Addiction Therapists in Lethbridge, AB

Photo of Dr. Bonnie Lee, Marriage & Family Therapist in Lethbridge, AB
Dr. Bonnie Lee
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, RMFT-S, RSW
Verified Verified
Lethbridge, AB T1K
I bring over 25 years of counselling experience with couples, families and individuals struggling with a wide range of issues. With specialized expertise in addictive behaviours, I have worked with alcohol and substance use, gambling, gaming, over-eating and pornography. I like to privilege clients' relationships and communication while increasing their awareness of themselves and other people around them. Clients will become more aware of the influence of their past. "Making every session count" is my motto. I achieve this by tapping into clients' motivation to do their best work in attaining the life they want.
I bring over 25 years of counselling experience with couples, families and individuals struggling with a wide range of issues. With specialized expertise in addictive behaviours, I have worked with alcohol and substance use, gambling, gaming, over-eating and pornography. I like to privilege clients' relationships and communication while increasing their awareness of themselves and other people around them. Clients will become more aware of the influence of their past. "Making every session count" is my motto. I achieve this by tapping into clients' motivation to do their best work in attaining the life they want.
(825) 502-9071 View (825) 502-9071
Photo of Jacqueline Quick, Registered Social Worker in Lethbridge, AB
Jacqueline Quick
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW, EMDR
Verified Verified
Lethbridge, AB T1K
Over the past eight years of serving clients, I have counselled through a variety of issues including anxiety, depression, loss & grief, trauma, addiction, ADHD, and navigating life transitions.
Welcome to Inner Calm Counselling. As a therapist I seek to provide you with a space that allows you to exhale and catch your breath. Whatever brings you to my office, whether it’s the need to heal from the wounds of trauma, reconnect with yourself, or find calm in a stressful situation, I aspire to support you on your healing journey. I take an integrative and holistic approach, with a belief that each individual has an innate capacity to cultivate their own inner healing. This allows our experience together to be co-created in a way that fits your unique needs and wellness goals.
Over the past eight years of serving clients, I have counselled through a variety of issues including anxiety, depression, loss & grief, trauma, addiction, ADHD, and navigating life transitions.
Welcome to Inner Calm Counselling. As a therapist I seek to provide you with a space that allows you to exhale and catch your breath. Whatever brings you to my office, whether it’s the need to heal from the wounds of trauma, reconnect with yourself, or find calm in a stressful situation, I aspire to support you on your healing journey. I take an integrative and holistic approach, with a belief that each individual has an innate capacity to cultivate their own inner healing. This allows our experience together to be co-created in a way that fits your unique needs and wellness goals.
(825) 435-1571 View (825) 435-1571
Photo of Tracy Harvey, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Lethbridge, AB
Tracy Harvey
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, RCSW
Verified Verified
Lethbridge, AB T1J
Through a private practice (since 2011) and addiction and mental health (since 2001), I have had the pleasure of working with a variety of populations and providing trainings/ workshops around the area of trauma and vicarious trauma (1 hour - 2 days).
Unlike many people in private practice, my practice focuses specifically on supporting people to heal from trauma. When we think of "trauma", many of us often think of significant events that cause difficulties with coping. However, the experience of trauma is much more than an event. The experience of abuse, neglect or living with prolonged exposure to stress can have a significant impact on physical, emotional and spiritual health. I work with trauma that can occur from single events as well as exposure to trauma over a longer period of time. I use a number of modalities to address the complex nature of trauma.
Through a private practice (since 2011) and addiction and mental health (since 2001), I have had the pleasure of working with a variety of populations and providing trainings/ workshops around the area of trauma and vicarious trauma (1 hour - 2 days).
Unlike many people in private practice, my practice focuses specifically on supporting people to heal from trauma. When we think of "trauma", many of us often think of significant events that cause difficulties with coping. However, the experience of trauma is much more than an event. The experience of abuse, neglect or living with prolonged exposure to stress can have a significant impact on physical, emotional and spiritual health. I work with trauma that can occur from single events as well as exposure to trauma over a longer period of time. I use a number of modalities to address the complex nature of trauma.
(587) 813-6443 View (587) 813-6443
Photo of Brianne Flaherty Counselling Services, Counsellor in Lethbridge, AB
Brianne Flaherty Counselling Services
Counsellor, RPC-C, CCAC, CCTP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Lethbridge, AB T1H  (Online Only)
Brianne Flaherty Counselling Services is a private practice facilitating virtual sessions. Specializing in addiction recovery and mental wellness I create a safe space for you to explore your emotions, develop coping strategies and build resilience as you navigate through life's challenges. Through a holistic approach that addresses both physical and psychological aspects of addiction and mental health, we address underlying issues and create a solid foundation for long-term recovery and mental well-being. I offer unwavering compassion, support and guidance as you embark on your healing and self-discovery journey.
Brianne Flaherty Counselling Services is a private practice facilitating virtual sessions. Specializing in addiction recovery and mental wellness I create a safe space for you to explore your emotions, develop coping strategies and build resilience as you navigate through life's challenges. Through a holistic approach that addresses both physical and psychological aspects of addiction and mental health, we address underlying issues and create a solid foundation for long-term recovery and mental well-being. I offer unwavering compassion, support and guidance as you embark on your healing and self-discovery journey.
(249) 496-1956 View (249) 496-1956
Photo of Sheena Shilton - Psychotherapy For You Alberta, Counsellor in Lethbridge, AB
Sheena Shilton - Psychotherapy For You Alberta
Counsellor
Verified Verified
Lethbridge, AB T1H
My area of expertise are Addictions and Mental Health. With Addictions and Mental Health there are a variety of complex issues that can arise from these difficulties. I provide therapy to individuals, couples, families and groups. My approach is psycho-educational, using practice methods, and cognitive behavioural therapy to help change dysfunctional behaviour patterns that are interfering with daily life. As an Addictions and Mental Health Counsellor with The Royal Mental Health Care Centre for the 8 years, in the Substance Use and Concurrent Disorders Unit.
My area of expertise are Addictions and Mental Health. With Addictions and Mental Health there are a variety of complex issues that can arise from these difficulties. I provide therapy to individuals, couples, families and groups. My approach is psycho-educational, using practice methods, and cognitive behavioural therapy to help change dysfunctional behaviour patterns that are interfering with daily life. As an Addictions and Mental Health Counsellor with The Royal Mental Health Care Centre for the 8 years, in the Substance Use and Concurrent Disorders Unit.
(587) 854-3978 View (587) 854-3978
Photo of Carol Wilson, Counsellor in Lethbridge, AB
Carol Wilson
Counsellor, MA, CPC
Verified Verified
Lethbridge, AB T1J
In the years I have worked with addiction and mental health, the thing that has always stood out to me is that change is possible.
Do you feel overwhelmed, alone, and helpless to change? Are you or a family member struggling to cope by using alcohol/drugs, food, nicotine, or gambling? While change can feel overwhelming and you may think you are helpless and alone, counselling may provide the hope you need to find the inner strength to change. I offer a warm, non-judgmental space to explore your concerns, by yourself or as a couple, and discover new and exciting solutions.
In the years I have worked with addiction and mental health, the thing that has always stood out to me is that change is possible.
Do you feel overwhelmed, alone, and helpless to change? Are you or a family member struggling to cope by using alcohol/drugs, food, nicotine, or gambling? While change can feel overwhelming and you may think you are helpless and alone, counselling may provide the hope you need to find the inner strength to change. I offer a warm, non-judgmental space to explore your concerns, by yourself or as a couple, and discover new and exciting solutions.
(587) 856-0345 View (587) 856-0345
Photo of Meghan McDonald, Psychologist in Lethbridge, AB
Meghan McDonald
Psychologist, MC, RPsych
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Lethbridge, AB T1H
Welcome! Whatever road brought you to my profile, I'm glad you are here. Are you struggling with substance use or addictive behaviours? Are you feeling burnt out? Are you needing a safe, supportive, and calm place to talk about the challenges you are facing? I will support and help guide you to make lasting, positive and sustainable changes in your life. I take a kind and compassionate approach that gives you the space to feel truly seen and understood. Together, we can help you cultivate and advance your own strengths and capabilities, to move from existing to thriving.
Welcome! Whatever road brought you to my profile, I'm glad you are here. Are you struggling with substance use or addictive behaviours? Are you feeling burnt out? Are you needing a safe, supportive, and calm place to talk about the challenges you are facing? I will support and help guide you to make lasting, positive and sustainable changes in your life. I take a kind and compassionate approach that gives you the space to feel truly seen and understood. Together, we can help you cultivate and advance your own strengths and capabilities, to move from existing to thriving.
(825) 609-4939 View (825) 609-4939
Photo of Jocelynn DeVille, Counsellor in Lethbridge, AB
Jocelynn DeVille
Counsellor, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Lethbridge, AB T1H  (Online Only)
Jocelynne has over 12 years of experience as an addictions counsellor, working with individuals across the lifespan from youth to seniors with mental health challenges and addictions. Areas of practice: Addiction, alcohol use, anxiety, behavioural issues, depression, drug abuse, grief, life transition, relationship issues, mood disorders, self-esteem, suicidal ideation, trauma/PTSD, and Mindfulness.
Jocelynne has over 12 years of experience as an addictions counsellor, working with individuals across the lifespan from youth to seniors with mental health challenges and addictions. Areas of practice: Addiction, alcohol use, anxiety, behavioural issues, depression, drug abuse, grief, life transition, relationship issues, mood disorders, self-esteem, suicidal ideation, trauma/PTSD, and Mindfulness.
(587) 848-3629 View (587) 848-3629
Photo of Bobbi Bradley, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Lethbridge, AB
Bobbi Bradley
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Lethbridge, AB T1J
With a strong background in mental health and addiction from working in the public health care system, along with being a facilitator for a complex trauma group, I have experience with many different challenges that people face from trauma, anxiety and depression to relationship issues, communication struggles and difficulty with emotional regulation. The main therapeutic modalities that I incorporate into my practice are eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and solutions-focused brief therapy (SFBT) along with having a strengths-based, client-centred approach.
With a strong background in mental health and addiction from working in the public health care system, along with being a facilitator for a complex trauma group, I have experience with many different challenges that people face from trauma, anxiety and depression to relationship issues, communication struggles and difficulty with emotional regulation. The main therapeutic modalities that I incorporate into my practice are eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and solutions-focused brief therapy (SFBT) along with having a strengths-based, client-centred approach.
(825) 255-5151 View (825) 255-5151
Photo of Alexandra Dunn, Counsellor in Lethbridge, AB
Alexandra Dunn
Counsellor, ACTA, IFC, RAC, EAL
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Lethbridge, AB T1H  (Online Only)
I have experience working with individuals of all ages, families and couples managing addiction, trauma, suicide ideation, mTBI, anxiety, depression, ADHD, stress, overwhelm, low self-esteem, and complex needs.
Life circumstances can leave us feeling overwhelmed, often stuck, and struggling to make sense of things. I help you to understand and identify these thoughts, feelings, and emotions. I offer a safe confidential space where together we can work through these areas of your life moving towards an understanding and acceptance of what has taken place, allowing for healing, change and possibilities. I believe in the uniqueness of each individual offering Integrative Counselling tailoring sessions to your own needs.
I have experience working with individuals of all ages, families and couples managing addiction, trauma, suicide ideation, mTBI, anxiety, depression, ADHD, stress, overwhelm, low self-esteem, and complex needs.
Life circumstances can leave us feeling overwhelmed, often stuck, and struggling to make sense of things. I help you to understand and identify these thoughts, feelings, and emotions. I offer a safe confidential space where together we can work through these areas of your life moving towards an understanding and acceptance of what has taken place, allowing for healing, change and possibilities. I believe in the uniqueness of each individual offering Integrative Counselling tailoring sessions to your own needs.
(587) 912-1190 View (587) 912-1190
Photo of Hutton Psychological Services- Cheryl Hutton , Psychologist in Lethbridge, AB
Hutton Psychological Services- Cheryl Hutton
Psychologist, R Psyc, MACP, BA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Lethbridge, AB T1J
Specializing in Therapeutic Interventions that address Anxiety and Depression, Negative life events/ Trauma/ Blocking Beliefs, and helping clients to align with their own core values and best versions of themselves! Additional training in Positive Parenting, Disabilities, Substance use, Schema Therapy, EMDR, Gottman Method couples therapy.
Registered Psychologist working within a vast array of clinical areas. I enjoy meeting each individual client with where they are at and what will be the best treatment plan based on their own unique needs. visit www.huttonpsychologicalservices.ca to book today!
Specializing in Therapeutic Interventions that address Anxiety and Depression, Negative life events/ Trauma/ Blocking Beliefs, and helping clients to align with their own core values and best versions of themselves! Additional training in Positive Parenting, Disabilities, Substance use, Schema Therapy, EMDR, Gottman Method couples therapy.
Registered Psychologist working within a vast array of clinical areas. I enjoy meeting each individual client with where they are at and what will be the best treatment plan based on their own unique needs. visit www.huttonpsychologicalservices.ca to book today!
(587) 801-4658 View (587) 801-4658
Photo of Jennifer Thibodeau, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Lethbridge, AB
Jennifer Thibodeau
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, RSW, CSAT-S
Verified Verified
Lethbridge, AB T1J
I am a licensed Clinical Social Worker who has maintained a thriving private practice for well over 30 years assisting couples, individuals and families in a variety of life areas. Many struggles such as anxiety, grief & loss, addiction, depression and anxiety can be rooted in trauma experiences. There is hope! As a trained trauma professional I can work with you to explore and help heal these traumas in a safe, supportive and confidential environment.
I am a licensed Clinical Social Worker who has maintained a thriving private practice for well over 30 years assisting couples, individuals and families in a variety of life areas. Many struggles such as anxiety, grief & loss, addiction, depression and anxiety can be rooted in trauma experiences. There is hope! As a trained trauma professional I can work with you to explore and help heal these traumas in a safe, supportive and confidential environment.
(855) 795-9816 View (855) 795-9816
Photo of Paula Woynarowsky, Psychologist in Lethbridge, AB
Paula Woynarowsky
Psychologist, MEd, RPsych
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Lethbridge, AB T1J
Hello, I'm a Registered Psychologist and have worked in the addiction and mental health field for 10 years. I've had the privilege of working in diverse settings which include; inpatient treatment centres, non-profit organizations, outpatient clinics, post-secondary institutions, and small private practice offices. I prioritize building a secure therapeutic relationship with those I work with and utilize evidence-based interventions to address concerns related to mental health, substance use, relationships, problematic sexual behaviour, sexual dysfunction, and issues relating to overall sexual health.
Hello, I'm a Registered Psychologist and have worked in the addiction and mental health field for 10 years. I've had the privilege of working in diverse settings which include; inpatient treatment centres, non-profit organizations, outpatient clinics, post-secondary institutions, and small private practice offices. I prioritize building a secure therapeutic relationship with those I work with and utilize evidence-based interventions to address concerns related to mental health, substance use, relationships, problematic sexual behaviour, sexual dysfunction, and issues relating to overall sexual health.
(825) 525-2955 View (825) 525-2955
Photo of Travis Funk, Counsellor in Lethbridge, AB
Travis Funk
Counsellor, CCC
Verified Verified
Lethbridge, AB T1H
Sometimes life throws us experiences that make us question who we are, challenge our sense of connection with others, or traumatize us. Whether these experiences result in stress, depression, anxiety, grief, or substance use, these life situations can be difficult to manage on our own. Imagine a non-judgemental, compassionate, and empathetic space to find your pathway to improved wellness. I work with adults, teens, couples, and families, striving to understand how these experiences have impacted them. I appreciate the privilege of being able to work collaboratively with my clients, finding strengths and working towards goals.
Sometimes life throws us experiences that make us question who we are, challenge our sense of connection with others, or traumatize us. Whether these experiences result in stress, depression, anxiety, grief, or substance use, these life situations can be difficult to manage on our own. Imagine a non-judgemental, compassionate, and empathetic space to find your pathway to improved wellness. I work with adults, teens, couples, and families, striving to understand how these experiences have impacted them. I appreciate the privilege of being able to work collaboratively with my clients, finding strengths and working towards goals.
(587) 816-6529 View (587) 816-6529
Photo of Lee Atwood, Psychologist in Lethbridge, AB
Lee Atwood
Psychologist, MC, RPsych
Verified Verified
Lethbridge, AB T1H
When you feel all hope is lost, there is STILL hope! Vincent van Gogh said, “There may be a great fire in our soul, yet no one ever comes to warm himself at it, and the passers-by see only a wisp of smoke.” I consider my job to hear and feel with you the great fire of your soul—your struggles, feelings of hopelessness and worry, feeling controlled by your emotions and past trauma, repeating patterns of conflict, battling addiction, or fighting an inner battle that others may not fully understand or appreciate.
When you feel all hope is lost, there is STILL hope! Vincent van Gogh said, “There may be a great fire in our soul, yet no one ever comes to warm himself at it, and the passers-by see only a wisp of smoke.” I consider my job to hear and feel with you the great fire of your soul—your struggles, feelings of hopelessness and worry, feeling controlled by your emotions and past trauma, repeating patterns of conflict, battling addiction, or fighting an inner battle that others may not fully understand or appreciate.
(587) 417-2687 View (587) 417-2687
Photo of Natasha Gillis, Registered Social Worker in Lethbridge, AB
Natasha Gillis
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Lethbridge, AB T1H
Hi! I'm Natasha and I believe we all are doing the best we can, yet each of us can find ourselves in need of support during different times in our lives. This may arise from relationships, life experiences, job loss, past traumas, or future uncertainties. I am a Registered Social Worker, having completed a Master’s degree in Clinical Social Work at the University of Calgary. I have experience working with adults, children, and couples using a trauma-informed care approach to therapy. I have experience helping individuals manage anxiety, depression, parenting challenges, interpersonal relationships, and addiction.
Hi! I'm Natasha and I believe we all are doing the best we can, yet each of us can find ourselves in need of support during different times in our lives. This may arise from relationships, life experiences, job loss, past traumas, or future uncertainties. I am a Registered Social Worker, having completed a Master’s degree in Clinical Social Work at the University of Calgary. I have experience working with adults, children, and couples using a trauma-informed care approach to therapy. I have experience helping individuals manage anxiety, depression, parenting challenges, interpersonal relationships, and addiction.
(403) 910-9005 View (403) 910-9005
Photo of Whitney Bryant, Psychologist in Lethbridge, AB
Whitney Bryant
Psychologist, BHSc, MEd, RPsych
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Lethbridge, AB T1H
My specialties include: LGBTQ+ concerns, exploring questions of sexuality/identity/gender, addictions/substance use, couples/relationships, mindfulness, burnout, navigating the coming out process, transitioning/trans health, sex positivity, trauma, and grief/loss.
Whatever road brought you to this page, welcome. I'm glad you are here. Do you feel lost or disconnected from yourself? Would you like to take steps to live a more authentic life? Do you want others to get to know the real you? Maybe you are wanting out of the closet, out of the shadows, or to have a space to explore your identity, sexuality or relationships. You might also be looking for a gender affirming therapist to support your journey as you begin or continue your transition. I take a holistic and anti-oppressive approach to mental health, and believe we all have the potential to grow, rewire our brains and heal.
My specialties include: LGBTQ+ concerns, exploring questions of sexuality/identity/gender, addictions/substance use, couples/relationships, mindfulness, burnout, navigating the coming out process, transitioning/trans health, sex positivity, trauma, and grief/loss.
Whatever road brought you to this page, welcome. I'm glad you are here. Do you feel lost or disconnected from yourself? Would you like to take steps to live a more authentic life? Do you want others to get to know the real you? Maybe you are wanting out of the closet, out of the shadows, or to have a space to explore your identity, sexuality or relationships. You might also be looking for a gender affirming therapist to support your journey as you begin or continue your transition. I take a holistic and anti-oppressive approach to mental health, and believe we all have the potential to grow, rewire our brains and heal.
(587) 429-9648 View (587) 429-9648
Photo of Alisha MacIsaac, Counsellor in Lethbridge, AB
Alisha MacIsaac
Counsellor, BScH, MACP, CCC
Verified Verified
Lethbridge, AB T1H  (Online Only)
I work with adults, couples and parents to navigate a wide range of challenges including trauma, addiction, chronic pain and illness, as well as anxiety, mood and personality disorders.
I strive to create a safe space for my clients to explore their concerns with compassion and acceptance. My goal is to make you feel supported, to validate your experiences and to provide information and skills to help you meet your goals in a way that is realistic and manageable. Everyone learns and processes differently, so I use a variety of therapeutic modalities. Depending on your hopes for therapy, we will develop a plan that is unique to you and may draw from various approaches.
I work with adults, couples and parents to navigate a wide range of challenges including trauma, addiction, chronic pain and illness, as well as anxiety, mood and personality disorders.
I strive to create a safe space for my clients to explore their concerns with compassion and acceptance. My goal is to make you feel supported, to validate your experiences and to provide information and skills to help you meet your goals in a way that is realistic and manageable. Everyone learns and processes differently, so I use a variety of therapeutic modalities. Depending on your hopes for therapy, we will develop a plan that is unique to you and may draw from various approaches.
(587) 800-4379 View (587) 800-4379
Photo of Richard Luykenaar, Psychologist in Lethbridge, AB
Richard Luykenaar
Psychologist, RPsych
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Lethbridge, AB T1J
Life can be challenging. Navigating these challenges is made so much easier with a deeper understanding of our own psychology. Whether exploring the pressures that impact all people or the specific stressors in your own life, having a dialogue partner that can offer new and supportive perspective can be a valuable asset. Everybody can use a boost in functionality, adaptability, and motivation.
Life can be challenging. Navigating these challenges is made so much easier with a deeper understanding of our own psychology. Whether exploring the pressures that impact all people or the specific stressors in your own life, having a dialogue partner that can offer new and supportive perspective can be a valuable asset. Everybody can use a boost in functionality, adaptability, and motivation.
(587) 671-1381 View (587) 671-1381
Photo of Sasha Mourits, Psychologist in Lethbridge, AB
Sasha Mourits
Psychologist, RP, MACP
Verified Verified
Lethbridge, AB T1K
Currently accepting new clients! I am a Registered Psychologist with 12+ years of counselling experience. Utilizing a trauma, somatic and attachment informed lense and person-centered approach, I work with you to create a personalized treatment plan to help you find your way to feeling at home in your body and environment. I include a variety of different approaches, which include EMDR, IFS, somatic attachment and strength-based techniques. Located away from the hustle and bustle of the city in a quiet home-based practice; providing you some extra privacy and solitude to heal.
Currently accepting new clients! I am a Registered Psychologist with 12+ years of counselling experience. Utilizing a trauma, somatic and attachment informed lense and person-centered approach, I work with you to create a personalized treatment plan to help you find your way to feeling at home in your body and environment. I include a variety of different approaches, which include EMDR, IFS, somatic attachment and strength-based techniques. Located away from the hustle and bustle of the city in a quiet home-based practice; providing you some extra privacy and solitude to heal.
(825) 254-7966 View (825) 254-7966

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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.