply relational. I have worked in various roles including mental health counselling, outdoor education teaching, adventure therapy, wilderness rites of passage, & group facilitation for over a decade, supporting adults, young people & families. I bring these diverse experiences into my therapeutic practice to offer a specialised approach to this transformational work.
I work with adults & adolescents experiencing complex trauma, substance use, anxiety, depression, anger, life transitions, grief & loss, overwhelm & stress, LGBTQIA+ issues, & relational challenges between people who long to connect more fully.
My approach as a psychotherapist is holistic, non-judgemental, trauma informed & deeply relational. I have worked in various roles including mental health counselling, outdoor education teaching, adventure therapy, wilderness rites of passage, & group facilitation for over a decade, supporting adults, young people & families. I bring these diverse experiences into my therapeutic practice to offer a specialised approach to this transformational work.
(02) 5016 7519 View (02) 5016 7519
Photo of Jade Wren Pearson - Wren Counselling, PACFA, Counsellor
Wren Counselling
Counsellor, PACFA
Verified Verified
Online Only
My wealth of lived experiences including gender transition inform my collaborative client centred counselling approach. Whilst presenting issues may include depression, anxiety, identity incongruence, dysphoria, trauma, interpersonal challenges, addiction, loneliness, and more, I seek to work with the underlying causes as I believe that through addressing the root causes of the presenting symptoms that psychological wellbeing can be achieved without judgement or further pathologisation.
My wealth of lived experiences including gender transition inform my collaborative client centred counselling approach. Whilst presenting issues may include depression, anxiety, identity incongruence, dysphoria, trauma, interpersonal challenges, addiction, loneliness, and more, I seek to work with the underlying causes as I believe that through addressing the root causes of the presenting symptoms that psychological wellbeing can be achieved without judgement or further pathologisation.
0434 080 166 View 0434 080 166
Photo of Michael Rooney, PACFA, Psychotherapist
Michael Rooney
Psychotherapist, PACFA
Verified Verified
Hobart, TAS 7000
I have helped many people move from the pain of addiction to leading fulfilled and better lives.
You promised you would not watch online porn or live sex cams again. You feel guilt and shame because you want to stop but cant. You visited a sex worker recently and now you are worried you might have put the health of your family at risk. You plan to spend a short time on dating apps and find yourself spending hours on them, unable to put them down, feeling desperate and hopeless. You have an instant attraction when you meet a particular type of person, believing they are the one. You might be in recovery for alcohol / drug addiction, but your compulsive sexual acting out behaviours have increased and you feel guilt and shame.
I have helped many people move from the pain of addiction to leading fulfilled and better lives.
You promised you would not watch online porn or live sex cams again. You feel guilt and shame because you want to stop but cant. You visited a sex worker recently and now you are worried you might have put the health of your family at risk. You plan to spend a short time on dating apps and find yourself spending hours on them, unable to put them down, feeling desperate and hopeless. You have an instant attraction when you meet a particular type of person, believing they are the one. You might be in recovery for alcohol / drug addiction, but your compulsive sexual acting out behaviours have increased and you feel guilt and shame.
(02) 4504 0389 View (02) 4504 0389
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Addiction Counsellors

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.