Addiction Counselling in Selsey

Photo of Sam Wright, Counsellor, MBACP Accred
Sam Wright
Counsellor, MBACP Accred
Serves Area
Are you struggling with issues and can't see which way to turn? Feeling overwhelmed? Facing life-changing situations? I am a Psychotherapeutic Counsellor, working in private practice providing face-to-face, telephone and online individual counselling. Counselling provides a safe and confidential space into which you can bring issues which may be leaving you struggling, anxious and conflicted. Talking to someone outside your immediate circle, who can offer an objective perspective on your situation, can help you to feel heard, recognise patterns of behaviour, and work things through without fear of reprisal, judgement or guilt.
Are you struggling with issues and can't see which way to turn? Feeling overwhelmed? Facing life-changing situations? I am a Psychotherapeutic Counsellor, working in private practice providing face-to-face, telephone and online individual counselling. Counselling provides a safe and confidential space into which you can bring issues which may be leaving you struggling, anxious and conflicted. Talking to someone outside your immediate circle, who can offer an objective perspective on your situation, can help you to feel heard, recognise patterns of behaviour, and work things through without fear of reprisal, judgement or guilt.
01243 952144 View 01243 952144
Photo of Caz Anderson, Counsellor, MBACP
Caz Anderson
Counsellor, MBACP
Serves Area
It's Time For You! Are you always there for everyone else, and now need someone to be there for you? Then you have come to the right place! We all need help sometimes, and taking the first step of asking for help is often the hardest. I know, because I’ve been there too. You need time for yourself. How can you be there for others if you are feeling burnt-out? Have you suffered a loss or bereavement? Are you feeling low and anxious? Whatever difficulties you are facing, my job is not to diagnose you, give you advice, or tell you how to fix things. My job is to be by your side as we explore ways to help you find your own answers.
It's Time For You! Are you always there for everyone else, and now need someone to be there for you? Then you have come to the right place! We all need help sometimes, and taking the first step of asking for help is often the hardest. I know, because I’ve been there too. You need time for yourself. How can you be there for others if you are feeling burnt-out? Have you suffered a loss or bereavement? Are you feeling low and anxious? Whatever difficulties you are facing, my job is not to diagnose you, give you advice, or tell you how to fix things. My job is to be by your side as we explore ways to help you find your own answers.
01243 974676 View 01243 974676

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Duncan Long, Psychotherapist, MUKCP
Duncan Long
Psychotherapist, MUKCP
I’m an experienced and passionate Psychotherapist and have both a wide lived and professional experience, working with addiction, anxiety, depression, trauma, childhood abuse, adoption, burnout, loneliness and relationship issues.
Hello! A very warm welcome to you. As we face these uncertain times in our world, we find ourselves coming up against many challenges that may be exacerbating our existing internal struggles. It feels more important than ever to find some sense of certainty and purpose in these difficult times. The very idea of isolation can bring on fear and anxiety, uncertainty around our livelihoods can trigger old and new coping strategies that may feel damaging to one’s self.
I’m an experienced and passionate Psychotherapist and have both a wide lived and professional experience, working with addiction, anxiety, depression, trauma, childhood abuse, adoption, burnout, loneliness and relationship issues.
Hello! A very warm welcome to you. As we face these uncertain times in our world, we find ourselves coming up against many challenges that may be exacerbating our existing internal struggles. It feels more important than ever to find some sense of certainty and purpose in these difficult times. The very idea of isolation can bring on fear and anxiety, uncertainty around our livelihoods can trigger old and new coping strategies that may feel damaging to one’s self.
01273 071655 View 01273 071655
Photo of Liane Kirkcaldy, Counsellor, MBACP
Liane Kirkcaldy
Counsellor, MBACP
Serves Area
I am also experienced and trained in bereavement and addiction work.
Are you seeking clarity about how to break free from restrictive cycles or patterns of thoughts and behaviours? Do you feel these issues are preventing you from living your life to the full? Perhaps you are struggling to move forward after a significant loss such as a bereavement, divorce, health problems. With my professional support, you can gain a deeper understanding of why these blocks are present. During our sessions, I can help you to find a path through these challenges to a place where growth, change and enhanced wellbeing become possible.
I am also experienced and trained in bereavement and addiction work.
Are you seeking clarity about how to break free from restrictive cycles or patterns of thoughts and behaviours? Do you feel these issues are preventing you from living your life to the full? Perhaps you are struggling to move forward after a significant loss such as a bereavement, divorce, health problems. With my professional support, you can gain a deeper understanding of why these blocks are present. During our sessions, I can help you to find a path through these challenges to a place where growth, change and enhanced wellbeing become possible.
01273 957660 View 01273 957660
Photo of Claire Millar, Psychotherapist, MSc, MUKCP
Claire Millar
Psychotherapist, MSc, MUKCP
I work with a wide range of psychological and emotional issues with particular interest in working with anxiety, depression, addiction, childhood trauma, relationship/couples counselling.
We all experience challenging times in our lives, unable to find a way forward, often feeling alone and confused. Seeking therapy can feel like a big step, not easy, often after having struggled for some time. As an experienced UKCP registered and highly qualified clinical psychotherapist and psychotherapeutic counsellor, I will work alongside you, at your own pace, to help you identify and work out your problems, drawing on all my experience to offer you an approach which suits you as an individual. My private practice is in Guildford where I see individuals and couples, offering both short term and long term therapy as required.
I work with a wide range of psychological and emotional issues with particular interest in working with anxiety, depression, addiction, childhood trauma, relationship/couples counselling.
We all experience challenging times in our lives, unable to find a way forward, often feeling alone and confused. Seeking therapy can feel like a big step, not easy, often after having struggled for some time. As an experienced UKCP registered and highly qualified clinical psychotherapist and psychotherapeutic counsellor, I will work alongside you, at your own pace, to help you identify and work out your problems, drawing on all my experience to offer you an approach which suits you as an individual. My private practice is in Guildford where I see individuals and couples, offering both short term and long term therapy as required.
01483 917669 View 01483 917669
Photo of Shanti Cussans - Shanti therapeutic practice , Counsellor, MBACP
I cover a wide range of presenting issues; I specialise in obesity, disordered eating, anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, addiction issue, sexual abuse and trauma, bereavement, low esteem and confidence, self harm and relationship problems.
I am here to help you through this difficult time, even if the issues you face feel insurmountable; we will use our time to develop a genuine and professional relationship which becomes the platform for your discovery and growth. The therapeutic space will make you feel comfortable, trusting and safe, and I will support you to make positive changes in your life. I use a wide range of creative therapies to provide every opportunity to explore your worries. Ultimately we all want to be happy and able to enjoy all that life has to offer; you have the power to take control of the problems weighing you down, let me help you achieve it.
I cover a wide range of presenting issues; I specialise in obesity, disordered eating, anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, addiction issue, sexual abuse and trauma, bereavement, low esteem and confidence, self harm and relationship problems.
I am here to help you through this difficult time, even if the issues you face feel insurmountable; we will use our time to develop a genuine and professional relationship which becomes the platform for your discovery and growth. The therapeutic space will make you feel comfortable, trusting and safe, and I will support you to make positive changes in your life. I use a wide range of creative therapies to provide every opportunity to explore your worries. Ultimately we all want to be happy and able to enjoy all that life has to offer; you have the power to take control of the problems weighing you down, let me help you achieve it.
01243 974586 View 01243 974586
Photo of Leon Standing, Counsellor, MA
Leon Standing
Counsellor, MA
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
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 Paul Lane, Psychotherapist, MBACP
Paul Lane
Psychotherapist, MBACP
Midhurst GU29
Addiction and neurodiversity can be linked due to self-medicating.
With me as your therapist I already understand addictions and neurodiversity along with all the stigmas and stereotypes that go with that, through personal experience. These stigmas and stereotypes can be very damaging to us. However, in my experience everybody has the ability to be the best version of themselves in this world of ours, regardless of others.
Addiction and neurodiversity can be linked due to self-medicating.
With me as your therapist I already understand addictions and neurodiversity along with all the stigmas and stereotypes that go with that, through personal experience. These stigmas and stereotypes can be very damaging to us. However, in my experience everybody has the ability to be the best version of themselves in this world of ours, regardless of others.
07449 854802 View 07449 854802
Photo of Ralph Geoffrey Taylor - Talk to Ralph Psychotherapy, Counsellor, DCounsPsych, MNCPS Acc.
Talk to Ralph Psychotherapy
Counsellor, DCounsPsych, MNCPS Acc.
1 Endorsed
Waitlist for new clients
I specialise in addiction, trauma and relationship issues, giving me extensive experience in handling complex trauma, anxiety, depression, relationship & sexual difficulties, intimacy issues, shame, feeling stuck, and low self-esteem.
Another therapist in the sea of therapists? Trying to decipher who's best for you based on a photo and therapeutic jargon when you're already stressed? Let me introduce myself and explain how I work and how I can help. I prioritise being a human first, meeting you where you are to build a relationship that facilitates lasting change. Establishing clear goals is central to my work, emerging as we progress, working together to relieve anxieties, traumas and life-limiting internal & interpersonal issues. Our work can lead toward more fulfilment, awareness, spontaneity, and intimacy.
I specialise in addiction, trauma and relationship issues, giving me extensive experience in handling complex trauma, anxiety, depression, relationship & sexual difficulties, intimacy issues, shame, feeling stuck, and low self-esteem.
Another therapist in the sea of therapists? Trying to decipher who's best for you based on a photo and therapeutic jargon when you're already stressed? Let me introduce myself and explain how I work and how I can help. I prioritise being a human first, meeting you where you are to build a relationship that facilitates lasting change. Establishing clear goals is central to my work, emerging as we progress, working together to relieve anxieties, traumas and life-limiting internal & interpersonal issues. Our work can lead toward more fulfilment, awareness, spontaneity, and intimacy.
01273 092779 View 01273 092779
Photo of Sharon Cunliffe, Psychotherapist, MSc, MBACP
Sharon Cunliffe
Psychotherapist, MSc, MBACP
Serves Area
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 Janice Anne Stringer - Wild about Wellbeing, Counsellor, MBACP
Wild about Wellbeing
Counsellor, MBACP
Anxiety, stress, burnout, and addiction can stem from your environment, circumstances, experiences, or thought patterns.
Are you stressed, burnt out, anxious, maybe even depressed. Perhaps you rely on alcohol or drugs to cope, lift your mood, or unwind. Deep down you’re unfulfilled, unhappy. What you long for is a more satisfying work-life balance, but you’re unsure what that looks like or how to achieve it. Let’s work together to create the life you deserve. I've worked with some of the world's elite mental wellness facilities. The Kusnacht Practice, Switzerland. The Cabin, Thailand. So I can understand your unique challenges and how to assist you.
Anxiety, stress, burnout, and addiction can stem from your environment, circumstances, experiences, or thought patterns.
Are you stressed, burnt out, anxious, maybe even depressed. Perhaps you rely on alcohol or drugs to cope, lift your mood, or unwind. Deep down you’re unfulfilled, unhappy. What you long for is a more satisfying work-life balance, but you’re unsure what that looks like or how to achieve it. Let’s work together to create the life you deserve. I've worked with some of the world's elite mental wellness facilities. The Kusnacht Practice, Switzerland. The Cabin, Thailand. So I can understand your unique challenges and how to assist you.
01243 219391 View 01243 219391
Photo of Deborah Babbington, Counsellor, MSc, MBACP
Deborah Babbington
Counsellor, MSc, MBACP
Counselling and psychotherapy is effective for a wide range of issues including addiction, bereavement, anxiety, stress, depression and relationship issues.
I am a qualified counsellor/psychotherapist supporting and empowering adults who want to address life and relationship issues that are causing them pain and disquiet. Whatever the cause of these issues, I invite you to share and explore them with me without shame or fear and, in return, you will be offered a respectful relationship where you will be safely held in a confidential setting.
Counselling and psychotherapy is effective for a wide range of issues including addiction, bereavement, anxiety, stress, depression and relationship issues.
I am a qualified counsellor/psychotherapist supporting and empowering adults who want to address life and relationship issues that are causing them pain and disquiet. Whatever the cause of these issues, I invite you to share and explore them with me without shame or fear and, in return, you will be offered a respectful relationship where you will be safely held in a confidential setting.
01243 212042 View 01243 212042
Photo of Aronn Pace, Counsellor, MBACP
Aronn Pace
Counsellor, MBACP
Serves Area
I have experience working with clients whose challenges include anxiety, depression, addiction, neurodiversity, PTSD, childhood trauma, sexual trauma, health issues, and more.
Welcome. I’m Aronn, a psychotherapeutic counsellor.  As a therapist and I am dedicated to creating spaces which enable my clients to reconnect to themselves, and the world around them. I do what I can to help my clients heal themselves, understand their experiences in life, and where possible, achieve a greater sense of inner peace and happiness. When we work together I will meet you where you're at, and respect what is best for you - wherever you are in your life, or your healing journey. We will work collaboratively to move towards what it is that you would like achieve from having counselling and psychotherapy.
I have experience working with clients whose challenges include anxiety, depression, addiction, neurodiversity, PTSD, childhood trauma, sexual trauma, health issues, and more.
Welcome. I’m Aronn, a psychotherapeutic counsellor.  As a therapist and I am dedicated to creating spaces which enable my clients to reconnect to themselves, and the world around them. I do what I can to help my clients heal themselves, understand their experiences in life, and where possible, achieve a greater sense of inner peace and happiness. When we work together I will meet you where you're at, and respect what is best for you - wherever you are in your life, or your healing journey. We will work collaboratively to move towards what it is that you would like achieve from having counselling and psychotherapy.
01444 227759 View 01444 227759
Photo of Geoffrey M. Fenney, Counsellor, MBACP
Geoffrey M. Fenney
Counsellor, MBACP
Petworth GU28
My areas of speciality are Trauma, anxiety, depression and addiction and I have worked with a range of clients from their Teen years through to Retirement age.
As your counsellor, my aim is to help you achieve and become the best version of yourself and to help guide you, too understand what you need to lead a happy life. The challenges of life can be tough to navigate and often get the better of us. By offering a safe, confidential and warm space I hope together we can explore what is troubling you and help you find some resolution. Life is for living and it is my wish for you that together with my support, we can help to talk through the issues that are bothering you and explore your strength and resilience and see how we can bring this into your day to day present life.
My areas of speciality are Trauma, anxiety, depression and addiction and I have worked with a range of clients from their Teen years through to Retirement age.
As your counsellor, my aim is to help you achieve and become the best version of yourself and to help guide you, too understand what you need to lead a happy life. The challenges of life can be tough to navigate and often get the better of us. By offering a safe, confidential and warm space I hope together we can explore what is troubling you and help you find some resolution. Life is for living and it is my wish for you that together with my support, we can help to talk through the issues that are bothering you and explore your strength and resilience and see how we can bring this into your day to day present life.
01798 303543 View 01798 303543
Photo of Kay Rivers - Rivers Counselling, Psychotherapist, MBACP
Rivers Counselling
Psychotherapist, MBACP
Relationship, anxiety, depression, addiction, terminal illness and bereavement are some of the areas I work with.
I am an experienced Addiction Counsellor. I offer support with reduction and recovery of alcohol/drug use. Therapy is tailored to your individual needs. This process will give you a safe place to explore all aspects of presenting issues around your use of alcohol/drugs and to help facilitate change.
Relationship, anxiety, depression, addiction, terminal illness and bereavement are some of the areas I work with.
I am an experienced Addiction Counsellor. I offer support with reduction and recovery of alcohol/drug use. Therapy is tailored to your individual needs. This process will give you a safe place to explore all aspects of presenting issues around your use of alcohol/drugs and to help facilitate change.
07480 487045 View 07480 487045
Photo of Helen Logan, Psychotherapist, MA, MBACP Accred
Helen Logan
Psychotherapist, MA, MBACP Accred
Midhurst GU29
Whilst I have particular interests in anxiety, trauma and addiction I have a breadth of experience in all areas, gained over three decades of working in the therapy field.
I work with individuals seeking therapy. There are all sorts of reasons why someone might be considering counselling. For some, it may be an issue that dates back many years - a trauma or experience that has felt too big or painful to address. For others it might be a more current issue or crisis that is causing a sense of overwhelm or stuck-ness. Often, there can be repeating patterns of behaviour or thinking that get in the way of living life more fully. Simply put: if it matters to you, it matters, and I am here to help you make better sense of yourself, your feelings and any difficulties you might be grappling with.
Whilst I have particular interests in anxiety, trauma and addiction I have a breadth of experience in all areas, gained over three decades of working in the therapy field.
I work with individuals seeking therapy. There are all sorts of reasons why someone might be considering counselling. For some, it may be an issue that dates back many years - a trauma or experience that has felt too big or painful to address. For others it might be a more current issue or crisis that is causing a sense of overwhelm or stuck-ness. Often, there can be repeating patterns of behaviour or thinking that get in the way of living life more fully. Simply put: if it matters to you, it matters, and I am here to help you make better sense of yourself, your feelings and any difficulties you might be grappling with.
01730 776631 View 01730 776631
Photo of Joanna Crook, Counsellor, MBACP
Joanna Crook
Counsellor, MBACP
I provide a gentle service for the following: carers of family members; alcohol and substance use problems; self esteem and confidence issues; difficulties from past experiences and trauma.
My name is Jo, I'm a Humanistic Counsellor. At the heart of my therapy is a deep and trusting relationship which I aim to develop by gaining a thorough understanding of how it feels to be you – seeing life through your eyes. I am caring, sensitive and encouraging. Whenever, considering counselling it is important to follow your instincts when choosing a counsellor. You can book a 'talk to Jo' chat for you to see if it feels like we could work together. I offer in person counselling or online. I have a comfortable counselling room. I am based in Sholing in Southampton.
I provide a gentle service for the following: carers of family members; alcohol and substance use problems; self esteem and confidence issues; difficulties from past experiences and trauma.
My name is Jo, I'm a Humanistic Counsellor. At the heart of my therapy is a deep and trusting relationship which I aim to develop by gaining a thorough understanding of how it feels to be you – seeing life through your eyes. I am caring, sensitive and encouraging. Whenever, considering counselling it is important to follow your instincts when choosing a counsellor. You can book a 'talk to Jo' chat for you to see if it feels like we could work together. I offer in person counselling or online. I have a comfortable counselling room. I am based in Sholing in Southampton.
01489 359893 View 01489 359893
Photo of Bradley John Riddell, Counsellor, MBACP
Bradley John Riddell
Counsellor, MBACP
Hove BN3
I specialise in addiction but work with many other issues too including couples.
I specialise in addiction issues & couples counselling using Imago dialogue as a pivotal technique to nurture listening, being heard & understood & valued. I have had issues with addiction all my life from childhood to adulthood hence my interest in this baffling, mysterious, cunning phenomenon. Core beliefs inform entrenched behaviours. What are yours?
I specialise in addiction but work with many other issues too including couples.
I specialise in addiction issues & couples counselling using Imago dialogue as a pivotal technique to nurture listening, being heard & understood & valued. I have had issues with addiction all my life from childhood to adulthood hence my interest in this baffling, mysterious, cunning phenomenon. Core beliefs inform entrenched behaviours. What are yours?
01273 036063 View 01273 036063
Photo of Dr Yordan K. Zhekov, Counsellor, PhD, MBACP
Dr Yordan K. Zhekov
Counsellor, PhD, MBACP
Serves Area
I have four Master's degrees and a Doctorate in areas of Theology, Marriage, Divorce, Addiction, Psychology, Psychotherapy and Counselling.
Are you feeling depressed, anxious, stressed or struggling with everyday life? Perhaps you are experiencing feelings you can't quite identify? Are you looking for help with various life challenging issues/situations? Have you got to the point where you can't go on alone and need someone else to help you? Whatever you are facing, you no longer have to do this alone, I am here to provide you with relevant support and address your needs. As an integrative counsellor I am using a compilation of therapeutic methods tailored to the individual's needs and goals providing an environment for enablement and empowerment of their achievement.
I have four Master's degrees and a Doctorate in areas of Theology, Marriage, Divorce, Addiction, Psychology, Psychotherapy and Counselling.
Are you feeling depressed, anxious, stressed or struggling with everyday life? Perhaps you are experiencing feelings you can't quite identify? Are you looking for help with various life challenging issues/situations? Have you got to the point where you can't go on alone and need someone else to help you? Whatever you are facing, you no longer have to do this alone, I am here to provide you with relevant support and address your needs. As an integrative counsellor I am using a compilation of therapeutic methods tailored to the individual's needs and goals providing an environment for enablement and empowerment of their achievement.
01923 936765 View 01923 936765
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.