Addiction Therapists in 98660

Photo of Jesse A James, Drug & Alcohol Counselor in 98660, WA
Jesse A James
Drug & Alcohol Counselor, MS, CADCII, SUDP, SFBT-1, CC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Vancouver, WA 98660
Are you seeking a path towards more positive life choices? Feeling trapped in a vortex of poor decisions? Maybe you're looking for assistance in establishing boundaries with your partner, or perhaps you're simply feeling adrift and in need of guidance. Regardless of your circumstances, I'm here to steer you towards an improved life. As a seasoned Military Veteran and accredited Life Coach, Recovery Coach, and Substance Abuse Counselor, I've dedicated myself to enabling individuals to unlock their full potential since 2005.
Are you seeking a path towards more positive life choices? Feeling trapped in a vortex of poor decisions? Maybe you're looking for assistance in establishing boundaries with your partner, or perhaps you're simply feeling adrift and in need of guidance. Regardless of your circumstances, I'm here to steer you towards an improved life. As a seasoned Military Veteran and accredited Life Coach, Recovery Coach, and Substance Abuse Counselor, I've dedicated myself to enabling individuals to unlock their full potential since 2005.
(360) 227-5941 View (360) 227-5941
Photo of Tiran Sahar, Counselor in 98660, WA
Tiran Sahar
Counselor, MA
Verified Verified
Vancouver, WA 98660
I have extensive training in addiction- particularly shopping, internet use, gambling, codependency, and gaming.
Anyone willing to be curious about their experience is welcome at my practice. I offer gender diverse, multi-racial, neurodiverse, and non monogamous people space to process their experiences of marginalization and complexity. Together we can make meaningful change by centering your goals, understanding trauma, and building resilience from the container of our therapy relationship.
I have extensive training in addiction- particularly shopping, internet use, gambling, codependency, and gaming.
Anyone willing to be curious about their experience is welcome at my practice. I offer gender diverse, multi-racial, neurodiverse, and non monogamous people space to process their experiences of marginalization and complexity. Together we can make meaningful change by centering your goals, understanding trauma, and building resilience from the container of our therapy relationship.
(360) 544-9056 View (360) 544-9056
Photo of Caroline Gearing, Marriage & Family Therapist in 98660, WA
Caroline Gearing
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Vancouver, WA 98660
As a licensed marriage and family therapist I specialize in sexual addiction work for men and women transitioning from sexual addiction to healthy sexuality, and partners and couples dealing with sexual addiction. Groups provided: sex addiction, partner of sexual addict, couples dealing with sexual addiction, and love addiction. Strong focus on couples counseling, premarital counseling using Prepare/Enrich assessment tools. Expertise with sexual therapy for couples and individuals. Specialty dealing with narcissistic people and assisting clients with great transitional challenges. I am a highly dedicated counselor and therapist partnering with my clients to successfully move forward in their lives.
As a licensed marriage and family therapist I specialize in sexual addiction work for men and women transitioning from sexual addiction to healthy sexuality, and partners and couples dealing with sexual addiction. Groups provided: sex addiction, partner of sexual addict, couples dealing with sexual addiction, and love addiction. Strong focus on couples counseling, premarital counseling using Prepare/Enrich assessment tools. Expertise with sexual therapy for couples and individuals. Specialty dealing with narcissistic people and assisting clients with great transitional challenges. I am a highly dedicated counselor and therapist partnering with my clients to successfully move forward in their lives.
(360) 450-4373 View (360) 450-4373
Photo of Angela Riesterer, Mental Health Counselor in 98660, WA
Angela Riesterer
Mental Health Counselor, MA, NCC, LMHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Vancouver, WA 98660
Waitlist for new clients
I have worked with those experiencing trauma, abuse, grief/loss, addiction, betrayal, relational issues and family problems.
I am deeply passionate about helping people feel better and experience RELIEF from intense emotional pain and suffering. As a therapist, I am no stranger to deep suffering. In fact, it has been the single most powerful catalyst to who I have become, personally and professionally. I LOVE this work. Nobody escapes trauma in this life. To be human is to suffer. But we can learn how to manage and navigate the things we can't control. We can HEAL from our pain. We can rise from the most desperate of circumstances. We can become FREE. I carry a continual burning torch of hope and light for every sacred person I sit with. I believe in you.
I have worked with those experiencing trauma, abuse, grief/loss, addiction, betrayal, relational issues and family problems.
I am deeply passionate about helping people feel better and experience RELIEF from intense emotional pain and suffering. As a therapist, I am no stranger to deep suffering. In fact, it has been the single most powerful catalyst to who I have become, personally and professionally. I LOVE this work. Nobody escapes trauma in this life. To be human is to suffer. But we can learn how to manage and navigate the things we can't control. We can HEAL from our pain. We can rise from the most desperate of circumstances. We can become FREE. I carry a continual burning torch of hope and light for every sacred person I sit with. I believe in you.
(360) 230-1878 View (360) 230-1878
Photo of Bluestream Counseling LLC., Counselor in 98660, WA
Bluestream Counseling LLC.
Counselor, MS, LMHC, SUDPT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Vancouver, WA 98660
Washington State approved Supervisor. Helping those who want to improve symptoms from OCD, Bipolar, PTSD, and those who struggle with addiction. Trained in ERP ( Exposure Response Prevention) I can work with you to improve your quality of life by providing insight into the identification and management of emotional triggers resulting in negative behaviors; as well as the redirection of unhealthy coping mechanisms such as anger, and isolation into healthy coping strategies based on your personal strengths, interests, and goals.
Washington State approved Supervisor. Helping those who want to improve symptoms from OCD, Bipolar, PTSD, and those who struggle with addiction. Trained in ERP ( Exposure Response Prevention) I can work with you to improve your quality of life by providing insight into the identification and management of emotional triggers resulting in negative behaviors; as well as the redirection of unhealthy coping mechanisms such as anger, and isolation into healthy coping strategies based on your personal strengths, interests, and goals.
(360) 854-3904 View (360) 854-3904
Photo of Caleb Abrams in 98660, WA
Caleb Abrams
CSAT, CCTP, CLC, MA
Verified Verified
Vancouver, WA 98660
Caleb is Certified in the Treatment of Sexual Addiction, is a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional, Ordained Minister, Certified Life Coach, with a Masters of Psychology in Counseling and a Bachelors of Arts in Psychology. Caleb specializes in helping men work through sex addiction but provides counseling services for all kinds of addictions. He also works with clients that are struggling with anxiety, addictive behaviors, depression, PTSD, emotional abuse, mental abuse and trauma of various kinds. His passion is to provide a safe space for his clients and to walk hand-in-hand with them, guiding them through the healing process.
Caleb is Certified in the Treatment of Sexual Addiction, is a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional, Ordained Minister, Certified Life Coach, with a Masters of Psychology in Counseling and a Bachelors of Arts in Psychology. Caleb specializes in helping men work through sex addiction but provides counseling services for all kinds of addictions. He also works with clients that are struggling with anxiety, addictive behaviors, depression, PTSD, emotional abuse, mental abuse and trauma of various kinds. His passion is to provide a safe space for his clients and to walk hand-in-hand with them, guiding them through the healing process.
(720) 706-5055 View (720) 706-5055
Photo of Sfirah Madrone, Counselor in 98660, WA
Sfirah Madrone
Counselor, MA, LMHC, SUDP
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Vancouver, WA 98660
I approach the treatment of substance use from a harm reduction and attachment-based perspective.
My focus is on helping survivors of traumatic events, relationships and social systems to heal and address the impact that these experiences have had on their adult lives. Maybe you've noticed symptoms like intrusive thoughts, sleep problems, feeling on guard, not being able to remember things you feel you should or having very negative beliefs about yourself and the world. You may have dealt with the symptoms for so long that they seem like a part of you- unhelpful patterns, depression, anxiety, problems with substances, difficulty making desired life changes in your career, relationships or parenting. Things can be different!
I approach the treatment of substance use from a harm reduction and attachment-based perspective.
My focus is on helping survivors of traumatic events, relationships and social systems to heal and address the impact that these experiences have had on their adult lives. Maybe you've noticed symptoms like intrusive thoughts, sleep problems, feeling on guard, not being able to remember things you feel you should or having very negative beliefs about yourself and the world. You may have dealt with the symptoms for so long that they seem like a part of you- unhelpful patterns, depression, anxiety, problems with substances, difficulty making desired life changes in your career, relationships or parenting. Things can be different!
(360) 512-7824 View (360) 512-7824
Photo of Stephanie Podasca, Licensed Professional Counselor in 98660, WA
Stephanie Podasca
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, LMHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Vancouver, WA 98660  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I am here to help you overcome difficult experiences, connect to your authentic self, and find freedom so that you can build the life you truly want. I work with adults who are struggling with trauma-related emotional, relational, and behavioral issues such as anxiety, addiction, and relationship issues. The clients who have the best outcomes with me are open to exploring their difficult emotional patterns, behaviors, and relationships and are willing to try new things in and outside of our sessions. My ideal client wants to connect with a real person, reconnect to their mind and body and ultimately expand their coping tool kit!
I am here to help you overcome difficult experiences, connect to your authentic self, and find freedom so that you can build the life you truly want. I work with adults who are struggling with trauma-related emotional, relational, and behavioral issues such as anxiety, addiction, and relationship issues. The clients who have the best outcomes with me are open to exploring their difficult emotional patterns, behaviors, and relationships and are willing to try new things in and outside of our sessions. My ideal client wants to connect with a real person, reconnect to their mind and body and ultimately expand their coping tool kit!
(971) 206-6443 View (971) 206-6443
Photo of Boehm Counseling & Consulting Services, Counselor in 98660, WA
Boehm Counseling & Consulting Services
Counselor, MS, LMHC, MAC
Verified Verified
Vancouver, WA 98660
Interventions include substance abuse addictions & "process addictions" Therapeutic approaches include cognitive/behavioral, interpersonal, family systems, EMDR visualization, motivational interviewing.
Client motivation focused;,believing personal change is possible for anyone who desires it. The human spirit is powerful and will persevere if nurtured, empowered & supported. My therapeutic approach: teaching, empower, intervene &support for the therapeutic change process with clients. Combining education + professional & personal experience I provide a safe, non-judgmental therapeutic approach conducive to healthy changes. Perspective of personal strengths vs the medical model of "sickness" clients are empowered with hope and skills for positive change.
Interventions include substance abuse addictions & "process addictions" Therapeutic approaches include cognitive/behavioral, interpersonal, family systems, EMDR visualization, motivational interviewing.
Client motivation focused;,believing personal change is possible for anyone who desires it. The human spirit is powerful and will persevere if nurtured, empowered & supported. My therapeutic approach: teaching, empower, intervene &support for the therapeutic change process with clients. Combining education + professional & personal experience I provide a safe, non-judgmental therapeutic approach conducive to healthy changes. Perspective of personal strengths vs the medical model of "sickness" clients are empowered with hope and skills for positive change.
(360) 215-3885 View (360) 215-3885
Photo of Raquel Ramirez, Counselor in 98660, WA
Raquel Ramirez
Counselor, LMHC
Verified Verified
Vancouver, WA 98660
Life Transitions Adult individuals and teens (15+) Women Issues Depression Anxiety Identity Imposter Syndrome Self-image Trauma Spirituality Personal Growth and Development Self Image Grief Addiction Chronic pain and illness.
Raquel is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) and EMDR Therapist who provides a container, a safe and compassionate space, to explore the areas you seek to shift or expand. Her style is warm, intuitive, authentic, compassionate, and direct. Raquel naturally uses a trauma-informed lens, and leans towards a Psychodynamic, Attachment, and Person-Centered approach to get a big picture of you and your experience. She believes we are better able to shed layers and get into deeper truths when we feel seen, safe, and heard, from a supportive non judgemental person.
Life Transitions Adult individuals and teens (15+) Women Issues Depression Anxiety Identity Imposter Syndrome Self-image Trauma Spirituality Personal Growth and Development Self Image Grief Addiction Chronic pain and illness.
Raquel is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) and EMDR Therapist who provides a container, a safe and compassionate space, to explore the areas you seek to shift or expand. Her style is warm, intuitive, authentic, compassionate, and direct. Raquel naturally uses a trauma-informed lens, and leans towards a Psychodynamic, Attachment, and Person-Centered approach to get a big picture of you and your experience. She believes we are better able to shed layers and get into deeper truths when we feel seen, safe, and heard, from a supportive non judgemental person.
(360) 860-5480 View (360) 860-5480
Photo of Craig Griffin, Counselor in 98660, WA
Craig Griffin
Counselor, MA, LMHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Vancouver, WA 98660
I treat behavioral addictions like sex/porn, gambling and shopping and substance addictions with ImTT.
I treat mood disorders, depression, anxiety, Anger, OCD, trauma and addictions with Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Image Transformation Therapy (ImTT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) I integrate faith in therapy and consider myself a Christian Counselor. I respect those that would not like faith to be a part of treatment, and I will not impose my faith or values upon you.
I treat behavioral addictions like sex/porn, gambling and shopping and substance addictions with ImTT.
I treat mood disorders, depression, anxiety, Anger, OCD, trauma and addictions with Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Image Transformation Therapy (ImTT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) I integrate faith in therapy and consider myself a Christian Counselor. I respect those that would not like faith to be a part of treatment, and I will not impose my faith or values upon you.
(360) 523-7182 View (360) 523-7182
Photo of Release Counseling, PLLC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 98660, WA
Release Counseling, PLLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, SUDP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Vancouver, WA 98660
Entering mental health and/or addictions recovery is a significant life transition, whether you are taking this on for yourself or supporting a loved one. I can offer you support in conjunction with your work in a self-help group, during or following treatment, or even to help you deepen your recovery beyond abstinence and/or medication management. When someone struggles with mental health and/or substance abuse, it can affect their friends and families too (even after they get help and/or when entering recovery). I can help loved ones who are seeking therapy for themselves so they get the support they need.
Entering mental health and/or addictions recovery is a significant life transition, whether you are taking this on for yourself or supporting a loved one. I can offer you support in conjunction with your work in a self-help group, during or following treatment, or even to help you deepen your recovery beyond abstinence and/or medication management. When someone struggles with mental health and/or substance abuse, it can affect their friends and families too (even after they get help and/or when entering recovery). I can help loved ones who are seeking therapy for themselves so they get the support they need.
(360) 488-0173 View (360) 488-0173
Photo of Joshua A. Furtado, Counselor in 98660, WA
Joshua A. Furtado
Counselor, LPC, LMHC, CADCIII, SUDP
Verified Verified
Vancouver, WA 98660
Waitlist for new clients
I believe that every client has the potential for health and wellness regardless their situation. I have dealt with many issues including, mood, thoughts, anxiety, attention, eating, gender, sexuality, spirituality, substance use, and compulsive behaviors. I want to meet you where you are. While they may not be ready to make immediate changes, planting the seeds of health and wellness are my ultimate goals. I work with adults and youth at least 11 years old.
I believe that every client has the potential for health and wellness regardless their situation. I have dealt with many issues including, mood, thoughts, anxiety, attention, eating, gender, sexuality, spirituality, substance use, and compulsive behaviors. I want to meet you where you are. While they may not be ready to make immediate changes, planting the seeds of health and wellness are my ultimate goals. I work with adults and youth at least 11 years old.
(360) 382-4396 View (360) 382-4396
Photo of Semi Grey (Accepting New Clients), Counselor in 98660, WA
Semi Grey (Accepting New Clients)
Counselor, LMHCA, SUDP, MS
Verified Verified
Vancouver, WA 98660
I help people who desire satisfying relationships and want to live an authentic, peaceful, and fulfilling existence. Perhaps you are experiencing anxiety, relationship conflicts, and frustration with patterns that continue to be roadblocks to your goals and emotional wellbeing. From systemic trauma, generational trauma, substance use, to mental health concerns, it can feel like you are fighting a losing battle. You don’t have to hold that alone. I'm here to support you on your journey towards a more fulfilling life, deeper connections, and greater self confidence!
I help people who desire satisfying relationships and want to live an authentic, peaceful, and fulfilling existence. Perhaps you are experiencing anxiety, relationship conflicts, and frustration with patterns that continue to be roadblocks to your goals and emotional wellbeing. From systemic trauma, generational trauma, substance use, to mental health concerns, it can feel like you are fighting a losing battle. You don’t have to hold that alone. I'm here to support you on your journey towards a more fulfilling life, deeper connections, and greater self confidence!
(360) 233-8149 View (360) 233-8149
Photo of Ty Benson, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 98660, WA
Ty Benson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LSWAIC, CSWA, QMHP
Verified Verified
Vancouver, WA 98660  (Online Only)
Assisting those with who have lived experience with trauma, oppression, relationships, addiction to substances/gambling and whatever difficulties or pain one may be experiencing. I appreciate being a position to be able to assist others with navigating through the healing and therapeutic process. As a therapist utilizing culturally relevant approaches to my clinical interventions is imperative to the services I provide. The service I will provide will be individualistic and together we will determine the best modalities to use moving forward. Assuring my client is respected and heard.
Assisting those with who have lived experience with trauma, oppression, relationships, addiction to substances/gambling and whatever difficulties or pain one may be experiencing. I appreciate being a position to be able to assist others with navigating through the healing and therapeutic process. As a therapist utilizing culturally relevant approaches to my clinical interventions is imperative to the services I provide. The service I will provide will be individualistic and together we will determine the best modalities to use moving forward. Assuring my client is respected and heard.
(360) 429-0821 View (360) 429-0821
Photo of Brenna Cooley, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 98660, WA
Brenna Cooley
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LSWAIC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Vancouver, WA 98660  (Online Only)
My experience includes working with individuals who have co-occurring disorders such as a substance use diagnosis and a mental health illness(s): anxiety, depression, bipolar, schizophrenia, and psychosis.
When I hear the words "ideal client," I immediately think about someone who is willing to change. This is someone who is wanting to work on themselves and is ready to take "personal inventory." Someone who is open, honest, and vulnerable with themselves and their therapist. A client who is willing to engage and participate in the process of bettering themselves. We can work on managing stress, day to day challenges, or learning coping skills. We will work together on a therapeutic approach that is right for you.
My experience includes working with individuals who have co-occurring disorders such as a substance use diagnosis and a mental health illness(s): anxiety, depression, bipolar, schizophrenia, and psychosis.
When I hear the words "ideal client," I immediately think about someone who is willing to change. This is someone who is wanting to work on themselves and is ready to take "personal inventory." Someone who is open, honest, and vulnerable with themselves and their therapist. A client who is willing to engage and participate in the process of bettering themselves. We can work on managing stress, day to day challenges, or learning coping skills. We will work together on a therapeutic approach that is right for you.
(425) 600-6541 View (425) 600-6541
Photo of Katie Schmitten, Pre-Licensed Professional in 98660, WA
Katie Schmitten
Pre-Licensed Professional, CSWA, LSWAIC
Verified Verified
Vancouver, WA 98660
Hello my name is Katie and it is nice to meet you. I am currently taking new patients, teens 14 and older, and adults in Oregon and Washington. I have served in the field for 12 years and welcome populations of all demographics, ethnicities and cultures. I have extensive experience in school based settings assisting with issues such as complex trauma, self harm, addiction, anxiety, depression, grief, loss, life transitions, divorce, adoption, children in the foster system, parent coaching, and other issues. I look forward to meeting you and helping you achieve healing and permanent change.
Hello my name is Katie and it is nice to meet you. I am currently taking new patients, teens 14 and older, and adults in Oregon and Washington. I have served in the field for 12 years and welcome populations of all demographics, ethnicities and cultures. I have extensive experience in school based settings assisting with issues such as complex trauma, self harm, addiction, anxiety, depression, grief, loss, life transitions, divorce, adoption, children in the foster system, parent coaching, and other issues. I look forward to meeting you and helping you achieve healing and permanent change.
(206) 593-3834 View (206) 593-3834
Photo of Christina Perez, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 98660, WA
Christina Perez
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MA, LSWAIC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Vancouver, WA 98660  (Online Only)
Hello there! I'm Christina, and I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to connect with you. I'm accepting new clients with availability within the week. My passion has always been centered around helping others live their best lives, and I bring a wealth of experience to the table. I understand the challenges of navigating anxiety, depression, building coping strategies, addiction, and trauma. Through my journey and professional work, I've had the privilege of supporting individuals of all ages and backgrounds, offering individual, family, and group therapy services.
Hello there! I'm Christina, and I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to connect with you. I'm accepting new clients with availability within the week. My passion has always been centered around helping others live their best lives, and I bring a wealth of experience to the table. I understand the challenges of navigating anxiety, depression, building coping strategies, addiction, and trauma. Through my journey and professional work, I've had the privilege of supporting individuals of all ages and backgrounds, offering individual, family, and group therapy services.
(206) 590-7460 View (206) 590-7460
Photo of Justin Gladney, Pre-Licensed Professional in 98660, WA
Justin Gladney
Pre-Licensed Professional, LCSWIA
Verified Verified
Vancouver, WA 98660  (Online Only)
I am a passionate and dedicated queer therapist with a specialization in LGBTQ-related issues, substance use disorders, trauma, chemsex, sex, and men with sexual dysfunction. My focus is on providing tailored support and guidance to individuals, including gay and bisexual men, MSM (men who have sex with men), and straight men, in their journey towards achieving their mental health goals.
I am a passionate and dedicated queer therapist with a specialization in LGBTQ-related issues, substance use disorders, trauma, chemsex, sex, and men with sexual dysfunction. My focus is on providing tailored support and guidance to individuals, including gay and bisexual men, MSM (men who have sex with men), and straight men, in their journey towards achieving their mental health goals.
(509) 631-8445 View (509) 631-8445
Photo of Matthew C. Ware, Mental Health Counselor Associate in 98660, WA
Matthew C. Ware
Mental Health Counselor Associate, LMHCA
Verified Verified
Vancouver, WA 98660  (Online Only)
I have a deep passion for helping trauma survivors, combat veterans, and people who are struggling with addiction to accomplish and sustain meaningful recoveries in their lives. I provide a non-judgmental, compassionate, and safe therapeutic space to help them achieve their goals. The most rewarding thing for me as a therapist is helping a client work through and heal from the trauma and shame that is so commonly the underlying cause of their substance use, addiction, or mental health challenges.
I have a deep passion for helping trauma survivors, combat veterans, and people who are struggling with addiction to accomplish and sustain meaningful recoveries in their lives. I provide a non-judgmental, compassionate, and safe therapeutic space to help them achieve their goals. The most rewarding thing for me as a therapist is helping a client work through and heal from the trauma and shame that is so commonly the underlying cause of their substance use, addiction, or mental health challenges.
(509) 303-4593 View (509) 303-4593
Addiction Therapists

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.