Addiction Counselling in Exeter

Photo of Anne Mattock, Counsellor, BACP
Anne Mattock
Counsellor, BACP
Verified Verified
Exeter EX4
I worked with prisoners with substance misuse issues and with young people in a school setting.
Are you struggling to make sense of your world, finding it difficult to get through your day? Do you feel out of step with everyone else? Are feeling alone and not sure what to do next? Have you had traumatic experiences that affect your present life? Do you have a feeling of impending doom that makes you wake up anxious? Do you want to self harm or end your life? Can you only manage by using drugs or alcohol? Do you have no one to understand or that you can talk to? Are you and your partner having problems connecting with and understanding each other. Do you need help to improve your communication and get back on the same page.
I worked with prisoners with substance misuse issues and with young people in a school setting.
Are you struggling to make sense of your world, finding it difficult to get through your day? Do you feel out of step with everyone else? Are feeling alone and not sure what to do next? Have you had traumatic experiences that affect your present life? Do you have a feeling of impending doom that makes you wake up anxious? Do you want to self harm or end your life? Can you only manage by using drugs or alcohol? Do you have no one to understand or that you can talk to? Are you and your partner having problems connecting with and understanding each other. Do you need help to improve your communication and get back on the same page.
01392 321150 View 01392 321150
Photo of Hannah Duncan, Counsellor, MBACP Accred
Hannah Duncan
Counsellor, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
Waitlist for new clients
I have 16 years experience working with a broad range of Compulsivity/ Addiction issues, working for two agencies in Bristol.
Good therapy is about change: changing reactions, behaviours, a difficult aspect of self, challenging attitudes/beliefs about yourself or your story. I love working with clients who are prepared to jump in, take risks and seek solutions - this is the way to ensure real change. I will jump in and risk too. I value being human and involved in the therapy and am also practically minded and view the best wisdom as something that can directly be applied to life. A supervisee recently described me as "real, relational, ordinary, practical and not floaty/wispy". I like to incorporate psychoeducation and relevant theoretical information.
I have 16 years experience working with a broad range of Compulsivity/ Addiction issues, working for two agencies in Bristol.
Good therapy is about change: changing reactions, behaviours, a difficult aspect of self, challenging attitudes/beliefs about yourself or your story. I love working with clients who are prepared to jump in, take risks and seek solutions - this is the way to ensure real change. I will jump in and risk too. I value being human and involved in the therapy and am also practically minded and view the best wisdom as something that can directly be applied to life. A supervisee recently described me as "real, relational, ordinary, practical and not floaty/wispy". I like to incorporate psychoeducation and relevant theoretical information.
07481 341671 View 07481 341671
Photo of Beverley Beckett Pncps (Acc.) Specialist Tailored Counselling, Psychotherapist, PNCPS Acc.
Beverley Beckett Pncps (Acc.) Specialist Tailored Counselling
Psychotherapist, PNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
Serves Area
I regularly work across a number of different areas and can support you if you are struggling with: addiction, trauma, abuse, bereavement, neurodiversity, bullying and relationship issues, gender conflict, self-harm, depression, anxiety or suicide.
Person-centred counselling puts you at the centre of our sessions, while I guide our discussions and support you by introducing psychotherapy tools to provide structure to your thinking. The guiding purpose is to allow you to discover the best way forward for you as an individual - we are all unique. There are a number of reasons why you might want to engage in therapy and often our conversations can cover unexpected topics. I am a fully qualified counsellor and psychotherapist, with professional accreditation from the NCPS and I am registered with the BACP.
I regularly work across a number of different areas and can support you if you are struggling with: addiction, trauma, abuse, bereavement, neurodiversity, bullying and relationship issues, gender conflict, self-harm, depression, anxiety or suicide.
Person-centred counselling puts you at the centre of our sessions, while I guide our discussions and support you by introducing psychotherapy tools to provide structure to your thinking. The guiding purpose is to allow you to discover the best way forward for you as an individual - we are all unique. There are a number of reasons why you might want to engage in therapy and often our conversations can cover unexpected topics. I am a fully qualified counsellor and psychotherapist, with professional accreditation from the NCPS and I am registered with the BACP.
07401 263192 View 07401 263192
Photo of Charlotte Bohan - Charlotte Bohan Psychotherapy and (AF) EMDR , Counsellor, MBACP Accred
Charlotte Bohan Psychotherapy and (AF) EMDR
Counsellor, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
Exeter EX4
I am interested in supporting you with depression, anxiety disorders, phobias, addiction, attachment trauma and styles, childhood trauma and difficulties, and processing difficult emotions like anger and grief.
I offer relatable and confidential therapy, personalised to you, at your pace and focus. I trained in Integrative therapy to offer you choice in approach, by having tools to suit individuals, perhaps you want to look into the past, or are wanting to stay in the present and change thoughts and behaviours. I am adaptable and friendly, and prize trust.
I am interested in supporting you with depression, anxiety disorders, phobias, addiction, attachment trauma and styles, childhood trauma and difficulties, and processing difficult emotions like anger and grief.
I offer relatable and confidential therapy, personalised to you, at your pace and focus. I trained in Integrative therapy to offer you choice in approach, by having tools to suit individuals, perhaps you want to look into the past, or are wanting to stay in the present and change thoughts and behaviours. I am adaptable and friendly, and prize trust.
01647 401675 View 01647 401675
Photo of Jennifer Smith, Psychotherapist, PhD, BACP
Jennifer Smith
Psychotherapist, PhD, BACP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Exeter EX4
Waitlist for new clients
You may be seeking help for a specific reason such as gaining greater understanding of your eating disorder, obsessional behaviour, substance misuse or debilitating phobia.
I offer one-to one Psychodynamic, Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy. This is a well established and evidence-based talking therapy that can effectively treat emotional problems as well as a wide range of mental health conditions including: anxiety, depression and eating disorders. Sessions are booked for the same time every week and range from single to up to three sessions a week. They provide the space to talk about and reflect upon your emotional and relationship difficulties. These are thought about as they relate to your present circumstances but in this type of therapy, they are also considered in relation to your life history.
You may be seeking help for a specific reason such as gaining greater understanding of your eating disorder, obsessional behaviour, substance misuse or debilitating phobia.
I offer one-to one Psychodynamic, Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy. This is a well established and evidence-based talking therapy that can effectively treat emotional problems as well as a wide range of mental health conditions including: anxiety, depression and eating disorders. Sessions are booked for the same time every week and range from single to up to three sessions a week. They provide the space to talk about and reflect upon your emotional and relationship difficulties. These are thought about as they relate to your present circumstances but in this type of therapy, they are also considered in relation to your life history.
01392 573819 View 01392 573819
Photo of Lau M Harp, Psychotherapist, MA, HCPC-Drama Therap.
Lau M Harp
Psychotherapist, MA, HCPC-Drama Therap.
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Exeter EX1
I also have experience working in the field of addiction and a common feature of therapy concerning all of the above is the management of anxiety, depression, stress, burnout and related issues.
My primary training is in Dramatherapy which is a creative form of Psychotherapy. This means that in addition to talking we may also explore the use of artwork, stories, metaphors, creative writing, objects and other creative tools. In addition, i'm qualified Sound Therapist and i'm trained in MANTRA (Maudsley Model of Anorexia Nervosa Treatment for Adults).
I also have experience working in the field of addiction and a common feature of therapy concerning all of the above is the management of anxiety, depression, stress, burnout and related issues.
My primary training is in Dramatherapy which is a creative form of Psychotherapy. This means that in addition to talking we may also explore the use of artwork, stories, metaphors, creative writing, objects and other creative tools. In addition, i'm qualified Sound Therapist and i'm trained in MANTRA (Maudsley Model of Anorexia Nervosa Treatment for Adults).
01392 542077 View 01392 542077
Photo of Finn Buchanan, Counsellor, UKCP Trainee
Finn Buchanan
Counsellor, UKCP Trainee
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Exeter EX4
Most of my client work has been done in the field of addiction, however, I also have experience in the areas of relationship issues and grief.
When events in life are overwhelming we can feel frozen, scattered or out of connection with ourselves. Coping mechanisms which served us at one point can become redundant & damaging, leaving us stuck in patterns of self destructive behaviour.
Most of my client work has been done in the field of addiction, however, I also have experience in the areas of relationship issues and grief.
When events in life are overwhelming we can feel frozen, scattered or out of connection with ourselves. Coping mechanisms which served us at one point can become redundant & damaging, leaving us stuck in patterns of self destructive behaviour.
0117 463 7129 View 0117 463 7129
Photo of David Edwards - David Edwards (Being in Psychotherapy) , Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
David Edwards (Being in Psychotherapy)
Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
Serves Area
Sometimes, that fire may feel dim or even hidden under the weight of addiction, anxiety, or despair, but it’s always there.
I see therapy as both art and science. While psychological theories and methods are essential, the true work happens in the shared human space of our conversations, in the moments when we venture together into the shadows and emerge with newfound insights. I draw on philosophy, art, myth, and dreams, using them as tools to explore the hidden corners of life.
Sometimes, that fire may feel dim or even hidden under the weight of addiction, anxiety, or despair, but it’s always there.
I see therapy as both art and science. While psychological theories and methods are essential, the true work happens in the shared human space of our conversations, in the moments when we venture together into the shadows and emerge with newfound insights. I draw on philosophy, art, myth, and dreams, using them as tools to explore the hidden corners of life.
01823 212696 View 01823 212696
Photo of Sophie Yule, Counsellor, MBACP
Sophie Yule
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Serves Area
Areas I have worked in: Anxiety, depression, bereavement, grief and loss, baby loss, restrictive eating disorders, stress, ADD, childhood trauma and neglect, addiction, breakdown of relationships.
Availability on Monday & Tuesday afternoons in approx 4-6 weeks. Taking that first step to find a counsellor can sometimes be the hardest, but you’re here. Whether you are overwhelmed with your work/life balance and feeling like you have no time to stop, living with hurt, experienced a loss or feel ready to process past thoughts, behaviours or feelings. I can sit alongside you; not a ‘me and you’ but as equals and offer a non judgemental, confidential, and safe space to navigate these feelings and take that next 2nd step but at your pace as you feel ready.
Areas I have worked in: Anxiety, depression, bereavement, grief and loss, baby loss, restrictive eating disorders, stress, ADD, childhood trauma and neglect, addiction, breakdown of relationships.
Availability on Monday & Tuesday afternoons in approx 4-6 weeks. Taking that first step to find a counsellor can sometimes be the hardest, but you’re here. Whether you are overwhelmed with your work/life balance and feeling like you have no time to stop, living with hurt, experienced a loss or feel ready to process past thoughts, behaviours or feelings. I can sit alongside you; not a ‘me and you’ but as equals and offer a non judgemental, confidential, and safe space to navigate these feelings and take that next 2nd step but at your pace as you feel ready.
01209 705477 View 01209 705477
Photo of Thais Lloyd (Tess), Counsellor, MSc, MBACP
Thais Lloyd (Tess)
Counsellor, MSc, MBACP
Verified Verified
Serves Area
I am experienced in working with clients with: depression and low mood; anxiety, panic and phobias; difficulties in relationships; loneliness; trauma and abuse; low self-esteem; health-related stress; grief and loss; addiction.
I offer a warm, safe, confidential space where you can explore your difficulties openly. We will work at your pace, and build on your strengths. By being curious, flexible and focused, you can gradually find greater well-being. Working on what is difficult or hurtful won't always be easy, but I'll be by your side, holding a space for reflection and growth.
I am experienced in working with clients with: depression and low mood; anxiety, panic and phobias; difficulties in relationships; loneliness; trauma and abuse; low self-esteem; health-related stress; grief and loss; addiction.
I offer a warm, safe, confidential space where you can explore your difficulties openly. We will work at your pace, and build on your strengths. By being curious, flexible and focused, you can gradually find greater well-being. Working on what is difficult or hurtful won't always be easy, but I'll be by your side, holding a space for reflection and growth.
07493 591515 View 07493 591515
Photo of Denis Victor For Teens-Students-Young Adults, Counsellor, MBACP
Denis Victor For Teens-Students-Young Adults
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Serves Area
Whether you're dealing with stress, trauma, anxiety, depression, addiction, grief, relationship issues, or simply tired of feeling anxious or nervous in certain situations, I'm here to assist you.
I offer affordable online therapy for teenagers, students, and young adults, focusing on the unique needs of young women, men, and families facing emotional or relationship challenges. The teenage years and early adulthood can be such a wonderful time to discover who you are and find your place in the world. However, they can also be tough, with many feeling overwhelmed by school pressures, friendships, identity issues, body image concerns, and more. Whether you're dealing with a parent's divorce, bullying, or just starting your college journey, I'm here to help you navigate these tricky emotions and experiences in a healthy way.
Whether you're dealing with stress, trauma, anxiety, depression, addiction, grief, relationship issues, or simply tired of feeling anxious or nervous in certain situations, I'm here to assist you.
I offer affordable online therapy for teenagers, students, and young adults, focusing on the unique needs of young women, men, and families facing emotional or relationship challenges. The teenage years and early adulthood can be such a wonderful time to discover who you are and find your place in the world. However, they can also be tough, with many feeling overwhelmed by school pressures, friendships, identity issues, body image concerns, and more. Whether you're dealing with a parent's divorce, bullying, or just starting your college journey, I'm here to help you navigate these tricky emotions and experiences in a healthy way.
01823 785735 View 01823 785735
Photo of Sabrina Andrews-Webb - Bluebird Counselling and Psychotherapy, Counsellor, MA, MNCPS Acc.
Bluebird Counselling and Psychotherapy
Counsellor, MA, MNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
Waitlist for new clients
I have worked with many different people - with different needs - from people recovering from addiction(s), people living with feelings of depression and anxiety, neurodivergent folks, to those coping with bereavement and people dealing with abuse, violence and trauma.
I have a BA in English Literature and Psychology & I studied Philosophy & Contemporary English Literature (MA) at Goldsmiths College. I trained to be an integrative counsellor at the Iron Mill College in Exeter. My work with clients is always different, because we are all different. This can be a conversation or something more creative, whatever suits you.
I have worked with many different people - with different needs - from people recovering from addiction(s), people living with feelings of depression and anxiety, neurodivergent folks, to those coping with bereavement and people dealing with abuse, violence and trauma.
I have a BA in English Literature and Psychology & I studied Philosophy & Contemporary English Literature (MA) at Goldsmiths College. I trained to be an integrative counsellor at the Iron Mill College in Exeter. My work with clients is always different, because we are all different. This can be a conversation or something more creative, whatever suits you.
01626 242933 View 01626 242933
Photo of Rosalind Townsend, Psychotherapist, MHGI
Rosalind Townsend
Psychotherapist, MHGI
Verified Verified
Serves Area
Are you affected by anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, anger or addiction? Are you overwhelmed or disheartened by difficulties relating to life challenges or changes? Do you need support to re-think or repair a relationship, or to reassess priorities or work-life balance? If so, I can help.
Human Givens Therapy draws on the best of CBT, person centred and solution focused therapy, set within a holistic understanding of what we need as human beings to lead emotionally healthy lives. It is fast and effective with most people where they want to be in around 4-6 sessions (sometimes less, occasionally a few more).
Are you affected by anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, anger or addiction? Are you overwhelmed or disheartened by difficulties relating to life challenges or changes? Do you need support to re-think or repair a relationship, or to reassess priorities or work-life balance? If so, I can help.
Human Givens Therapy draws on the best of CBT, person centred and solution focused therapy, set within a holistic understanding of what we need as human beings to lead emotionally healthy lives. It is fast and effective with most people where they want to be in around 4-6 sessions (sometimes less, occasionally a few more).
01572 492162 View 01572 492162
Photo of Danielle Carrott, Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
Danielle Carrott
Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
Online Only
During my training, I worked within an agency, providing counselling to clients with a history of addiction and complex trauma.
My name is Danielle, and I offer online or phone counselling. Finding a counsellor can be daunting. I am a warm and friendly, non-judgmental counsellor who believes that building trust in our relationship is the first step in supporting your needs. I offer short and long-term therapy, working in a Person-Centred integrative way. As every person is an individual, so are the sessions. Therefore, I draw on various approaches which would best support you in a safe and confidential space at a pace that is suitable for you.
During my training, I worked within an agency, providing counselling to clients with a history of addiction and complex trauma.
My name is Danielle, and I offer online or phone counselling. Finding a counsellor can be daunting. I am a warm and friendly, non-judgmental counsellor who believes that building trust in our relationship is the first step in supporting your needs. I offer short and long-term therapy, working in a Person-Centred integrative way. As every person is an individual, so are the sessions. Therefore, I draw on various approaches which would best support you in a safe and confidential space at a pace that is suitable for you.
0117 463 5005 View 0117 463 5005
Photo of George Petrou, Counsellor, MBACP Accred
George Petrou
Counsellor, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
Exeter EX4
I'm a relational integrative therapist meaning, the relationship is the therapy. It also means I use different types of therapy to meet your needs because, you are unique. Integrative therapy helps you become a more integrated whole person, better able to experience the entire range of your behaviour, emotions and thoughts as well as improving your relationship with yourself and others. Neuroplasticity continues throughout the lifespan which means that change and improvement in the way we feel is always possible and therapy is the best way to achieve this.
I'm a relational integrative therapist meaning, the relationship is the therapy. It also means I use different types of therapy to meet your needs because, you are unique. Integrative therapy helps you become a more integrated whole person, better able to experience the entire range of your behaviour, emotions and thoughts as well as improving your relationship with yourself and others. Neuroplasticity continues throughout the lifespan which means that change and improvement in the way we feel is always possible and therapy is the best way to achieve this.
01392 321107 View 01392 321107
Photo of Brendan St John, Psychotherapist, MSc, MBACP
Brendan St John
Psychotherapist, MSc, MBACP
Verified Verified
Exeter EX1
If you are feeling hopeless, low on confidence, and unsure of your next steps in life, then I might be able to help. As an Existential Psychotherapist, with 10 years experience working abroad and in the UK, I help people explore their lives and what it means to exist. To face life’s challenges in a more meaningful, fulfilling and authentic manner. To confront such questions as “Who I am?” “What is my purpose in life?” and “How shall I live my life?” We are all faced with choices, dilemmas, and limitations, that is part of being human.
If you are feeling hopeless, low on confidence, and unsure of your next steps in life, then I might be able to help. As an Existential Psychotherapist, with 10 years experience working abroad and in the UK, I help people explore their lives and what it means to exist. To face life’s challenges in a more meaningful, fulfilling and authentic manner. To confront such questions as “Who I am?” “What is my purpose in life?” and “How shall I live my life?” We are all faced with choices, dilemmas, and limitations, that is part of being human.
01235 639278 View 01235 639278
Photo of Andrea Trotman, Counsellor, MBACP
Andrea Trotman
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Exeter EX1
Are you not coping with the demands of day-to-day life? Not feeling good enough or that your behaviours are too much maybe? Struggling with a recent ADHD diagnosis or how to cope while waiting for support. Feeling stressed and overwhelmed all the time is no fun and exhausting. I can support you to explore and address your issues working towards a more content future. I work with individuals 18+ online and in Central Exeter.
Are you not coping with the demands of day-to-day life? Not feeling good enough or that your behaviours are too much maybe? Struggling with a recent ADHD diagnosis or how to cope while waiting for support. Feeling stressed and overwhelmed all the time is no fun and exhausting. I can support you to explore and address your issues working towards a more content future. I work with individuals 18+ online and in Central Exeter.
01392 321857 View 01392 321857
Photo of Darline Joseph Marianathan, Psychotherapist, MUKCP
Darline Joseph Marianathan
Psychotherapist, MUKCP
Verified Verified
Exeter EX2
Life can be a rough ride. Keeping the balance and moving forward can be a challenge. It can involve stress, anxiety, depression and much more. But I believe through psychological therapies we can learn and, in some cases even master, the art of managing life successfully. To achieve this, I practise an integrative approach that draws strength from various therapies in the field. I am a qualified Psychotherapist at a Doctoral level and I feel confident to deal with complexity . My natural inclination is to help people in need. My recent training and qualifications do enhance my inclination especially to those psychologically unwell.
Life can be a rough ride. Keeping the balance and moving forward can be a challenge. It can involve stress, anxiety, depression and much more. But I believe through psychological therapies we can learn and, in some cases even master, the art of managing life successfully. To achieve this, I practise an integrative approach that draws strength from various therapies in the field. I am a qualified Psychotherapist at a Doctoral level and I feel confident to deal with complexity . My natural inclination is to help people in need. My recent training and qualifications do enhance my inclination especially to those psychologically unwell.
01837 512340 View 01837 512340
Photo of Amy Mellin, Counsellor, MBACP
Amy Mellin
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Exeter EX4
Sometimes life is hard. I recognise that we are all unique and your reasons for seeking therapy will be as individual as you. As an Integrative Counsellor I can help you to; implement changes, process trauma safely, increase self worth, manage symptoms of anxiety and/or depression, look at how past experiences and/or relationships may be impacting you in the present and much more, in ways that resonate with you. I believe that we are all unique and so should be our approach to therapy.
Sometimes life is hard. I recognise that we are all unique and your reasons for seeking therapy will be as individual as you. As an Integrative Counsellor I can help you to; implement changes, process trauma safely, increase self worth, manage symptoms of anxiety and/or depression, look at how past experiences and/or relationships may be impacting you in the present and much more, in ways that resonate with you. I believe that we are all unique and so should be our approach to therapy.
01392 542887 View 01392 542887
Photo of Hayley Allen, Counsellor, MBACP
Hayley Allen
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Exeter EX2
Hi, I specialise in working with bereavement, particularly in cases of complex grief and traumatic loss, as well as infertility and baby loss. I am passionate about and qualified to support individuals dealing with eating disorders and disordered eating. I also possess experience in working with neurodivergent individuals. I can also help you feel empowered and supported as you navigate your journey with issues such as body image, bullying, emotional regulation, family difficulties, friendship issues, lack of confidence, loneliness, low self-esteem, military family issues, OCD, self-harm, suicide, and trauma.
Hi, I specialise in working with bereavement, particularly in cases of complex grief and traumatic loss, as well as infertility and baby loss. I am passionate about and qualified to support individuals dealing with eating disorders and disordered eating. I also possess experience in working with neurodivergent individuals. I can also help you feel empowered and supported as you navigate your journey with issues such as body image, bullying, emotional regulation, family difficulties, friendship issues, lack of confidence, loneliness, low self-esteem, military family issues, OCD, self-harm, suicide, and trauma.
01392 321928 View 01392 321928
1

See more therapy options for Exeter

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.