Addiction Counselling in Hove

Photo of Mark Lewenstein, MNCPS Acc., Counsellor
Mark Lewenstein
Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
Hove BN3
You may want to talk about anxiety, addiction or depression; you may be looking to cope with some life event such as a bereavement, divorce, redundancy or a relationship problem; or you might be feeling stuck in a rut and that you want more out of life. You will be able to explore what might lie behind the feelings you're experiencing, or what might lie behind certain thoughts or behaviours that you're not finding helpful. All these things can be helped and supported by talking confidentially.
You may want to talk about anxiety, addiction or depression; you may be looking to cope with some life event such as a bereavement, divorce, redundancy or a relationship problem; or you might be feeling stuck in a rut and that you want more out of life. You will be able to explore what might lie behind the feelings you're experiencing, or what might lie behind certain thoughts or behaviours that you're not finding helpful. All these things can be helped and supported by talking confidentially.
01273 037768 View 01273 037768
Photo of Alex Munn, MBACP, Counsellor
Alex Munn
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Hove BN3
I completed a clinical placement at Change Grow Live, where I received specialised training in the field of addiction, and have volunteered at a sixth form college supporting young people with their mental health.
Hello, I’m Alex. I’m an experienced counsellor offering online and in-person sessions. I believe that talking about personal experiences in a supportive environment can lead to positive, long lasting change. There are many reasons why you might be seeking therapy, perhaps there are specific challenges you’d like to work through, aspects of yourself you’d like to understand better, goals you’d like to work towards or find a greater sense of meaning and purpose in your life. Whatever your reasons may be, my role is to support you through that process.
I completed a clinical placement at Change Grow Live, where I received specialised training in the field of addiction, and have volunteered at a sixth form college supporting young people with their mental health.
Hello, I’m Alex. I’m an experienced counsellor offering online and in-person sessions. I believe that talking about personal experiences in a supportive environment can lead to positive, long lasting change. There are many reasons why you might be seeking therapy, perhaps there are specific challenges you’d like to work through, aspects of yourself you’d like to understand better, goals you’d like to work towards or find a greater sense of meaning and purpose in your life. Whatever your reasons may be, my role is to support you through that process.
01903 948382 View 01903 948382
Photo of Leon Standing, MA, Counsellor
Leon Standing
Counsellor, MA
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Hove BN3
I specialise in the field of Addiction.
At times life can be difficult. Sometimes it may feel like life isn’t moving forward and you keep repeating the same old patterns and nothing changes. You may be dwelling on the past or worried about the present or the future. You may just be in a place of general unhappiness where you just don’t know what to do. In developing a better understanding of ourselves, increasing our awareness, and learning about how we operate as people we are able to make fresh choices, see new perspectives, change things, move forward and find our full potential. I believe in peoples capacity to thrive when they are given the right conditions to do so.
I specialise in the field of Addiction.
At times life can be difficult. Sometimes it may feel like life isn’t moving forward and you keep repeating the same old patterns and nothing changes. You may be dwelling on the past or worried about the present or the future. You may just be in a place of general unhappiness where you just don’t know what to do. In developing a better understanding of ourselves, increasing our awareness, and learning about how we operate as people we are able to make fresh choices, see new perspectives, change things, move forward and find our full potential. I believe in peoples capacity to thrive when they are given the right conditions to do so.
01273 037886 View 01273 037886
Photo of Charlotte Parish - Start Something Counselling and Psychotherapy, MSc
Start Something Counselling and Psychotherapy
MSc
Verified Verified
Hove BN3
I am clinically experienced, having worked with a wide range of presentations within private practice, and in the voluntary sector with bereavement and substance dependence.
Welcome to Start Something Counselling and Psychotherapy. I understand that life can be challenging. Sometimes specific events and experiences create pain and emotional discomfort. For others, understanding why life feels uncomfortable is less obvious. My aim is to work with you to help you understand your mind, to enable to you become aware of how your experiences have influenced and impacted you.
I am clinically experienced, having worked with a wide range of presentations within private practice, and in the voluntary sector with bereavement and substance dependence.
Welcome to Start Something Counselling and Psychotherapy. I understand that life can be challenging. Sometimes specific events and experiences create pain and emotional discomfort. For others, understanding why life feels uncomfortable is less obvious. My aim is to work with you to help you understand your mind, to enable to you become aware of how your experiences have influenced and impacted you.
01273 099454 View 01273 099454
Photo of Ian Caley - Ian Caley Therapy, MSc, BACP, Counsellor
Ian Caley Therapy
Counsellor, MSc, BACP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Hove BN3
Welcome, I'm Ian Caley and I specialise in helping people explore their drug and alcohol use and overcome addiction. I'll work with you to design a new life in a safe, confidential, collaborative way. No judgements, just understanding. Maybe you just want to cut down, gain control. Maybe things are getting a little more drastic. I've years of experience, personally and therapeutically, and I know it's not as simple as just putting down the substance- There's the past; trauma from childhood, depression, low self-esteem, anxiety, misplaced coping mechanisms. We'll find solutions. Get in touch to see if I'm the right therapist for you.
Welcome, I'm Ian Caley and I specialise in helping people explore their drug and alcohol use and overcome addiction. I'll work with you to design a new life in a safe, confidential, collaborative way. No judgements, just understanding. Maybe you just want to cut down, gain control. Maybe things are getting a little more drastic. I've years of experience, personally and therapeutically, and I know it's not as simple as just putting down the substance- There's the past; trauma from childhood, depression, low self-esteem, anxiety, misplaced coping mechanisms. We'll find solutions. Get in touch to see if I'm the right therapist for you.
01273 092734 View 01273 092734
Photo of Bradley John Riddell, MBACP, Counsellor
Bradley John Riddell
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Hove BN3
we sometimes forget to remember just how powerful we are” John Flaherty Addiction Therapist.
I’m a counselling therapist based in Hove, Brighton. I specialise in addiction but work with many other issues too including couples. We will explore & endeavour to shed new light on your way of being in the world, thus far, & how your past has informed your sense of self in the present & how you might want to enhance your life still further by bringing yourself out of the shadows & into the light? We don’t see the world as it is but as we; so who are we, really? I use “parts” work to free us to “Self-lead” to restore calmness; clarity; confidence; connectedness; compassion; courage; creativity; curiosity in & around us………………………
we sometimes forget to remember just how powerful we are” John Flaherty Addiction Therapist.
I’m a counselling therapist based in Hove, Brighton. I specialise in addiction but work with many other issues too including couples. We will explore & endeavour to shed new light on your way of being in the world, thus far, & how your past has informed your sense of self in the present & how you might want to enhance your life still further by bringing yourself out of the shadows & into the light? We don’t see the world as it is but as we; so who are we, really? I use “parts” work to free us to “Self-lead” to restore calmness; clarity; confidence; connectedness; compassion; courage; creativity; curiosity in & around us………………………
01273 036063 View 01273 036063
Photo of Sophie Sorensen, MA, MBACP, Psychotherapist
Sophie Sorensen
Psychotherapist, MA, MBACP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Hove BN3
Sometimes it's hard to keep up with the challenges we face. I offer an easy-going and confidential​ digital space to unpack what is troubling you. I have experience working with a variety of issues, such as anxiety and depression, trauma, bereavement, personality disorders, life transitions, relationship issues, questions around identity, sexuality, addiction & recovery processes. It's easy to say, "I'm fine" when often, quite the opposite is true. My work as a Psychotherapist is informed by an Integrative/Pluralistic approach. I work at your pace to meet your needs. www.sorensentherapy.space
Sometimes it's hard to keep up with the challenges we face. I offer an easy-going and confidential​ digital space to unpack what is troubling you. I have experience working with a variety of issues, such as anxiety and depression, trauma, bereavement, personality disorders, life transitions, relationship issues, questions around identity, sexuality, addiction & recovery processes. It's easy to say, "I'm fine" when often, quite the opposite is true. My work as a Psychotherapist is informed by an Integrative/Pluralistic approach. I work at your pace to meet your needs. www.sorensentherapy.space
07480 781410 View 07480 781410
Photo of Laurence Baretto de Souza, MBACP, Psychotherapist
Laurence Baretto de Souza
Psychotherapist, MBACP
Verified Verified
Hove BN3
I worked as a Therapist at the Priory (now Elysium Healthcare) for 5 years and have worked at Brighton Housing Trust in their Addiction Recovery Therapeutic Community for 9 years.
We all go through some difficulties in life. Asking for help can be difficult , finding the right support can be even more of a challenge. As an Integrative Therapist, I use different modalities to fit my clients' needs, learning curves and communications styles, personalities and states of mind. I also adapt to fit my clients' physical health, integrating body and mind work within the process of change. I believe we can all benefit from the therapeutic relationship. it can be helpful when dealing with difficulties and as a boost to reach our full potential. I can also be a place and time to optimise mental hygiene and health.
I worked as a Therapist at the Priory (now Elysium Healthcare) for 5 years and have worked at Brighton Housing Trust in their Addiction Recovery Therapeutic Community for 9 years.
We all go through some difficulties in life. Asking for help can be difficult , finding the right support can be even more of a challenge. As an Integrative Therapist, I use different modalities to fit my clients' needs, learning curves and communications styles, personalities and states of mind. I also adapt to fit my clients' physical health, integrating body and mind work within the process of change. I believe we can all benefit from the therapeutic relationship. it can be helpful when dealing with difficulties and as a boost to reach our full potential. I can also be a place and time to optimise mental hygiene and health.
07481 337236 View 07481 337236
Photo of Sharon Cunliffe, MSc, MBACP, Psychotherapist
Sharon Cunliffe
Psychotherapist, MSc, MBACP
Verified Verified
Hove BN3
I have specialist training and experience in the addiction field working with both substance misuse and behavioural addictions.
People seek counselling for a variety of different personal reasons and difficulties. Whatever is going on for you right now, I provide a confidential and calm environment, to help you to develop a deeper understanding of yourself and your issues. I believe each client knows themselves best, therefore we will work together in a collaborative manner. I will help you to identify therapeutic goals and strategies of how you can achieve them, enabling you to feel more empowered to cope with the challenges that life throws at you, rather than feeling overwhelmed or held back by them.
I have specialist training and experience in the addiction field working with both substance misuse and behavioural addictions.
People seek counselling for a variety of different personal reasons and difficulties. Whatever is going on for you right now, I provide a confidential and calm environment, to help you to develop a deeper understanding of yourself and your issues. I believe each client knows themselves best, therefore we will work together in a collaborative manner. I will help you to identify therapeutic goals and strategies of how you can achieve them, enabling you to feel more empowered to cope with the challenges that life throws at you, rather than feeling overwhelmed or held back by them.
01444 224426 View 01444 224426
Photo of Emma Tullett, MBACP, Psychotherapist
Emma Tullett
Psychotherapist, MBACP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Hove BN3
I have worked with clients experiencing many different issues, including identity issues, anxiety, depression, body image, addiction, grief, cancer and relationship issues.
If you are struggling with an aspect of your life, or would like to get a better understanding of yourself, I'm here to help. I am an experienced Integrative Existential psychotherapist offering a confidential, supportive, safe, and non-judgemental space to help you explore your thoughts, feelings and behaviours. I work in a holistic way that honours your unique experience and draws on a number of different therapeutic approaches to tailor support to your individual needs. I value diversity and individuality, my practice is non-discriminatory, I work within the BACP ethical framework and I hold an Enhanced DBS certificate.
I have worked with clients experiencing many different issues, including identity issues, anxiety, depression, body image, addiction, grief, cancer and relationship issues.
If you are struggling with an aspect of your life, or would like to get a better understanding of yourself, I'm here to help. I am an experienced Integrative Existential psychotherapist offering a confidential, supportive, safe, and non-judgemental space to help you explore your thoughts, feelings and behaviours. I work in a holistic way that honours your unique experience and draws on a number of different therapeutic approaches to tailor support to your individual needs. I value diversity and individuality, my practice is non-discriminatory, I work within the BACP ethical framework and I hold an Enhanced DBS certificate.
01273 036039 View 01273 036039
Photo of Tracy Partridge - Wings Therapy, BACP, Counsellor
Wings Therapy
Counsellor, BACP
Verified Verified
Hove BN3
Hello, my name is Tracy and I am a qualified and experienced Humanistic Integrative Counsellor and can provide face to face, telephone or online counselling. I counsel individuals around a wide range of issues. These include: anxiety, family issues, depression, low self-esteem and substance misuse. I have worked as a counsellor for a domestic abuse charity working with women survivors of domestic abuse. I have also worked with a local substance misuse service, counseling clients to overcome their addictions. I worked for many years supporting families and individuals with a variety of multiple difficulties.
Hello, my name is Tracy and I am a qualified and experienced Humanistic Integrative Counsellor and can provide face to face, telephone or online counselling. I counsel individuals around a wide range of issues. These include: anxiety, family issues, depression, low self-esteem and substance misuse. I have worked as a counsellor for a domestic abuse charity working with women survivors of domestic abuse. I have also worked with a local substance misuse service, counseling clients to overcome their addictions. I worked for many years supporting families and individuals with a variety of multiple difficulties.
01273 974667 View 01273 974667
Photo of Helen Lee, MSc, BACP, Counsellor
Helen Lee
Counsellor, MSc, BACP
Verified Verified
Hove BN3
I work with individuals & couples around relationship difficulties, impacted by addiction to alcohol, drugs or gambling, struggling with anxiety, childhood trauma, life changing health conditions, sexuality, depression and low self-esteem.
Life can feel overwhelming and you may be struggling with destructive patterns or relationships. If you are looking for support to make sense of and possibly change difficult feelings, thoughts or behaviours, I am open minded and non-judgemental. I will seek to help you develop a better understanding of yourself and others so that you feel more connected, to live life with greater choice, awareness, vitality and joy. My passion is working with people so they feel supported to find their own unique way through difficult experiences and feelings.
I work with individuals & couples around relationship difficulties, impacted by addiction to alcohol, drugs or gambling, struggling with anxiety, childhood trauma, life changing health conditions, sexuality, depression and low self-esteem.
Life can feel overwhelming and you may be struggling with destructive patterns or relationships. If you are looking for support to make sense of and possibly change difficult feelings, thoughts or behaviours, I am open minded and non-judgemental. I will seek to help you develop a better understanding of yourself and others so that you feel more connected, to live life with greater choice, awareness, vitality and joy. My passion is working with people so they feel supported to find their own unique way through difficult experiences and feelings.
01273 092385 View 01273 092385
Photo of Jeff Hemmings, BACP, Counsellor
Jeff Hemmings
Counsellor, BACP
Verified Verified
Hove BN3
These difficulties include anything from anxiety, depression and low self-esteem to trauma, abuse, addiction, and loss.
We can all experience times in our lives where the strength of our emotions and life's difficulties can be overwhelming. Counselling is a really useful way to help us make sense of these emotions and issues, so bringing us fresh understanding and peace. From my own personal experience, I understand just how important it is to be heard and understood. I provide an opportunity for you to talk about what's troubling you without judgment. Just saying out loud what's going on can be a relief. And by doing so it can help you to work out what's really bothering you and together we can explore ways to do something about it.
These difficulties include anything from anxiety, depression and low self-esteem to trauma, abuse, addiction, and loss.
We can all experience times in our lives where the strength of our emotions and life's difficulties can be overwhelming. Counselling is a really useful way to help us make sense of these emotions and issues, so bringing us fresh understanding and peace. From my own personal experience, I understand just how important it is to be heard and understood. I provide an opportunity for you to talk about what's troubling you without judgment. Just saying out loud what's going on can be a relief. And by doing so it can help you to work out what's really bothering you and together we can explore ways to do something about it.
01273 092702 View 01273 092702
Photo of Theresa de Prey, MBACP, Counsellor
Theresa de Prey
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Hove BN3
My background is working in the charity sector supporting those suffering the effects of trauma, anxiety and substance abuse.
Hi my names Theresa, I am passionate and committed to helping you overcome your struggle with anxiety, depression or past trauma. Perhaps you feel the behaviours or substances you use to cope are negatively affecting both your personal and workplace relationships. I offer a unique and safe space to process painful feelings, to be heard and accepted and to start to make positive life choices. The benefits of therapy can be empowering and transformative leading to: increased self esteem; confidence in revealing yourself more fully; developing better relationships and having more confidence and enjoyment in life.
My background is working in the charity sector supporting those suffering the effects of trauma, anxiety and substance abuse.
Hi my names Theresa, I am passionate and committed to helping you overcome your struggle with anxiety, depression or past trauma. Perhaps you feel the behaviours or substances you use to cope are negatively affecting both your personal and workplace relationships. I offer a unique and safe space to process painful feelings, to be heard and accepted and to start to make positive life choices. The benefits of therapy can be empowering and transformative leading to: increased self esteem; confidence in revealing yourself more fully; developing better relationships and having more confidence and enjoyment in life.
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Photo of Magdalena Whitehouse - Magdalena Whitehouse Psychotherapy , MA, MUKCP, Psychotherapist
Magdalena Whitehouse Psychotherapy
Psychotherapist, MA, MUKCP
Verified Verified
Hove BN3
I specialise in working with Trauma, Addiction, Mental Health, anxiety, stress, depression and PTSD.
I work with Couples & Individuals. You’re probably here because you need support around a problem and are looking to find a qualified professional you can trust with your story. I work relationally, which means that I place the quality and the value of our therapeutic relationship as paramount in our work. Balanced, mental health is vital for us to live satisfying and fulfilled lives. I hold deeply the value of truly being present with you and the work we are doing together. A healthy counselling relationship builds a safe and secure foundation for the work whilst also presenting challenge and opportunity for insight.
I specialise in working with Trauma, Addiction, Mental Health, anxiety, stress, depression and PTSD.
I work with Couples & Individuals. You’re probably here because you need support around a problem and are looking to find a qualified professional you can trust with your story. I work relationally, which means that I place the quality and the value of our therapeutic relationship as paramount in our work. Balanced, mental health is vital for us to live satisfying and fulfilled lives. I hold deeply the value of truly being present with you and the work we are doing together. A healthy counselling relationship builds a safe and secure foundation for the work whilst also presenting challenge and opportunity for insight.
01273 092167 View 01273 092167
Photo of Genevieve Marie-Claire Picquart, MBACP Snr. Accred, Psychotherapist
Genevieve Marie-Claire Picquart
Psychotherapist, MBACP Snr. Accred
Verified Verified
Hove BN3
Hello, I have 32 years experience with one to one Counselling/ Psychotherapy, Couples Therapy, sex Therapy and Clinical Supervision And am Senior Accredited with BACP. I strongly believe that we have a lot more power than we think to heal ourselves . To come and see me, all you have to do is make an appointment with me and we have an assessment session.My specialisations are: anxiety. Self esteem, depression, panic attacks, divorce, separation, bereavement, addiction ( drug, alcohol, gambling, sex addiction etc...), mariage preparation, relationship difficulties ,productive communication, personal development,
Hello, I have 32 years experience with one to one Counselling/ Psychotherapy, Couples Therapy, sex Therapy and Clinical Supervision And am Senior Accredited with BACP. I strongly believe that we have a lot more power than we think to heal ourselves . To come and see me, all you have to do is make an appointment with me and we have an assessment session.My specialisations are: anxiety. Self esteem, depression, panic attacks, divorce, separation, bereavement, addiction ( drug, alcohol, gambling, sex addiction etc...), mariage preparation, relationship difficulties ,productive communication, personal development,
01273 032529 View 01273 032529
Photo of Anna Hardy, MBACP Accred, Psychotherapist
Anna Hardy
Psychotherapist, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
Hove BN3
Waitlist for new clients
In addition to my private practice, I work in the voluntary sector on addiction therapy.
At times life is tough and this can challenge our emotional health and well being, making us feel overwhelmed, stuck, anxious, depressed, angry or lacking in self esteem. You may be finding it difficult to put words to your current feelings or make any sense of what you are experiencing and this can be both frightening and isolating. I believe counselling can be a transformative and meaningful experience, with change made possible through a supportive therapeutic relationship, which helps us to move towards acceptance of self or empowerment to positive change. As such, I am dedicated to bringing about healing and growth in others.
In addition to my private practice, I work in the voluntary sector on addiction therapy.
At times life is tough and this can challenge our emotional health and well being, making us feel overwhelmed, stuck, anxious, depressed, angry or lacking in self esteem. You may be finding it difficult to put words to your current feelings or make any sense of what you are experiencing and this can be both frightening and isolating. I believe counselling can be a transformative and meaningful experience, with change made possible through a supportive therapeutic relationship, which helps us to move towards acceptance of self or empowerment to positive change. As such, I am dedicated to bringing about healing and growth in others.
01273 032500 View 01273 032500
Photo of Harry Cooper, MUKCP, Psychotherapist
Harry Cooper
Psychotherapist, MUKCP
Verified Verified
Hove BN3
Maybe you feel your life isn't going as it should be, things may feel out of control or they don't bring you the satisfaction they should. I offer individual and group psychotherapy; a place to explore and better undertsand these experiences and yourself better. I have worked effectively with patients struggling with issues related to; anxiety, depression, addiction, difficult thoughts, identity issues, issues with relationships and managing emotions. The struggles that people come with are often been ones that they have been struggling with for some time and the treatment I offer can take time to see results.
Maybe you feel your life isn't going as it should be, things may feel out of control or they don't bring you the satisfaction they should. I offer individual and group psychotherapy; a place to explore and better undertsand these experiences and yourself better. I have worked effectively with patients struggling with issues related to; anxiety, depression, addiction, difficult thoughts, identity issues, issues with relationships and managing emotions. The struggles that people come with are often been ones that they have been struggling with for some time and the treatment I offer can take time to see results.
01273 092027 View 01273 092027
Photo of Steve Broome, MBACP, Counsellor
Steve Broome
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Hove BN3
I have a range of experiences in counselling, having worked as a counsellor in a hospice, for a charity supporting people recovering from drug and alcohol addiction, and for a charity supporting carers.
Starting counselling can feel like a daunting journey. I am here to provide you with the support you need to help you process your thoughts and feelings, and explore how you might move forward in your life. I am non-judgemental, accepting of you and your experiences, and here to listen to and work with whatever is on your mind. While counselling can be challenging at times, it can also come as a huge relief and be experienced as liberating and growthful.
I have a range of experiences in counselling, having worked as a counsellor in a hospice, for a charity supporting people recovering from drug and alcohol addiction, and for a charity supporting carers.
Starting counselling can feel like a daunting journey. I am here to provide you with the support you need to help you process your thoughts and feelings, and explore how you might move forward in your life. I am non-judgemental, accepting of you and your experiences, and here to listen to and work with whatever is on your mind. While counselling can be challenging at times, it can also come as a huge relief and be experienced as liberating and growthful.
01273 934723 View 01273 934723
Photo of Maja Andersen, MBACP, Counsellor
Maja Andersen
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Hove BN3  (Online Only)
If this discrepancy isn’t addressed, it may result in panic attacks, anxiety, depression, addiction, declining quality of relationships and more.
When life feels challenging, daunting or unfulfilling, it’s usually a result of trauma, difficult life events or relational issues. This can make you feel anxious, depressed and not quite yourself. Trauma sounds scary, but it isn’t always what you think it is. Sometimes trauma is the result of a big, dramatic event in your life. Sometimes, it’s an accumulation of difficult everyday events. You might feel a bit alone, disconnected or misunderstood, and you probably picked up some negative thoughts and habits as a way to cope.
If this discrepancy isn’t addressed, it may result in panic attacks, anxiety, depression, addiction, declining quality of relationships and more.
When life feels challenging, daunting or unfulfilling, it’s usually a result of trauma, difficult life events or relational issues. This can make you feel anxious, depressed and not quite yourself. Trauma sounds scary, but it isn’t always what you think it is. Sometimes trauma is the result of a big, dramatic event in your life. Sometimes, it’s an accumulation of difficult everyday events. You might feel a bit alone, disconnected or misunderstood, and you probably picked up some negative thoughts and habits as a way to cope.
01273 032549 View 01273 032549
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Addiction Counsellors

What is the best therapy for addiction?

Addiction treatment will be tailored to the individual. People seeking help for addiction—whether with a psychotherapist, in an outpatient clinic, or in a residential program—should expect to engage in multiple types of treatments, sometimes including medication. For anyone recovering from addiction, avoiding situations in which one has typically used a substance is essential, as is the support of close connections. Since substance use disorders tend to co-occur with underlying mental health conditions such as anxiety or depression, those must also be addressed as part of any recovery plan.

How long does therapy for addiction take?

There is no set timeline for recovery from addiction. Patients and their families should expect the work to last several months, if not longer. Residential treatment programs may be based on a stay of 30, 60, or 90 days, with continuing work after release, but only about 1 percent of people are treated in such facilities. Ceasing use is just the first step; therapy to help maintain abstinence and effect behavior change must follow. The process of recovery, neuroscience has shown, involves brain cells recovering the capacity to respond to natural sources of reward and restore control over the impulse to use. Another definition of recovery is restoring voluntary control over one’s substance use and retaking all of one’s previous responsibilities.

How effective is drug addiction treatment?

Substance use disorders are treatable and remission is achievable for many who seek recovery; by some estimates, more than three-quarters of people who become addicted to alcohol or drugs recover. But that success rarely occurs quickly or on a set timeline; relapse is not only common, but many therapists and clinicians view it as a normal part of the process—not always a sign that a person has returned to addiction, but a signal that their treatment should be adjusted to help them regain control. Overall, research suggests, five years after the end of substance use, one’s risk of relapse is no greater than that of others who had not faced addiction. Other experts believe that complete abstinence is not the only measure of recovery, and that, through effective treatment, many people can learn to control their use.

How can you get addiction treatment for someone?

The most important factor in recovery from addiction is widely understood to be an individual’s commitment to change. For that reason,“interventions” in which friends and family gather to urge or force someone to begin immediate treatment often backfire; even when such efforts do lead someone to begin treatment, they may be less likely to stay than those who are self-driven. Still, family members can play an important role in supporting an individual who seeks help and can take part in family therapy as one element of a loved one’s treatment.