Addiction Counselling in Birmingham

Photo of James Bell - Pittmain Addictions Specialist Therapy Service, Counsellor
Pittmain Addictions Specialist Therapy Service
Counsellor
Verified Verified
Birmingham B14
Being free from addiction feels like reclaiming your life.
Feel like your starting to lose everything including your sanity ? loneliness ,loss of interest in past pleasures, cravings, withdrawals mood swings and irritability, guilt, work position threatened, unmanageable finance and debt, relationships in decline, health issues occurring, not sure how to dig yourself out or even if you do it still wont necessarily work, have managed the climb back from it and now help others too, call now for a chat, the offer is 1-1 therapy that will get you to the solutions from the above.
Being free from addiction feels like reclaiming your life.
Feel like your starting to lose everything including your sanity ? loneliness ,loss of interest in past pleasures, cravings, withdrawals mood swings and irritability, guilt, work position threatened, unmanageable finance and debt, relationships in decline, health issues occurring, not sure how to dig yourself out or even if you do it still wont necessarily work, have managed the climb back from it and now help others too, call now for a chat, the offer is 1-1 therapy that will get you to the solutions from the above.
0121 661 5848 View 0121 661 5848
Photo of Jon King - Addiction Specialist Psychotherapist, MSc, MUKCP, Psychotherapist
Jon King - Addiction Specialist Psychotherapist
Psychotherapist, MSc, MUKCP
Verified Verified
Birmingham B28
My experience within this has been focused on many issues such as loss, anxiety, relationships, work related stress, shame, addictions, abandonment and issues of a sexual nature.
I am a fully qualified and experienced counsellor and psychotherapist with experience working within the NHS, private and charitable sectors. I offer a safe and confidential space in Birmingham and Coventry where clients are able to explore themselves free from judgement. I have extensive experience working within the field of addiction and have also been working within my own private practice for a number of years where i have enjoyed working with clients that present with a variety of different issues such as anxiety, relationship issues, sex issues, anger issues, personality disorders and also bereavement.
My experience within this has been focused on many issues such as loss, anxiety, relationships, work related stress, shame, addictions, abandonment and issues of a sexual nature.
I am a fully qualified and experienced counsellor and psychotherapist with experience working within the NHS, private and charitable sectors. I offer a safe and confidential space in Birmingham and Coventry where clients are able to explore themselves free from judgement. I have extensive experience working within the field of addiction and have also been working within my own private practice for a number of years where i have enjoyed working with clients that present with a variety of different issues such as anxiety, relationship issues, sex issues, anger issues, personality disorders and also bereavement.
0121 285 8149 View 0121 285 8149
Photo of Christy Samuels - Christy Samuels PhysisRoots Counselling, MBACP Accred, Counsellor
Christy Samuels PhysisRoots Counselling
Counsellor, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Birmingham B12
Including helping people struggling with trauma, addiction, relationship issues and spiritual direction.
Hello, My name is Christy and I would like to speak with you about my services as a therapist. My practise is held in a quiet comfortable room where people feel safe to develop solutions to issues they are finding difficult. This is an authentic non judgemental space where movement towards your healing be facilitated. Though wounds may hurt they can be healed. Everybody has their personal mountain to climb and climbing goes smoother with a good guide that knows and understands the terrain. I would like to offer my services to help you navigate any difficulties you face.
Including helping people struggling with trauma, addiction, relationship issues and spiritual direction.
Hello, My name is Christy and I would like to speak with you about my services as a therapist. My practise is held in a quiet comfortable room where people feel safe to develop solutions to issues they are finding difficult. This is an authentic non judgemental space where movement towards your healing be facilitated. Though wounds may hurt they can be healed. Everybody has their personal mountain to climb and climbing goes smoother with a good guide that knows and understands the terrain. I would like to offer my services to help you navigate any difficulties you face.
01564 336711 View 01564 336711
Photo of Lucy Prokic, MBACP, Counsellor
Lucy Prokic
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Birmingham B26
I work mainly with those experiencing mental health difficulties, and it's related problems such as trauma, addiction and family and relationship issues.
Life can be hard right? Ever feel like your struggling to cope with the day to day, like you don't feel like yourself. Or maybe you've experienced trauma and need a safe place to work through that. Maybe your experiencing mental health difficulties for the first time such as anxiety or depression. Well these are some of the many things that therapy can help with.
I work mainly with those experiencing mental health difficulties, and it's related problems such as trauma, addiction and family and relationship issues.
Life can be hard right? Ever feel like your struggling to cope with the day to day, like you don't feel like yourself. Or maybe you've experienced trauma and need a safe place to work through that. Maybe your experiencing mental health difficulties for the first time such as anxiety or depression. Well these are some of the many things that therapy can help with.
01785 335804 View 01785 335804
Photo of Lydia Ewins, MBACP, Counsellor
Lydia Ewins
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Birmingham B16
I work within a safe, trusting and confidential setting with clients who are experiencing difficulties with depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, relationship issues, childhood trauma, addiction, bullying, and self-harm.
From time to time we can experience personal difficulties, crises, relationship and work-related problems that leave us finding it hard to cope, understand things and make decisions. I aim to help you to gain perspective about the issues troubling you; explore the causes of your problems and consider what might be stopping you from reaching your potential.
I work within a safe, trusting and confidential setting with clients who are experiencing difficulties with depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, relationship issues, childhood trauma, addiction, bullying, and self-harm.
From time to time we can experience personal difficulties, crises, relationship and work-related problems that leave us finding it hard to cope, understand things and make decisions. I aim to help you to gain perspective about the issues troubling you; explore the causes of your problems and consider what might be stopping you from reaching your potential.
0121 726 1181 View 0121 726 1181
Photo of Stephanie O'Dell - so-counselling , MNCPS Acc., Counsellor
so-counselling
Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
Birmingham B1
Trauma informed Integrative Counsellor, I specialise in working with addiction recovery, physical, emotional and sexual trauma, chronic pain and depression, anxiety, grief and loss.
If you're looking for a down to earth counsellor, who will create a warm and non judgemental environment, you've come to the right place. 11 years of experience working in a client led way has helped me develop a unique, somewhat radical approach to counselling. I believe the body and mind are connected and so I approach my work from a somatic perspective, taking into consideration the whole person and their environment.
Trauma informed Integrative Counsellor, I specialise in working with addiction recovery, physical, emotional and sexual trauma, chronic pain and depression, anxiety, grief and loss.
If you're looking for a down to earth counsellor, who will create a warm and non judgemental environment, you've come to the right place. 11 years of experience working in a client led way has helped me develop a unique, somewhat radical approach to counselling. I believe the body and mind are connected and so I approach my work from a somatic perspective, taking into consideration the whole person and their environment.
0121 661 3915 View 0121 661 3915
Photo of Ian Francis Mncs Accred, PNCPS Acc., Counsellor
Ian Francis Mncs Accred
Counsellor, PNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Birmingham B1
I love working with people who are openminded and honest and looking to improve their lives and explore some of their blocks. I have a lot of experience working with depression, anxiety, abuse, addiction and low self esteem. If you aren't happy with yourself or your life, I would love to find out why and help you to explore ways of making positive changes. I have transformed my life in a positive way so I speak from experience when I say radical transformation is possible if you are open to it. I offer a safe, non-judgemental space to talk about the things that are really important to you.
I love working with people who are openminded and honest and looking to improve their lives and explore some of their blocks. I have a lot of experience working with depression, anxiety, abuse, addiction and low self esteem. If you aren't happy with yourself or your life, I would love to find out why and help you to explore ways of making positive changes. I have transformed my life in a positive way so I speak from experience when I say radical transformation is possible if you are open to it. I offer a safe, non-judgemental space to talk about the things that are really important to you.
01223 658135 View 01223 658135
Photo of Steve John Barlow - Steve Barlow Counselling & Supervision Services, MBACP Accred, Counsellor
Steve Barlow Counselling & Supervision Services
Counsellor, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
Birmingham B1  (Online Only)
I am a BACP accredited, fully insured counsellor, supervisor and support group facilitator with over 20 years experience of working with clients both in an organisational setting and in private practice. I currently have availability Monday to Friday and sessions are now available online via secure video platforms. I am well-versed in providing both long and short-term counselling arrangements, covering many issues from addiction, bereavement and abuse to anxiety to relationship concerns and sexuality and gender.
I am a BACP accredited, fully insured counsellor, supervisor and support group facilitator with over 20 years experience of working with clients both in an organisational setting and in private practice. I currently have availability Monday to Friday and sessions are now available online via secure video platforms. I am well-versed in providing both long and short-term counselling arrangements, covering many issues from addiction, bereavement and abuse to anxiety to relationship concerns and sexuality and gender.
01763 291259 View 01763 291259
Photo of Gemma Allen - GLA Counselling & Therapy Services, DCounsPsych, PNCPS Acc., Counsellor
GLA Counselling & Therapy Services
Counsellor, DCounsPsych, PNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
Birmingham B26
I offer individual counselling, couples therapy and addiction therapy.
I am an Integrative Counsellor and have the skills to work either with a non-directive approach or I can be solution focused and offer insight. I am also a qualified addiction therapist and recovery coach and I am able to work with broad range of people who may have experienced abuse, trauma self-esteem issues, domestic abuse and all levels of anxiety or depression. I believe wholeheartedly that we all have within us the tools we need to move forward in life given the right environment, support and relationship. I believe that together and with a tailored approach to suit you we can work through what it is you need to work through.
I offer individual counselling, couples therapy and addiction therapy.
I am an Integrative Counsellor and have the skills to work either with a non-directive approach or I can be solution focused and offer insight. I am also a qualified addiction therapist and recovery coach and I am able to work with broad range of people who may have experienced abuse, trauma self-esteem issues, domestic abuse and all levels of anxiety or depression. I believe wholeheartedly that we all have within us the tools we need to move forward in life given the right environment, support and relationship. I believe that together and with a tailored approach to suit you we can work through what it is you need to work through.
01675 620471 View 01675 620471
Photo of Jo Ward-Mackie, MBABCP, Psychotherapist
Jo Ward-Mackie
Psychotherapist, MBABCP
Verified Verified
Birmingham B30
Life can be very fast paced, hectic and often we are not taught how to cope with any stresses that may arise. Over my time working in mental health, I have worked within many specialist services including outpatient services, addiction therapy programmes, general psychiatry in IAPT services and on psychiatric wards. This vast amount of experience over 10 years, has enabled me to develop a passion to help others feel empowered , to overcome lifes challenges and to learn how to take better care of themselves in the process.
Life can be very fast paced, hectic and often we are not taught how to cope with any stresses that may arise. Over my time working in mental health, I have worked within many specialist services including outpatient services, addiction therapy programmes, general psychiatry in IAPT services and on psychiatric wards. This vast amount of experience over 10 years, has enabled me to develop a passion to help others feel empowered , to overcome lifes challenges and to learn how to take better care of themselves in the process.
0121 661 4346 View 0121 661 4346
Photo of Angela Watson, Counsellor
Angela Watson
Counsellor
Verified Verified
Birmingham B12  (Online Only)
My Clinical specialities are: trauma, anxiety, depression, LGBTQ, self worth, stress, women’s issues, domestic abuse, addiction (drugs, alcohol) non-traditional relationships, mood disorders, relationship concerns (including friendships). I also specialize in workplace issues and challenges especially within the not-for-profit sector.
My Clinical specialities are: trauma, anxiety, depression, LGBTQ, self worth, stress, women’s issues, domestic abuse, addiction (drugs, alcohol) non-traditional relationships, mood disorders, relationship concerns (including friendships). I also specialize in workplace issues and challenges especially within the not-for-profit sector.
0121 827 5651 View 0121 827 5651
Photo of Conall Donegan - Dr Donegan, DCounsPsych, HCPC - Couns. Psych., Psychologist
Dr Donegan
Psychologist, DCounsPsych, HCPC - Couns. Psych.
Verified Verified
Birmingham B16  (Online Only)
Life these days can be difficult. It is only normal to have your bad days, yet, do not allow yourse to defined by these. Perhaps you are searching for more meaning in your life? Perhaps you have developed negative coping strategies from some pain in life or situational stress. Whether you want to build your resilience or begin positive change to excel within your life, I am here to help. I have experience dealing with stress, anxiety, relationship problems, depression, addiction, eating disorders, compulsions to name a few. Perhaps the time is now, to start the change and if so I can help you to create long lasting formative growth.
Life these days can be difficult. It is only normal to have your bad days, yet, do not allow yourse to defined by these. Perhaps you are searching for more meaning in your life? Perhaps you have developed negative coping strategies from some pain in life or situational stress. Whether you want to build your resilience or begin positive change to excel within your life, I am here to help. I have experience dealing with stress, anxiety, relationship problems, depression, addiction, eating disorders, compulsions to name a few. Perhaps the time is now, to start the change and if so I can help you to create long lasting formative growth.
0141 280 7413 View 0141 280 7413
Photo of Samantha Oliver, DCounsPsych, MNCPS Acc., Psychotherapist
Samantha Oliver
Psychotherapist, DCounsPsych, MNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
Birmingham B2
I'm Sam (or Samantha, I don't mind either), I'm an integrative counsellor who has worked with a wide range of issues in private practice. I have gained experience working in the third sector supporting survivors of sexual abuse and sexual violence in multiple roles such as a counsellor, group facilitator, and assessing client needs. I've also gained experience working in a sexual health clinic that support the LGBTQ+ community - working with a variety of issues and presentations such as  GSRD, Disabilities, Neurodiversity, ADHD, Sexual health, Sexual problems, and Gender dysphoria, compulsive sexual behaviour (sex addiction).
I'm Sam (or Samantha, I don't mind either), I'm an integrative counsellor who has worked with a wide range of issues in private practice. I have gained experience working in the third sector supporting survivors of sexual abuse and sexual violence in multiple roles such as a counsellor, group facilitator, and assessing client needs. I've also gained experience working in a sexual health clinic that support the LGBTQ+ community - working with a variety of issues and presentations such as  GSRD, Disabilities, Neurodiversity, ADHD, Sexual health, Sexual problems, and Gender dysphoria, compulsive sexual behaviour (sex addiction).
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Photo of Bushra Yassin - therapybybushra, MBACP, Counsellor
therapybybushra
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Birmingham B11  (Online Only)
I can work with - Abuse, Affairs 7 betrayals, Anxiety, Addiction Behaviour problems, Bereavement, Chronic pain/health issues, Cultural issues, Depression, Eating disorders, Family issues, Feeling sad, Generalised anxiety disorder (GAD), Jealousy, Low self-confidence, Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), Relationship prob, divorce, Sexual abuse, trauma.
Hello and welcome to my profile. I am an experienced, BACP Registered Counsellor. I have private practise for just over 5 years. I have work with people from all walks of life, which include different cultures and religions. Being a therapist of colour, I understand the cultural difficulties that clients may have face. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Each client is different, so therapy should be unique to each person.
I can work with - Abuse, Affairs 7 betrayals, Anxiety, Addiction Behaviour problems, Bereavement, Chronic pain/health issues, Cultural issues, Depression, Eating disorders, Family issues, Feeling sad, Generalised anxiety disorder (GAD), Jealousy, Low self-confidence, Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), Relationship prob, divorce, Sexual abuse, trauma.
Hello and welcome to my profile. I am an experienced, BACP Registered Counsellor. I have private practise for just over 5 years. I have work with people from all walks of life, which include different cultures and religions. Being a therapist of colour, I understand the cultural difficulties that clients may have face. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Each client is different, so therapy should be unique to each person.
0121 661 5066 View 0121 661 5066
Photo of Rav Saffron Khela - psychlarity Consultancy, MA, MUKCP, Psychotherapist
psychlarity Consultancy
Psychotherapist, MA, MUKCP
Verified Verified
Birmingham B1
Welcome to my profile. I am fortunate to have worked across a range of contexts as well as extensive experience with a numerous clients. As a consultant family and systemic psychotherapist with 25 years experience I specialise in parental alienation, reunification, complex trauma and ptsd, couple therapy, family therapy, eating disorders, child and adult mental health, relationship difficulties, addiction including porn, sex and betrayal. I provide therapy for child to parental violence and repair family systems. Alongside working with courts, solicitors, social care, individual clients I also provide coaching and supervision.
Welcome to my profile. I am fortunate to have worked across a range of contexts as well as extensive experience with a numerous clients. As a consultant family and systemic psychotherapist with 25 years experience I specialise in parental alienation, reunification, complex trauma and ptsd, couple therapy, family therapy, eating disorders, child and adult mental health, relationship difficulties, addiction including porn, sex and betrayal. I provide therapy for child to parental violence and repair family systems. Alongside working with courts, solicitors, social care, individual clients I also provide coaching and supervision.
01902 973074 View 01902 973074
Photo of Daniel Stapleford - OceanTherapy Counselling, DCounsPsych, MBACP, Counsellor
OceanTherapy Counselling
Counsellor, DCounsPsych, MBACP
Verified Verified
Birmingham B4
I engage in continuous professional development to stay updated on a variety of issues such as mindfulness, addiction, anxiety, autism, depression, relationships, self-esteem, spirituality, stress, ADHD, and mental health, providing tailored support for your needs.
Navigating the world of counselling can be overwhelming, but finding the right counsellor is crucial for your happiness and well-being. Life can be challenging, but with the right support, you can overcome obstacles and reach your true potential. My approach isn’t about telling you what to do, but helping you uncover your inner strength and rediscover who you truly are. I offer confidential online counselling, creating a warm, non-directive, and non-judgmental space that promotes a positive and supportive experience. Through gentle, thoughtful challenges, I aim to help you gain deeper self-understanding and trust in your own ability
I engage in continuous professional development to stay updated on a variety of issues such as mindfulness, addiction, anxiety, autism, depression, relationships, self-esteem, spirituality, stress, ADHD, and mental health, providing tailored support for your needs.
Navigating the world of counselling can be overwhelming, but finding the right counsellor is crucial for your happiness and well-being. Life can be challenging, but with the right support, you can overcome obstacles and reach your true potential. My approach isn’t about telling you what to do, but helping you uncover your inner strength and rediscover who you truly are. I offer confidential online counselling, creating a warm, non-directive, and non-judgmental space that promotes a positive and supportive experience. Through gentle, thoughtful challenges, I aim to help you gain deeper self-understanding and trust in your own ability
0113 519 7733 View 0113 519 7733
Photo of Joonas Pekka Vehvilainen, MSc, MBACP, Counsellor
Joonas Pekka Vehvilainen
Counsellor, MSc, MBACP
Verified Verified
Birmingham B1
Are you struggling with substance or alcohol use, trauma and/or despair? Utilising my neuroscience and addictions academic and professional background, I will support you to not just survive but regain control of your life one day at a time. My approach aims to go beyond only listening to the issues you may have by using analysis and solutions to give the support you need. While this approach is based on you gaining more knowledge about yourself, I also highly value patients being as comfortable as possible in the sessions as well.
Are you struggling with substance or alcohol use, trauma and/or despair? Utilising my neuroscience and addictions academic and professional background, I will support you to not just survive but regain control of your life one day at a time. My approach aims to go beyond only listening to the issues you may have by using analysis and solutions to give the support you need. While this approach is based on you gaining more knowledge about yourself, I also highly value patients being as comfortable as possible in the sessions as well.
0131 381 4922 View 0131 381 4922
Photo of Adam Penkul, MA, Psychotherapist
Adam Penkul
Psychotherapist, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Birmingham B1
I help individuals going through relationship challenges, working to bring clarity and resolution. I have a particular interest and expertise in working with anxiety and body dysmorphia, the subject of my masters thesis and connected with my own history. I am one of a few a lived experience therapists working with this disorder. I also work with young men who are experiencing difficulties transitioning into healthy adulthood. Their issues often include self esteem, anger and life meaning and purpose. Other areas of interest include grief, addiction, crises of meaning, spiritual emergence and emergency.
I help individuals going through relationship challenges, working to bring clarity and resolution. I have a particular interest and expertise in working with anxiety and body dysmorphia, the subject of my masters thesis and connected with my own history. I am one of a few a lived experience therapists working with this disorder. I also work with young men who are experiencing difficulties transitioning into healthy adulthood. Their issues often include self esteem, anger and life meaning and purpose. Other areas of interest include grief, addiction, crises of meaning, spiritual emergence and emergency.
01277 674239 View 01277 674239
Photo of Natasha Menoni - Natasha Menoni: ADHD & Autism Specialist, MSc, HCPC - Couns. Psych., Psychologist
Natasha Menoni: ADHD & Autism Specialist
Psychologist, MSc, HCPC - Couns. Psych.
Verified Verified
Birmingham B1  (Online Only)
My expertise acknowledges challenges neurodivergent individuals may encounter including: anxiety, social anxiety, depression, perfectionism, people pleasing, addiction, anger management, autistic burnout, OCD, low self esteem, suicidal ideation, eating disorders, trauma.
I am an HCPC registered Counselling Psychologist dedicated to serving adults who have been diagnosed or believe they might have Autism and/or ADHD. I invite you to work together on a therapeutic journey especially catered to your goals and needs. We can work together to identify and make the most out of your own unique strengths, establish robust coping strategies, and build self-awareness to develop a greater understanding of yourself so you can live a more fulfilling life.
My expertise acknowledges challenges neurodivergent individuals may encounter including: anxiety, social anxiety, depression, perfectionism, people pleasing, addiction, anger management, autistic burnout, OCD, low self esteem, suicidal ideation, eating disorders, trauma.
I am an HCPC registered Counselling Psychologist dedicated to serving adults who have been diagnosed or believe they might have Autism and/or ADHD. I invite you to work together on a therapeutic journey especially catered to your goals and needs. We can work together to identify and make the most out of your own unique strengths, establish robust coping strategies, and build self-awareness to develop a greater understanding of yourself so you can live a more fulfilling life.
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Photo of Leanne McCann - Trusted Therapy LTD , MBACP, Counsellor
Trusted Therapy LTD
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Birmingham B26
Weather you are coming with Abuse, Addiction, Anger Management, Anxiety, Bereavement, Couples Counselling, Depression or feeling sad, I have the empathy for you.
Hi there, I'm Leanne,  as a qualified person-centred counsellor, you will be greeted with a warm empathetic and non-judgemental environment at all times where you lead the therapy. Your reason for looking for me to stand with you? is for me to walk alongside you to help you to achieve a more peaceful mindset to help in your everyday life by working through your worries, trauma, anxiety, depression or personal growth. I know this is not an easy thing for you to do. Life throws curve balls at us at times and these changes can leave us feeling overwhelmed, uncertain of what's to come, which then leaves us feeling unsettled.
Weather you are coming with Abuse, Addiction, Anger Management, Anxiety, Bereavement, Couples Counselling, Depression or feeling sad, I have the empathy for you.
Hi there, I'm Leanne,  as a qualified person-centred counsellor, you will be greeted with a warm empathetic and non-judgemental environment at all times where you lead the therapy. Your reason for looking for me to stand with you? is for me to walk alongside you to help you to achieve a more peaceful mindset to help in your everyday life by working through your worries, trauma, anxiety, depression or personal growth. I know this is not an easy thing for you to do. Life throws curve balls at us at times and these changes can leave us feeling overwhelmed, uncertain of what's to come, which then leaves us feeling unsettled.
01637 801067 View 01637 801067

See more therapy options for Birmingham

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.