Addiction Psychiatrists in New York, NY

Photo of Carl Erik Fisher, MD, Psychiatrist
Carl Erik Fisher
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
New York, NY 10011  (Online Only)
I have a specialty in substance use problems and addictive behaviors (e.
I am a Columbia University psychiatrist who uses integrative practices (especially mindfulness and meditation) along with modern psychotherapy and psychiatric medicine. My main focus is helping motivated people to work with their difficult emotions and behaviors, toward greater joy and peace in their lives.
I have a specialty in substance use problems and addictive behaviors (e.
I am a Columbia University psychiatrist who uses integrative practices (especially mindfulness and meditation) along with modern psychotherapy and psychiatric medicine. My main focus is helping motivated people to work with their difficult emotions and behaviors, toward greater joy and peace in their lives.
(646) 798-4867 View (646) 798-4867
Photo of Jonathan Wai, MD, Psychiatrist
Jonathan Wai
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
New York, NY 10019
I am currently a research scientist at Columbia University Medical Center, investigating the neurobiological underpinnings of addiction to develop novel treatments and approaches.
I am a board-certified psychiatrist who provides psychotherapy and medication for people seeking help with mental health, addiction, stress, life transitions, and other psychological issues. I use a mix of psychotherapeutic approaches with a focus on psychodynamic, person-centered, and cognitive behavioral therapies to tailor my treatment to each individual. I also employ mindfulness and meditation techniques to help with people feeling overwhelmed or are having trouble controlling their emotions.
I am currently a research scientist at Columbia University Medical Center, investigating the neurobiological underpinnings of addiction to develop novel treatments and approaches.
I am a board-certified psychiatrist who provides psychotherapy and medication for people seeking help with mental health, addiction, stress, life transitions, and other psychological issues. I use a mix of psychotherapeutic approaches with a focus on psychodynamic, person-centered, and cognitive behavioral therapies to tailor my treatment to each individual. I also employ mindfulness and meditation techniques to help with people feeling overwhelmed or are having trouble controlling their emotions.
(914) 233-3472 View (914) 233-3472
Photo of Jenna Butner, MD, MPH, FASAM, AAHIVS, Psychiatrist
Jenna Butner
Psychiatrist, MD, MPH, FASAM, AAHIVS
Verified Verified
New York, NY 10016  (Online Only)
I believe treatment of addiction requires a trusting environment and meeting my patients where they are at.
I am a double-boarded addiction medicine physician specializing in treating addiction disorders. I completed my medical training at Bronx Lebanon Hospital, and Fellowships in Addiction Medicine at Yale University School of Medicine and Palliative Care at Mount Sinai-Beth Israel. I am an Assistant Professor Adjunct in Medicine, in the Program in Addiction Medicine at Yale University School of Medicine.
I believe treatment of addiction requires a trusting environment and meeting my patients where they are at.
I am a double-boarded addiction medicine physician specializing in treating addiction disorders. I completed my medical training at Bronx Lebanon Hospital, and Fellowships in Addiction Medicine at Yale University School of Medicine and Palliative Care at Mount Sinai-Beth Israel. I am an Assistant Professor Adjunct in Medicine, in the Program in Addiction Medicine at Yale University School of Medicine.
(929) 205-5315 View (929) 205-5315
Photo of Carly Decker, MSN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Carly Decker
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
New York, NY 10018  (Online Only)
Carly works with clients with a variety of mental health conditions including depression, anxiety, substance use disorders, insomnia, bipolar disorders, and psychotic disorders.
Same day virtual appointments available for medication management with Carly Decker, Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.
Carly works with clients with a variety of mental health conditions including depression, anxiety, substance use disorders, insomnia, bipolar disorders, and psychotic disorders.
Same day virtual appointments available for medication management with Carly Decker, Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.
(512) 768-2548 View (512) 768-2548
Photo of Doreen Zarfati, MD, Psychiatrist
Doreen Zarfati
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
New York, NY 10036
I specializes in Adult ADD and addiction.
I am double board certified psychiatrist specializing in numerous psychiatric disorders as well as addiction disorders. I completed training at St. Lukes Roosevelt Hospital, Columbia and a specialty in Addiction at Beth Israel Hospital. For many years I was the Associate Director of the Psychiatric Emergency Department at Kings County Hospital and later became the Director of Woodhull Hospital in Brooklyn, NY. I have lectured about the many forms of addiction at conferences and participated in Grand Rounds for hospitals, discussing addiction and eating disorders.I am on the medical faculty at SUNY Downstate Hospital providing guidance, teaching and mentoring for psychiatric residents.
I specializes in Adult ADD and addiction.
I am double board certified psychiatrist specializing in numerous psychiatric disorders as well as addiction disorders. I completed training at St. Lukes Roosevelt Hospital, Columbia and a specialty in Addiction at Beth Israel Hospital. For many years I was the Associate Director of the Psychiatric Emergency Department at Kings County Hospital and later became the Director of Woodhull Hospital in Brooklyn, NY. I have lectured about the many forms of addiction at conferences and participated in Grand Rounds for hospitals, discussing addiction and eating disorders.I am on the medical faculty at SUNY Downstate Hospital providing guidance, teaching and mentoring for psychiatric residents.
(347) 848-1517 View (347) 848-1517
Photo of Evelyn A Stephens MD PC, Psychiatrist
Evelyn A Stephens MD PC
Psychiatrist
Verified Verified
New York, NY 10025
Hi there, I have been trained to treat many psychiatric illnesses and issues, with both medication and therapy. The different types of therapy I use include DBT, CBT, supportive and psychodynamic therapy. My patient population ranges from children as young as 6 years old to adults. The majority of children I work with are struggling with anxiety or ADHD, often both. The adolescents and adults that I treat have a variety of issues, including anxiety, substance abuse, eating disorders and mood disorders, such as depression and bipolar disorder.
Hi there, I have been trained to treat many psychiatric illnesses and issues, with both medication and therapy. The different types of therapy I use include DBT, CBT, supportive and psychodynamic therapy. My patient population ranges from children as young as 6 years old to adults. The majority of children I work with are struggling with anxiety or ADHD, often both. The adolescents and adults that I treat have a variety of issues, including anxiety, substance abuse, eating disorders and mood disorders, such as depression and bipolar disorder.
(347) 321-9712 View (347) 321-9712
Photo of Sean X Luo, MD, PhD, Psychiatrist
Sean X Luo
Psychiatrist, MD, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
New York, NY 10024
My work has received several awards, including the National Institute on Drug Abuse Mentored Career Development Award, the American Psychiatric Association/Eli Lily Resident Research Award and the American Academy of Addiction Psychiatry Young Investigator Award.
I am a Columbia-trained general and addiction psychiatrist and researcher. My practice focuses on delivering high-quality treatment to a small number of patients. I focus on complex substance use, co-morbid/dual diagnoses cases such as Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and depression, and behavioral addictions such as sex/gaming addiction. I conduct both talk therapy and use medications in my practice and work with both patients and their families. The goal is transformative change in behavior patterns to help patients achieve their highest level of functioning.
My work has received several awards, including the National Institute on Drug Abuse Mentored Career Development Award, the American Psychiatric Association/Eli Lily Resident Research Award and the American Academy of Addiction Psychiatry Young Investigator Award.
I am a Columbia-trained general and addiction psychiatrist and researcher. My practice focuses on delivering high-quality treatment to a small number of patients. I focus on complex substance use, co-morbid/dual diagnoses cases such as Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and depression, and behavioral addictions such as sex/gaming addiction. I conduct both talk therapy and use medications in my practice and work with both patients and their families. The goal is transformative change in behavior patterns to help patients achieve their highest level of functioning.
(646) 918-3780 View (646) 918-3780
Photo of Kriupa Samson, NP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Kriupa Samson
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, NP
Verified Verified
New York, NY 10004
Ms. Kriupa Samson is a Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, an experienced psychopharmacologist and therapist. She earned her masters degree at New York University, where she developed a love for helping individuals cope with mood and anxiety disorders, attentional problems, substance use disorders, and child/adolescent psychiatric disorders.
Ms. Kriupa Samson is a Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, an experienced psychopharmacologist and therapist. She earned her masters degree at New York University, where she developed a love for helping individuals cope with mood and anxiety disorders, attentional problems, substance use disorders, and child/adolescent psychiatric disorders.
(929) 590-2794 View (929) 590-2794
Photo of Imran A Jamil - Skypiatrist, MD, Psychiatrist
Skypiatrist
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
New York, NY 10003
Dr. Jamil graduated from King Edward Medical University in Lahore, Pakistan. During his electives at Yale University, he developed an interest in research. Later, he joined a research team on Alzheimer’s disease at New York University, where he published a few research articles including two book chapters on Alzheimer’s disease. After residency, he completed a fellowship in Addiction Psychiatry at Bronx-Lebanon Hospital. He later moved to New Jersey and became Medical Director of a psychiatry unit at Christ Hospital - Carepoint Health, while also working in private practice
Dr. Jamil graduated from King Edward Medical University in Lahore, Pakistan. During his electives at Yale University, he developed an interest in research. Later, he joined a research team on Alzheimer’s disease at New York University, where he published a few research articles including two book chapters on Alzheimer’s disease. After residency, he completed a fellowship in Addiction Psychiatry at Bronx-Lebanon Hospital. He later moved to New Jersey and became Medical Director of a psychiatry unit at Christ Hospital - Carepoint Health, while also working in private practice
(646) 492-8418 View (646) 492-8418
Photo of Olga Megwinoff, MD, Psychiatrist
Olga Megwinoff
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
New York, NY 10024
I am Board Certified in Psychiatry, Addiction Medicine and trained in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.
I treat executives and high functioning people with addiction and alcoholism, many have underlying disorders such as general anxiety disorders, depression, obsessive/compulsive disorders, and adult ADD/ADHD. Even though I am a Psychiatrist , I prefer to treat patients with psychotherapy or combination therapy of medicine and therapy (The Gold Standard of Treatment). I believe that people can always benefit from learning more about themselves, their behavior and their symptoms.
I am Board Certified in Psychiatry, Addiction Medicine and trained in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.
I treat executives and high functioning people with addiction and alcoholism, many have underlying disorders such as general anxiety disorders, depression, obsessive/compulsive disorders, and adult ADD/ADHD. Even though I am a Psychiatrist , I prefer to treat patients with psychotherapy or combination therapy of medicine and therapy (The Gold Standard of Treatment). I believe that people can always benefit from learning more about themselves, their behavior and their symptoms.
(646) 480-7365 View (646) 480-7365
Photo of Maryn Sloane - Addiction and General Psychiatry, MD, Psychiatrist
Addiction and General Psychiatry
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
New York, NY 10016
In respect of this, every patient is methodically assessed leaving no medical, psychiatric, substance exposure, environmental, social, or occupational historical feature unexamined.
In my work with individuals with chronic medical, psychiatric, pain and substance disorders I have come to truly appreciate how very individual and uniquely these manifest in the suffering patient. In the experience of of the one afflicted, their disorder is as distinct as the sufferer him or herself. As no two persons or illnesses could possibly be alike, neither should their most effective prescribed treatments be expected to be.
In respect of this, every patient is methodically assessed leaving no medical, psychiatric, substance exposure, environmental, social, or occupational historical feature unexamined.
In my work with individuals with chronic medical, psychiatric, pain and substance disorders I have come to truly appreciate how very individual and uniquely these manifest in the suffering patient. In the experience of of the one afflicted, their disorder is as distinct as the sufferer him or herself. As no two persons or illnesses could possibly be alike, neither should their most effective prescribed treatments be expected to be.
(917) 746-1905 View (917) 746-1905
Photo of Evelyn A Stephens MD PC, Psychiatrist
Evelyn A Stephens MD PC
Psychiatrist
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
New York, NY 10025
Hi there, I have been trained to treat many psychiatric illnesses and issues, with both medication and therapy. The different types of therapy I use include DBT, CBT, supportive and psychodynamic therapy. My patient population ranges from children as young as 6 years old to adults. The majority of children I work with are struggling with anxiety or ADHD, often both. The adolescents and adults that I treat have a variety of issues, including anxiety, substance abuse, eating disorders and mood disorders, such as depression and bipolar disorder.
Hi there, I have been trained to treat many psychiatric illnesses and issues, with both medication and therapy. The different types of therapy I use include DBT, CBT, supportive and psychodynamic therapy. My patient population ranges from children as young as 6 years old to adults. The majority of children I work with are struggling with anxiety or ADHD, often both. The adolescents and adults that I treat have a variety of issues, including anxiety, substance abuse, eating disorders and mood disorders, such as depression and bipolar disorder.
(347) 508-8094 View (347) 508-8094
Photo of Benjamin Recca, MD, Psychiatrist
Benjamin Recca
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
New York, NY 10024  (Online Only)
I completed my residency training at Mount Sinai Beth Israel Hospital, where I served as chief of psychotherapy, and subsequently completed an addiction fellowship at the University of Colorado.
Accepting New Patients (updated June 2022). Welcome! I am a board-certified psychiatrist who specializes in general adult psychiatry with a subspecialty in addiction. My priority is to listen carefully and compassionately, and provide judgement-free, collaborative, high-quality care. I have extensive experience treating adults with a wide variety of mental health concerns and offer a personalized and personable treatment approach. I conduct a comprehensive evaluation to create a cohesive narrative that begins to make sense of what brought you in, with the goal of you living a happier, healthier, more meaningful life.
I completed my residency training at Mount Sinai Beth Israel Hospital, where I served as chief of psychotherapy, and subsequently completed an addiction fellowship at the University of Colorado.
Accepting New Patients (updated June 2022). Welcome! I am a board-certified psychiatrist who specializes in general adult psychiatry with a subspecialty in addiction. My priority is to listen carefully and compassionately, and provide judgement-free, collaborative, high-quality care. I have extensive experience treating adults with a wide variety of mental health concerns and offer a personalized and personable treatment approach. I conduct a comprehensive evaluation to create a cohesive narrative that begins to make sense of what brought you in, with the goal of you living a happier, healthier, more meaningful life.
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Photo of Stephen Gilman - Addiction Psychiatrist NYC - Stephen Gilman, MD, MD, Psychiatrist
Addiction Psychiatrist NYC - Stephen Gilman, MD
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
New York, NY 10022
I’m a NYC addiction psychiatrist with over 20 years of experience in a private office based setting.
Helping motivated individuals overcome substance use, drug abuse, addiction alcohol, even if failed in the past. Being an addiction psychiatrist, I’ll treat any other psychiatric issues, depression, anxiety - including those in stable recovery. Are you always a little bit afraid that another relapse to your substance is waiting just around the corner? Have you tried and failed countless times to stop your use on your own? Have you gone to other clinicians for addiction treatment, but had relapsed or worsening depression, anxiety, relationship and job consequences? This is how an addiction psychiatrist excels in addiction treatment.
I’m a NYC addiction psychiatrist with over 20 years of experience in a private office based setting.
Helping motivated individuals overcome substance use, drug abuse, addiction alcohol, even if failed in the past. Being an addiction psychiatrist, I’ll treat any other psychiatric issues, depression, anxiety - including those in stable recovery. Are you always a little bit afraid that another relapse to your substance is waiting just around the corner? Have you tried and failed countless times to stop your use on your own? Have you gone to other clinicians for addiction treatment, but had relapsed or worsening depression, anxiety, relationship and job consequences? This is how an addiction psychiatrist excels in addiction treatment.
(646) 736-4362 View (646) 736-4362
Photo of Michael Morhous, DO, Psychiatrist
Michael Morhous
Psychiatrist, DO
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
New York, NY 10012
Waitlist for new clients
I completed my residency at Maimonides Medical Center, a fellowship in Addiction Psychiatry at Mount Sinai Beth Israel, and received additional training in dynamic psychotherapy at the Psychoanalytic Association of NY.
My practice is devoted to helping patients surmount the obstacles that interfere with their ability to function optimally and live their best lives. Using evidence-based practices, I will work with you to develop a treatment plan that is compatible with your goals and values as an individual. Some of my patients see great benefit from the judicious use of the right medications alone; others prefer treatment which involves only psychotherapy. Many find that a combination of these two treatment modalities brings the quickest and longest lasting results.
I completed my residency at Maimonides Medical Center, a fellowship in Addiction Psychiatry at Mount Sinai Beth Israel, and received additional training in dynamic psychotherapy at the Psychoanalytic Association of NY.
My practice is devoted to helping patients surmount the obstacles that interfere with their ability to function optimally and live their best lives. Using evidence-based practices, I will work with you to develop a treatment plan that is compatible with your goals and values as an individual. Some of my patients see great benefit from the judicious use of the right medications alone; others prefer treatment which involves only psychotherapy. Many find that a combination of these two treatment modalities brings the quickest and longest lasting results.
(347) 577-9772 View (347) 577-9772
Photo of Ijaz Rasul - Telepsychiatrist_Piedmont Behavioral Services, MD, Psychiatrist
Telepsychiatrist_Piedmont Behavioral Services
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
New York, NY 10019
Child and Adult Psychiatry, Therapy and Substance abuse.
We provide Child and Adult Psychiatry, Therapy and Substance abuse services via video across New York. Our Board Certified Psychiatrists and Therapists are available to help everyday and we can offer same day appointments. Telepsychiatry or Telemedicine uses video link (via computer or smartphone) to offer appointments from home or outside clinic. It offers the option to see a psychiatrist any time as long as you have access to your smart phone or computer. Please use our website or below link to make an appointment. https://piedmontbs.com/telepsychiatry/
Child and Adult Psychiatry, Therapy and Substance abuse.
We provide Child and Adult Psychiatry, Therapy and Substance abuse services via video across New York. Our Board Certified Psychiatrists and Therapists are available to help everyday and we can offer same day appointments. Telepsychiatry or Telemedicine uses video link (via computer or smartphone) to offer appointments from home or outside clinic. It offers the option to see a psychiatrist any time as long as you have access to your smart phone or computer. Please use our website or below link to make an appointment. https://piedmontbs.com/telepsychiatry/
(516) 701-3053 View (516) 701-3053
Photo of Henry L McCurtis, MD, Psychiatrist
Henry L McCurtis
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
New York, NY 10023
I am a psychiatrist, psychoanalyst, with a specialty in addiction psychiatry with an integrative psychiatry practice based on a diagnostic assessment and treatment guided by biological, psychological, social, and behavioral paradigms. I have a developmental orientation toward understanding human behavior. I have a special interest in attachment styles and their implications in interpersonal conflict in families and couples. I have a keen interest in the phase of life problems resulting in the major transitions in development such as the passage from adolescents to young adulthood, marriage, divorce, mid life adjustments, retirement, and grief and bereavement.
I am a psychiatrist, psychoanalyst, with a specialty in addiction psychiatry with an integrative psychiatry practice based on a diagnostic assessment and treatment guided by biological, psychological, social, and behavioral paradigms. I have a developmental orientation toward understanding human behavior. I have a special interest in attachment styles and their implications in interpersonal conflict in families and couples. I have a keen interest in the phase of life problems resulting in the major transitions in development such as the passage from adolescents to young adulthood, marriage, divorce, mid life adjustments, retirement, and grief and bereavement.
(646) 606-2965 View (646) 606-2965
Photo of Shane S Spicer, MD, Psychiatrist
Shane S Spicer
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
New York, NY 10016
I have particular interest and expertise in: General Adult Psychiatry, LGBTQ-Affirmative Mental Health, Addiction Psychiatry, and HIV/AIDS Mental Health.
Are you looking for a psychiatrist who genuinely cares about his clients? A psychiatrist who spends more time with clients than the average psychiatrist? Then you are in the right place. My practice offers an easily accessible Manhattan location and a relaxed environment in which you can receive psychotherapy, medication management, or both, in order to address your unique needs. Services are provided in a comfortable and nonjudgmental climate and we can draw from different psychotherapy theories and treatment models in order to best meet your specific goals.
I have particular interest and expertise in: General Adult Psychiatry, LGBTQ-Affirmative Mental Health, Addiction Psychiatry, and HIV/AIDS Mental Health.
Are you looking for a psychiatrist who genuinely cares about his clients? A psychiatrist who spends more time with clients than the average psychiatrist? Then you are in the right place. My practice offers an easily accessible Manhattan location and a relaxed environment in which you can receive psychotherapy, medication management, or both, in order to address your unique needs. Services are provided in a comfortable and nonjudgmental climate and we can draw from different psychotherapy theories and treatment models in order to best meet your specific goals.
(646) 600-8231 View (646) 600-8231
Photo of Anna Skiandos, DO, Psychiatrist
Anna Skiandos
Psychiatrist, DO
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
New York, NY 10016
I am a board-certified psychiatrist with specialty training in addiction medicine, and an Assistant Professor at Weill Cornell Medical College.
People deserve to feel heard and understood from those they are seeking support. Grounded in my training at Columbia, I believe in treating clients as collaborators who have agency in their treatment. I strive to provide the latest psychopharmacological and psychotherapeutic approaches that would be best suited to their situation. I am primarily focused on treating people who question the role that drugs and alcohol may play in their life - whether they are considering abstinence or moderating their use, I am particularly attuned in helping people understand themselves.
I am a board-certified psychiatrist with specialty training in addiction medicine, and an Assistant Professor at Weill Cornell Medical College.
People deserve to feel heard and understood from those they are seeking support. Grounded in my training at Columbia, I believe in treating clients as collaborators who have agency in their treatment. I strive to provide the latest psychopharmacological and psychotherapeutic approaches that would be best suited to their situation. I am primarily focused on treating people who question the role that drugs and alcohol may play in their life - whether they are considering abstinence or moderating their use, I am particularly attuned in helping people understand themselves.
(646) 846-8946 View (646) 846-8946
Photo of Edith Onua, DNP, PMHNP, FNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Edith Onua
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP, FNP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
New York, NY 10165
Her expertise spans mental health conditions, including personality disorders and addiction.
Have you been struggling to kick your addiction? Is your anxiety negatively affecting your daily routine? Are you in need of a mental health professional who offers compassionate support and medication management? You can envision how you want life to feel, but your mental health medication isn’t giving you the relief you need. You hope to find an empathetic, knowledgeable therapist who you can connect with and help you get on the right path to mental wellness. Edith at SMPsychotherapy & Counseling Services is dedicated to understanding the unique needs and providing personalized support to every client ages 3 and above.
Her expertise spans mental health conditions, including personality disorders and addiction.
Have you been struggling to kick your addiction? Is your anxiety negatively affecting your daily routine? Are you in need of a mental health professional who offers compassionate support and medication management? You can envision how you want life to feel, but your mental health medication isn’t giving you the relief you need. You hope to find an empathetic, knowledgeable therapist who you can connect with and help you get on the right path to mental wellness. Edith at SMPsychotherapy & Counseling Services is dedicated to understanding the unique needs and providing personalized support to every client ages 3 and above.
(929) 545-6344 View (929) 545-6344
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Addiction Psychiatrists

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.