Addiction Counselling in Nottingham

Photo of Addictions Counselling & Therapy Nottingham, Counsellor in Nottingham, England
Addictions Counselling & Therapy Nottingham
Counsellor, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
8 Endorsed
Nottingham NG3
I offer private, confidential and effective therapy to clients struggling with compulsions and/or addictions, either using a secure online therapy platform or in-person at my professional consulting rooms in Nottingham. I offer a discrete and professional service. My background includes working in residential rehabs for The Priory and NHS services. Tailored individual counselling to help you make changes. When it comes to addiction / compulsive behaviours, some clients might be seeking to gain control again, some to stop completely. I seek to work in a way to help clients find and achieve the best way forward for themselves.
I offer private, confidential and effective therapy to clients struggling with compulsions and/or addictions, either using a secure online therapy platform or in-person at my professional consulting rooms in Nottingham. I offer a discrete and professional service. My background includes working in residential rehabs for The Priory and NHS services. Tailored individual counselling to help you make changes. When it comes to addiction / compulsive behaviours, some clients might be seeking to gain control again, some to stop completely. I seek to work in a way to help clients find and achieve the best way forward for themselves.
0115 697 2334 View 0115 697 2334
Photo of Chris Marshall - Addiction Therapy Care, Psychotherapist in Nottingham, England
Chris Marshall - Addiction Therapy Care
Psychotherapist, MBACP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Nottingham NG5
If you struggle with an addiction I will work with you to help you find a way to stop and more importantly, stay stopped. I’m sure you will have heard the words “why don’t you just stop/cut down”. If only it was that simple. Your addiction probably helped or still helps you feel better or takes you away from the feelings you don’t want. If you’re looking for help it’s probably damaging your life in some way now and you’re ready to look for a solution. You have taken the first step, looking for an answer.
If you struggle with an addiction I will work with you to help you find a way to stop and more importantly, stay stopped. I’m sure you will have heard the words “why don’t you just stop/cut down”. If only it was that simple. Your addiction probably helped or still helps you feel better or takes you away from the feelings you don’t want. If you’re looking for help it’s probably damaging your life in some way now and you’re ready to look for a solution. You have taken the first step, looking for an answer.
0115 697 1373 View 0115 697 1373
Photo of Jo Dean, Counsellor in Nottingham, England
Jo Dean
Counsellor, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Nottingham NG5
I work with adults both one to one and in group therapy that present with a range of difficulties which include Addiction, Mental Health, Eating Disorders, Self Harm, Bereavement, Anxiety, Depression, Domestic and Sexual Abuse, Trauma, Personality Disorders and many other challenges that individuals come to therapy for.
I am a highly qualified and experienced therapist working in Nottingham with clients seeking support when they are struggling with emotional or mental health challenges. Many people seek therapy when they are feeling vulnerable and experiencing a challenging time in their lives, due to past experiences or events that are happening in the present day. I understand how big this first step is. My role as a therapist is to provide you with a safe and confidential space to talk and help you explore the challenges you are currently facing and help you heal and find solutions. I have worked for the Priory Clinic, Steps Together Rehab.
I work with adults both one to one and in group therapy that present with a range of difficulties which include Addiction, Mental Health, Eating Disorders, Self Harm, Bereavement, Anxiety, Depression, Domestic and Sexual Abuse, Trauma, Personality Disorders and many other challenges that individuals come to therapy for.
I am a highly qualified and experienced therapist working in Nottingham with clients seeking support when they are struggling with emotional or mental health challenges. Many people seek therapy when they are feeling vulnerable and experiencing a challenging time in their lives, due to past experiences or events that are happening in the present day. I understand how big this first step is. My role as a therapist is to provide you with a safe and confidential space to talk and help you explore the challenges you are currently facing and help you heal and find solutions. I have worked for the Priory Clinic, Steps Together Rehab.
0115 697 1022 View 0115 697 1022
Photo of Tracey Crosby, Counsellor in Nottingham, England
Tracey Crosby
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Nottingham NG5
Specialist knowledge, experience and training in abuse, anxiety, depression, self-esteem, bereavement, addiction, trauma and relationships.
Welcome. Trying to find the right therapist can be a minefield. Let me introduce my passions, knowledge and experience. Chaotic lifestyles, poverty, depression, families, unhealthy relationships, drugs, alcohol, anxiety, mental health, self-esteem, confidence, bereavement, domestic abuse, unhelpful thinking patterns, adversity in childhood, trauma and abuse. I love supporting and empowering individuals to pursue my mantra of "just be, whoever you choose to be" within their own world view. In your own time, find your true SELF heading towards a positive, happy and health lifestyle which suits your own unique journey.
Specialist knowledge, experience and training in abuse, anxiety, depression, self-esteem, bereavement, addiction, trauma and relationships.
Welcome. Trying to find the right therapist can be a minefield. Let me introduce my passions, knowledge and experience. Chaotic lifestyles, poverty, depression, families, unhealthy relationships, drugs, alcohol, anxiety, mental health, self-esteem, confidence, bereavement, domestic abuse, unhelpful thinking patterns, adversity in childhood, trauma and abuse. I love supporting and empowering individuals to pursue my mantra of "just be, whoever you choose to be" within their own world view. In your own time, find your true SELF heading towards a positive, happy and health lifestyle which suits your own unique journey.
07963 312979 View 07963 312979
Photo of Jayne Davies, Counsellor in Nottingham, England
Jayne Davies
Counsellor, BACP
Verified Verified
Nottingham NG1  (Online Only)
I am an experienced counsellor who has worked with substance misuse, addiction, including the impact on family and friends.
Hi my name is Jayne. I have over 18 years’ experience working within a custodial setting and have worked in a therapeutic capacity offering psychosocial support. This includes substance misuse addiction and the subsequent impact on family members and friends. I am a registered member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy. I have also work as a counsellor for a women's charity providing holistic support for women with complex needs. I offer a non-judgmental safe space online and via telephone for your exploration of self. You only get one you! Let’s look after YOU!
I am an experienced counsellor who has worked with substance misuse, addiction, including the impact on family and friends.
Hi my name is Jayne. I have over 18 years’ experience working within a custodial setting and have worked in a therapeutic capacity offering psychosocial support. This includes substance misuse addiction and the subsequent impact on family members and friends. I am a registered member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy. I have also work as a counsellor for a women's charity providing holistic support for women with complex needs. I offer a non-judgmental safe space online and via telephone for your exploration of self. You only get one you! Let’s look after YOU!
01246 607041 View 01246 607041
Photo of Annette Carney, Counsellor in Nottingham, England
Annette Carney
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Nottingham NG16
Hi, I am Annette a BACP registered counsellor. I have had over ten years experience of working with clients who sought support while struggling with addiction both drink and drugs or other compulsive behaviour’s from my time at the Mary Magdalen Foundation in Nottingham or in my private practice..I also work with clients experiencing mental and emotional issues, anxiety, depression or trauma. I work with adults of all ages from students to senior citizens at NG161BZ covering Nottingham ,online or by phone which ever is convenient for the client.
Hi, I am Annette a BACP registered counsellor. I have had over ten years experience of working with clients who sought support while struggling with addiction both drink and drugs or other compulsive behaviour’s from my time at the Mary Magdalen Foundation in Nottingham or in my private practice..I also work with clients experiencing mental and emotional issues, anxiety, depression or trauma. I work with adults of all ages from students to senior citizens at NG161BZ covering Nottingham ,online or by phone which ever is convenient for the client.
01773 483108 View 01773 483108
Photo of Sarah Hopton, Psychotherapist in Nottingham, England
Sarah Hopton
Psychotherapist, MSc, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
Nottingham NG13
As an integrative therapist, I am relational in my approach, this style places great emphasis on the relationship between the client and the therapist. I believe the most important part of any therapy is to build a trusting relationship, where you can feel safe and secure so you feel able to share your story and experiences in a confidential, non-judgmental space where you can explore positive and challenging aspects of your life and any change you wish to explore or make. I have personal experience in sexual, physical, emotional and mental abuse; divorce; living with a narcissist; step-parenting; addiction and PTSD.
As an integrative therapist, I am relational in my approach, this style places great emphasis on the relationship between the client and the therapist. I believe the most important part of any therapy is to build a trusting relationship, where you can feel safe and secure so you feel able to share your story and experiences in a confidential, non-judgmental space where you can explore positive and challenging aspects of your life and any change you wish to explore or make. I have personal experience in sexual, physical, emotional and mental abuse; divorce; living with a narcissist; step-parenting; addiction and PTSD.
01949 831648 View 01949 831648
Photo of Psychological Progress Centre, Counsellor in Nottingham, England
Psychological Progress Centre
Counsellor, MSc
Verified Verified
Nottingham NG10  (Online Only)
Curious about whether you have an addiction? Prefer texting to talking? We’ve got you covered.
Hi, my name is Ross Cullis, I'm a Psychological and Professional Addiction Support Worker with extensive personal and professional experience within this sector. Unlike many other Psychological Support Staff: I have lived experience of the issues in which I offer support (I understand your problems and this understanding hasn't been developed solely from a book or classroom, although my knowledge in this area is also extensive). I recognise the issues in attending therapy and conduct all sessions via online messaging.
Curious about whether you have an addiction? Prefer texting to talking? We’ve got you covered.
Hi, my name is Ross Cullis, I'm a Psychological and Professional Addiction Support Worker with extensive personal and professional experience within this sector. Unlike many other Psychological Support Staff: I have lived experience of the issues in which I offer support (I understand your problems and this understanding hasn't been developed solely from a book or classroom, although my knowledge in this area is also extensive). I recognise the issues in attending therapy and conduct all sessions via online messaging.
01443 801540 View 01443 801540
Photo of harmonycouplestherapy.org, Counsellor in Nottingham, England
harmonycouplestherapy.org
Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
Nottingham NG9
Welcome to Harmony Couples Therapy, my name is Ellen, and I am an experienced relationship therapist at Relate with nearly 20 years experience, and I also work with private clients. I work in person on Wednesday and Thursday evenings in Derby, and sessions are also available online. I regularly work with clients to help them make sense of a wide variety of issues such as managing conflict, trauma, separation/divorce, infidelity, bereavement, addiction, mental health issues and I have specialist training in working with couples affected by Aspergers/Autism and depression/anxiety.
Welcome to Harmony Couples Therapy, my name is Ellen, and I am an experienced relationship therapist at Relate with nearly 20 years experience, and I also work with private clients. I work in person on Wednesday and Thursday evenings in Derby, and sessions are also available online. I regularly work with clients to help them make sense of a wide variety of issues such as managing conflict, trauma, separation/divorce, infidelity, bereavement, addiction, mental health issues and I have specialist training in working with couples affected by Aspergers/Autism and depression/anxiety.
0115 647 7349 View 0115 647 7349
Photo of Paul Robert Brown, Psychotherapist in Nottingham, England
Paul Robert Brown
Psychotherapist, MBACP
Verified Verified
Nottingham NG16
I can help you with Addiction, Anxiety, Depression, Domestic, & Sexual Abuse, Loss of self-esteem, Loss of Meaning and Purpose in Life, Neurodiversity (ADHD, Autism, Aspergers, Dyspraxia), Relational Trauma, Stress and Social Anxiety.
If you are reading this, then you have already taken the first step, well done you. My goal is always to understand you and to know how it feels to walk in your shoes. Using a dynamic approach, tailored to you and your needs, we will explore your experience together. I practice how I live, authentically and with honesty. My approach to therapy is relational. Healing occurs within the therapeutic relationship and through effective strategies that address whatever is holding you back.
I can help you with Addiction, Anxiety, Depression, Domestic, & Sexual Abuse, Loss of self-esteem, Loss of Meaning and Purpose in Life, Neurodiversity (ADHD, Autism, Aspergers, Dyspraxia), Relational Trauma, Stress and Social Anxiety.
If you are reading this, then you have already taken the first step, well done you. My goal is always to understand you and to know how it feels to walk in your shoes. Using a dynamic approach, tailored to you and your needs, we will explore your experience together. I practice how I live, authentically and with honesty. My approach to therapy is relational. Healing occurs within the therapeutic relationship and through effective strategies that address whatever is holding you back.
01777 801280 View 01777 801280
Photo of Karen Martin Counselling and psychotherapy service, Counsellor in Nottingham, England
Karen Martin Counselling and psychotherapy service
Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
Nottingham NG3
Specialising in trauma - using EMDR, loss, stress, anxiety, low self - esteem, abuse, addiction, self harm and issues within relationships.
Are you feeling lost or out of sorts? Life can be hard and this is where counselling can play a pivotal role in turning your life around. No one should be dealing with issues alone. Standing beside you, developing a trusting relationship where you feel at ease and able to share in a place of safety without judgements or demands is an important starting point. People don’t need to be in crisis or at breaking point to have therapy. It is about empowerment for you to lead the life you want. The outcome being that you have a strong mental platform and resources to facilitate growth.
Specialising in trauma - using EMDR, loss, stress, anxiety, low self - esteem, abuse, addiction, self harm and issues within relationships.
Are you feeling lost or out of sorts? Life can be hard and this is where counselling can play a pivotal role in turning your life around. No one should be dealing with issues alone. Standing beside you, developing a trusting relationship where you feel at ease and able to share in a place of safety without judgements or demands is an important starting point. People don’t need to be in crisis or at breaking point to have therapy. It is about empowerment for you to lead the life you want. The outcome being that you have a strong mental platform and resources to facilitate growth.
0115 647 1038 View 0115 647 1038
Photo of Dr Catrin Williams, Psychologist in Nottingham, England
Dr Catrin Williams
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Forensic Psych.
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Nottingham NG8
Welcome to my profile - My name is Cat and I'm an expert in developmental trauma and personality difficulties. These can lead to a range of mental health needs that I can support you with (like anxiety, anger, risky behaviours, psychosis...) and also unhelpful coping behaviours, such as self-harm and suicidal thoughts, substance use, relationship struggles, and on. My approach is to understand the 'why', to get the root cause of difficult experiences so that we know how to improve it. We will work on identifying unhelpful coping strategies and replace these with healthy ones so we can work on developing the life that you want.
Welcome to my profile - My name is Cat and I'm an expert in developmental trauma and personality difficulties. These can lead to a range of mental health needs that I can support you with (like anxiety, anger, risky behaviours, psychosis...) and also unhelpful coping behaviours, such as self-harm and suicidal thoughts, substance use, relationship struggles, and on. My approach is to understand the 'why', to get the root cause of difficult experiences so that we know how to improve it. We will work on identifying unhelpful coping strategies and replace these with healthy ones so we can work on developing the life that you want.
01829 708150 View 01829 708150
Photo of Kim Lewin, Psychotherapist in Nottingham, England
Kim Lewin
Psychotherapist, MA, MBACP
Verified Verified
Nottingham NG1
I work with children, teenagers and adults who have a variety of life experiences such as; anxiety, depression, DID, grief, transgender identity, trauma and addiction.
The path to healing and self knowledge can be hard. The therapeutic relationship offers a safe space to reflect on life experiences, change negative patterns and work through trauma. I am a fully qualified person centred and experiential psychotherapist , trained to MSc level and BACP registered, also holding a degree in Creative, Expressive therapies. I offer a supportive and confidential environment, where we can work together through any experiences and thought processes that you choose to bring to session. Together we will work towards self understanding and personal growth.
I work with children, teenagers and adults who have a variety of life experiences such as; anxiety, depression, DID, grief, transgender identity, trauma and addiction.
The path to healing and self knowledge can be hard. The therapeutic relationship offers a safe space to reflect on life experiences, change negative patterns and work through trauma. I am a fully qualified person centred and experiential psychotherapist , trained to MSc level and BACP registered, also holding a degree in Creative, Expressive therapies. I offer a supportive and confidential environment, where we can work together through any experiences and thought processes that you choose to bring to session. Together we will work towards self understanding and personal growth.
0115 647 7340 View 0115 647 7340
Photo of Samantha Etchells, Psychotherapist in Nottingham, England
Samantha Etchells
Psychotherapist, MBACP
Verified Verified
Nottingham NG15
I have a variety of experience working with different presentations such as addiction, domestic abuse, childhood / developmental trauma, relationship difficulties, anxiety, depression, self-worth, low self-esteem, functional neurological disorders, suicide bereavement, eating disorders, sexual abuse and self-harm.
Hello, I'm Sam. I am a Humanistic and Integrative counsellor and psychotherapist and I work with adults, children, and young people. My philosophy is that our experiences and relationships shape us into who we are. I believe the therapeutic relationship can help people make sense of who they truly are so that they can live a more fulfilling life. I offer an empathic, compassionate, non-judgemental relational experience to help facilitate self-awareness, change, and growth.
I have a variety of experience working with different presentations such as addiction, domestic abuse, childhood / developmental trauma, relationship difficulties, anxiety, depression, self-worth, low self-esteem, functional neurological disorders, suicide bereavement, eating disorders, sexual abuse and self-harm.
Hello, I'm Sam. I am a Humanistic and Integrative counsellor and psychotherapist and I work with adults, children, and young people. My philosophy is that our experiences and relationships shape us into who we are. I believe the therapeutic relationship can help people make sense of who they truly are so that they can live a more fulfilling life. I offer an empathic, compassionate, non-judgemental relational experience to help facilitate self-awareness, change, and growth.
0115 647 8848 View 0115 647 8848
Photo of Polly Dexter, Psychotherapist in Nottingham, England
Polly Dexter
Psychotherapist, MUKCP
Verified Verified
Nottingham NG13
Hello, I’m a fully qualified Psychotherapist working with adults and young people to help improve well-being and quality of life. I offer short or longer term therapy depending on your needs and wants. If you are feeling low in mood, anxious, overwhelmed or stuck in some way, psychotherapy can help. I firmly believe that we each have the potential to change, grow and heal when we are offered the right support. I have worked with a broad range of people on the issues that are important to them. Themes have included anxiety, depression, complex trauma, loss, neurodiversity, relationship difficulties, addiction, among many others.
Hello, I’m a fully qualified Psychotherapist working with adults and young people to help improve well-being and quality of life. I offer short or longer term therapy depending on your needs and wants. If you are feeling low in mood, anxious, overwhelmed or stuck in some way, psychotherapy can help. I firmly believe that we each have the potential to change, grow and heal when we are offered the right support. I have worked with a broad range of people on the issues that are important to them. Themes have included anxiety, depression, complex trauma, loss, neurodiversity, relationship difficulties, addiction, among many others.
0115 647 8191 View 0115 647 8191
Photo of Dr Harry (Henry) Ager, Psychologist in Nottingham, England
Dr Harry (Henry) Ager
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
Nottingham NG5
I am a Clinical Psychologist. I have a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (DClinPsy), an MSc in Forensic Psychology and a BSc in Psychology with Criminology. I am highly experienced in working with individuals with complex clinical presentations across the lifespan. I have largely worked for the NHS in adult mental health, forensic and rehabilitation settings. Along with common mental health difficulties, I particularly specialise in personality disorders, substance misuse and psychosis. I also have a keen interest in physical exercise, nutrition and maintaining a healthy lifestyle by promoting positive health behaviour change.
I am a Clinical Psychologist. I have a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (DClinPsy), an MSc in Forensic Psychology and a BSc in Psychology with Criminology. I am highly experienced in working with individuals with complex clinical presentations across the lifespan. I have largely worked for the NHS in adult mental health, forensic and rehabilitation settings. Along with common mental health difficulties, I particularly specialise in personality disorders, substance misuse and psychosis. I also have a keen interest in physical exercise, nutrition and maintaining a healthy lifestyle by promoting positive health behaviour change.
07703 721278 View 07703 721278
Photo of Yasmin Shaheen-Zaffar, Counsellor in Nottingham, England
Yasmin Shaheen-Zaffar
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Nottingham NG1  (Online Only)
Are you looking for less stress in your life? In your relationships with loved ones? Yourself or others? Do you wish you could communicate better with those that matter? Maybe emotional regulation is difficult for you? Or do you feel heartbroken due to a break up or loss? Perhaps due to trauma or addiction your relationship with past experiences stand in the way of living life to its fullest potential? Maybe due to anxiety or anger it feels your life is spiralling out of control? You aren’t sure what to do next? I am here to offer non-judgemental and compassionate support so that together we can create positive changes in your life
Are you looking for less stress in your life? In your relationships with loved ones? Yourself or others? Do you wish you could communicate better with those that matter? Maybe emotional regulation is difficult for you? Or do you feel heartbroken due to a break up or loss? Perhaps due to trauma or addiction your relationship with past experiences stand in the way of living life to its fullest potential? Maybe due to anxiety or anger it feels your life is spiralling out of control? You aren’t sure what to do next? I am here to offer non-judgemental and compassionate support so that together we can create positive changes in your life
01937 227387 View 01937 227387
Photo of Louisa Watts, Psychotherapist in Nottingham, England
Louisa Watts
Psychotherapist, MA, MBACP
Verified Verified
Nottingham NG11
Life can be rough. Sometimes we get to a point where we feel stuck, unable to see a way through. There are infinite reasons of what may bring you to therapy; relationship breakdown, bereavement, a sense of loss of control, addiction, bullying.. We cannot change the past. But we can heal from the pain, towards a life worth living of your choice. Therapy is a collaborative process. I will work with you as the expert on your own life; offering support, challenge, well-being practices, empathy and compassion along with the space to explore your own experience, which is so rarely possible in our daily lives.
Life can be rough. Sometimes we get to a point where we feel stuck, unable to see a way through. There are infinite reasons of what may bring you to therapy; relationship breakdown, bereavement, a sense of loss of control, addiction, bullying.. We cannot change the past. But we can heal from the pain, towards a life worth living of your choice. Therapy is a collaborative process. I will work with you as the expert on your own life; offering support, challenge, well-being practices, empathy and compassion along with the space to explore your own experience, which is so rarely possible in our daily lives.
07723 451684 View 07723 451684
Photo of Jennifer Steans, Psychologist in Nottingham, England
Jennifer Steans
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Forensic Psych.
Verified Verified
Nottingham NG10  (Online Only)
I work with anxiety, addiction, depression, discrimination, family issues, low self-esteem, phobias, relationship issues, stress and trauma.
Welcome, I'm Jennifer, a HCPC registered and BPS accredited Psychologist and EMDR therapist. I believe in creating a safe, supportive and non-judgmental space to listen to your lived experience and support you to find the best way to heal. I believe therapy is different for everyone and I support people looking for short term relief and those who want to look deeper into past issues. I value feedback and like to work in an open and collaborative way with my clients. I also offer supervision for other psychologists, psychologists in training or mental health workers.
I work with anxiety, addiction, depression, discrimination, family issues, low self-esteem, phobias, relationship issues, stress and trauma.
Welcome, I'm Jennifer, a HCPC registered and BPS accredited Psychologist and EMDR therapist. I believe in creating a safe, supportive and non-judgmental space to listen to your lived experience and support you to find the best way to heal. I believe therapy is different for everyone and I support people looking for short term relief and those who want to look deeper into past issues. I value feedback and like to work in an open and collaborative way with my clients. I also offer supervision for other psychologists, psychologists in training or mental health workers.
0115 647 0290 View 0115 647 0290
Photo of Katrina Kirkbride, Psychotherapist in Nottingham, England
Katrina Kirkbride
Psychotherapist, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
Nottingham NG13
Counselling can help with many difficult challenges from coping with traumatic experiences and events, to constantly striving to do your best but never feeling good enough, to living with addiction, managing difficult relationships, harmful emotions or behaviours.
Choosing to have counselling is a brave decision and often made at a challenging or painful time in your life. Finding the right therapist for you is incredibly important and I understand how difficult this can be. I can provide a warm, genuine, confidential space without judgement, giving you the opportunity to be heard, valued, and understood.
Counselling can help with many difficult challenges from coping with traumatic experiences and events, to constantly striving to do your best but never feeling good enough, to living with addiction, managing difficult relationships, harmful emotions or behaviours.
Choosing to have counselling is a brave decision and often made at a challenging or painful time in your life. Finding the right therapist for you is incredibly important and I understand how difficult this can be. I can provide a warm, genuine, confidential space without judgement, giving you the opportunity to be heard, valued, and understood.
01949 480443 View 01949 480443

See more therapy options for Nottingham


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.