Photo of Debra Leonardo, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 11771, NY
Debra Leonardo
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-R
Verified Verified
Oyster Bay, NY 11771
Looking to feel happier or more satisfied in one or more areas in your life? Many people go on through their daily routines while ignoring self-defeating behaviors and finding little happiness or satisfaction in their life or in their relationships. Together, let's examine the choices you have made or failed to make. Most likely, you need to make some changes. Become productive, healthier and live a more enjoyable life.
Looking to feel happier or more satisfied in one or more areas in your life? Many people go on through their daily routines while ignoring self-defeating behaviors and finding little happiness or satisfaction in their life or in their relationships. Together, let's examine the choices you have made or failed to make. Most likely, you need to make some changes. Become productive, healthier and live a more enjoyable life.
(516) 698-7922 View (516) 698-7922
Drug Abuse Therapists

How do substance and drug recovery or rehabilitation programs work?

In inpatient programs, individuals live in a facility with other clients in recovery; in outpatient programs, individuals reside at home. These facilities are staffed with healthcare professionals including physicians, nurses, psychologists, counselors, and psychotherapists. Staff often also includes people who have recovered themselves, serving as mentors and guides. These programs may use abstinence, harm reduction, detoxification, psychotherapy, and other methods.

How do 12-step programs combined with psychotherapy work?

Members of 12-step programs help each other reach abstinence and work to maintain it. These programs promote complete change in the individual’s emotional, mental, physical, and even spiritual perspectives. Some programs require that new members attend 90 meetings in 90 days. Many people do attend these programs in conjunction with their work in psychotherapy; the combination of therapy along with 12-step can be extremely effective.

How does harm reduction combined with psychotherapy work?

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, harm reduction prevents death, injury, disease, overdose, and substance misuse. People who choose harm reduction for substance use reduce the amount of drugs they consume. It is not abstinence-based like a 12-step program, but combining harm reduction with psychotherapy proves to be effective for many people.

Are there specific medications for substance and drug use?

There are medications approved to treat substance use disorder—such as buprenorphine, methadone, naltrexone, and acamprosate. These medications do help people cope with substance use as well as avoid the problem of relapse. Naltrexone can help reduce cravings, methadone is an opioid medication used to treat severe pain, and acamprosate may help ease symptoms like poor sleep and anxious feelings.