Addiction Therapists in 90403

Photo of Kylie Kolb, LMFT, CSAT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Kylie Kolb, LMFT, CSAT
Marriage & Family Therapist
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90403  (Online Only)
As a psychotherapist, I am passionate about reformative experiences involving addiction & recovery.
New insights & experiences foster transformation, yet human beings tend to engage in predictable behavior that is familiar to them. A sudden moment of clarity that puts life into focus can be miraculous, but it’s difficult to see on your own what has been hidden for so long. That’s where I come in. Through a variety of approaches & interventions that are customized to you & your needs, we will move you in the direction of a new way of experiencing yourself & the world. At the end of our time together, it is my hope that you will feel stronger, more grounded, with a deeper understanding of yourself, valuing your mind, body, & spirit.
As a psychotherapist, I am passionate about reformative experiences involving addiction & recovery.
New insights & experiences foster transformation, yet human beings tend to engage in predictable behavior that is familiar to them. A sudden moment of clarity that puts life into focus can be miraculous, but it’s difficult to see on your own what has been hidden for so long. That’s where I come in. Through a variety of approaches & interventions that are customized to you & your needs, we will move you in the direction of a new way of experiencing yourself & the world. At the end of our time together, it is my hope that you will feel stronger, more grounded, with a deeper understanding of yourself, valuing your mind, body, & spirit.
(323) 508-2470 View (323) 508-2470
Photo of Lydia Kosinar, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Lydia Kosinar
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90403
I have worked in several facilities assisting clients who struggle with co-ocurring substance abuse and emotional issues.
As a marriage and family therapist, I believe that with a strong therapeutic relationship and using the treatment modalities that best fit your needs you can overcome your struggles and live life to its fullest potential. I am experienced in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy as well as Psychodynamic, Mindfulness and Client-Oriented therapeutic techniques to assist individuals, children, couples, or families to improve their ability to manage stress, depressive symptoms and anxiety, cope with emotional difficulties, relapse prevention issues, develop insight and improve their communications.
I have worked in several facilities assisting clients who struggle with co-ocurring substance abuse and emotional issues.
As a marriage and family therapist, I believe that with a strong therapeutic relationship and using the treatment modalities that best fit your needs you can overcome your struggles and live life to its fullest potential. I am experienced in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy as well as Psychodynamic, Mindfulness and Client-Oriented therapeutic techniques to assist individuals, children, couples, or families to improve their ability to manage stress, depressive symptoms and anxiety, cope with emotional difficulties, relapse prevention issues, develop insight and improve their communications.
(323) 379-1328 View (323) 379-1328
Photo of Ashlee Petersen, CADCI, Drug & Alcohol Counselor
Ashlee Petersen
Drug & Alcohol Counselor, CADCI
Not Verified Not Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90403
My focus is to assist my clients with identifying purpose and passion in their lives. Sobriety can be a challenging road to walk however having a purpose in your life and additional motivation to grow and change can help to become the best version of yourself. After many years of struggling with my own personal addiction and successfully sustaining sobriety I became a believer in reinventing your life. I specialize in drug and alcohol counseling , wrap around Case Management support for the client and if need be the family. I utilize in person and remote support for the client and family.
My focus is to assist my clients with identifying purpose and passion in their lives. Sobriety can be a challenging road to walk however having a purpose in your life and additional motivation to grow and change can help to become the best version of yourself. After many years of struggling with my own personal addiction and successfully sustaining sobriety I became a believer in reinventing your life. I specialize in drug and alcohol counseling , wrap around Case Management support for the client and if need be the family. I utilize in person and remote support for the client and family.
(844) 503-6098 View (844) 503-6098
Photo of Karen Wiener, LMFT, CSAT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Karen Wiener
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, CSAT
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90403  (Online Only)
If you are dealing with infidelity, sexual secrets, sex addiction, or drug and alcohol addiction, I am glad you are here. As a licensed therapist specializing in sex addiction (CSAT-C), and trained in EMDR trauma therapy, I also support people with complex trauma and betrayal trauma. I have over 20 years of experience working with individuals and couples who are struggling in these areas.
If you are dealing with infidelity, sexual secrets, sex addiction, or drug and alcohol addiction, I am glad you are here. As a licensed therapist specializing in sex addiction (CSAT-C), and trained in EMDR trauma therapy, I also support people with complex trauma and betrayal trauma. I have over 20 years of experience working with individuals and couples who are struggling in these areas.
(310) 510-6151 View (310) 510-6151
Photo of Meredith Levy, LMFT, JD, MBA, Marriage & Family Therapist
Meredith Levy
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, JD, MBA
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90403
I feel most at home working in addiction, personality disorders, mood disorders and helping people improve executive functioning.
My motto in therapy, and in life, is "whatever works!" What works for us in certain times of our lives no longer continues to works, and we need to shift gears. I'm casual and transparent with my clients. I believe that the relationship between client and therapist is the most critical part of therapy. If there isn't a connection, it won't work.. I've had quite a unique life and believe that this is part of what enables me to relate to almost anyone. I am straightforward and honest - not something everyone wants or likes! I will work as hard as you will and be as committed to making changes as you are!
I feel most at home working in addiction, personality disorders, mood disorders and helping people improve executive functioning.
My motto in therapy, and in life, is "whatever works!" What works for us in certain times of our lives no longer continues to works, and we need to shift gears. I'm casual and transparent with my clients. I believe that the relationship between client and therapist is the most critical part of therapy. If there isn't a connection, it won't work.. I've had quite a unique life and believe that this is part of what enables me to relate to almost anyone. I am straightforward and honest - not something everyone wants or likes! I will work as hard as you will and be as committed to making changes as you are!
(424) 369-7941 View (424) 369-7941
Photo of Raha Salehinia, PsyD, Psychologist
Raha Salehinia
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90403
I am accepting new patients via Telemedicine as the need for mental health support is stronger today than ever. My style is grounded in empathy, listening, and compassion, with a dash of humor central to building a trusting alliance. I work with adults and couples; my doctoral project focused on treating violent couples in highly conflictual relationships in a conjoint setting examining the role of aggression and masochism in relationships. Another area of my expertise is working with individuals and families who are struggling with addiction and addiction-related predicaments.
I am accepting new patients via Telemedicine as the need for mental health support is stronger today than ever. My style is grounded in empathy, listening, and compassion, with a dash of humor central to building a trusting alliance. I work with adults and couples; my doctoral project focused on treating violent couples in highly conflictual relationships in a conjoint setting examining the role of aggression and masochism in relationships. Another area of my expertise is working with individuals and families who are struggling with addiction and addiction-related predicaments.
(310) 361-2125 View (310) 361-2125
Photo of Laura Kay Mclauchlin, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Laura Kay Mclauchlin
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90403
My expertise lie in dealing with RECOVERY from ADDICTION as well as FAMILY members impacted by addiction.
Are you struggling with DEPRESSION or ANXIETY? Is your RELATIONSHIP stuck in negative patterns?Is SUBSTANCE USE getting in your way, or you're needing extra support in RECOVERY? Are you going through a stressful LIFE TRANSITION? If you answered "yes" to any these questions, or even "maybe", I might be the help you are looking for. I've been told by my clients that I take a more active, direct approach to therapy, and I believe humor is a great healer. It is my 1st job to help you feel accepted, and listened to. I want to help you achieve your therapeutic goals by learning about what motivates you as a unique individual.
My expertise lie in dealing with RECOVERY from ADDICTION as well as FAMILY members impacted by addiction.
Are you struggling with DEPRESSION or ANXIETY? Is your RELATIONSHIP stuck in negative patterns?Is SUBSTANCE USE getting in your way, or you're needing extra support in RECOVERY? Are you going through a stressful LIFE TRANSITION? If you answered "yes" to any these questions, or even "maybe", I might be the help you are looking for. I've been told by my clients that I take a more active, direct approach to therapy, and I believe humor is a great healer. It is my 1st job to help you feel accepted, and listened to. I want to help you achieve your therapeutic goals by learning about what motivates you as a unique individual.
(310) 484-5715 View (310) 484-5715
Photo of Hazzel Angulo, AMFT, EMDR, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate
Hazzel Angulo
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT, EMDR
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90403
Trauma, anxiety, and addiction can make you feel stuck. The most important step towards healing is to address the unresolved emotion inside you. Healing requires feelings. Acceptance slowly dissolves pain. When we function from the fear and scarring of our trauma, the cycles continue until we learn how to transmute that energy into love. I apply a Holistic approach that integrates physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual forms of well-being, addressing the “whole” self. Through a holistic framework tailored to your unique needs, the goal is to support you develop a deeper understanding of the self on all these levels.
Trauma, anxiety, and addiction can make you feel stuck. The most important step towards healing is to address the unresolved emotion inside you. Healing requires feelings. Acceptance slowly dissolves pain. When we function from the fear and scarring of our trauma, the cycles continue until we learn how to transmute that energy into love. I apply a Holistic approach that integrates physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual forms of well-being, addressing the “whole” self. Through a holistic framework tailored to your unique needs, the goal is to support you develop a deeper understanding of the self on all these levels.
(213) 465-8804 View (213) 465-8804
Photo of Patrick Potter - Grey Interventions • Pat Potter Interventionist, CSAC, BS, MS, JD
Grey Interventions • Pat Potter Interventionist
CSAC, BS, MS, JD
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90403
Pat Potter is a seasoned Interventionist with 30 years of expertise in addiction and mental health crisis management. Known as the "last resort" in challenging cases, Pat leads Grey Interventions, advocating a non-judgmental, 'grey hat' approach. This philosophy recognizes the diversity in healing paths, focusing on personalized strategies for recovery and well-being, tailored to each individual's unique situation, needs, and strengths.
Pat Potter is a seasoned Interventionist with 30 years of expertise in addiction and mental health crisis management. Known as the "last resort" in challenging cases, Pat leads Grey Interventions, advocating a non-judgmental, 'grey hat' approach. This philosophy recognizes the diversity in healing paths, focusing on personalized strategies for recovery and well-being, tailored to each individual's unique situation, needs, and strengths.
(424) 567-8919 View (424) 567-8919
Photo of Christine Rivlin, LPCC, Counselor
Christine Rivlin
Counselor, LPCC
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90403
I also specialize in working with individuals experiencing addiction issues, and eating disorders.
I work primarily with adults who are wanting to manage symptoms associated with depression, anxiety, and trauma. I will be with you on your path to discovery, recovery, and finding the person you would like to become. I approach therapy with a client-centered approach in order to create a safe, comfortable space for you to share and express yourself, and your vulnerabilities. We will explore healthy ways to process your trauma, regulate difficult emotions, and restore broken relationships. I believe the trust built between Client and Therapist is powerful, and necessary in order to help you through your healing journey.
I also specialize in working with individuals experiencing addiction issues, and eating disorders.
I work primarily with adults who are wanting to manage symptoms associated with depression, anxiety, and trauma. I will be with you on your path to discovery, recovery, and finding the person you would like to become. I approach therapy with a client-centered approach in order to create a safe, comfortable space for you to share and express yourself, and your vulnerabilities. We will explore healthy ways to process your trauma, regulate difficult emotions, and restore broken relationships. I believe the trust built between Client and Therapist is powerful, and necessary in order to help you through your healing journey.
(818) 369-3275 View (818) 369-3275
Photo of Lisa S. Powell, PhD, CGP, EMDRIA, Cert, Psychologist
Lisa S. Powell
Psychologist, PhD, CGP, EMDRIA, Cert
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90403
25 yrs experience in the addiction/dual diagnosis clients and their families.
General practice, specializing in anxiety, depression, trauma, EMDR; as well as addiction and families dealing with addictive disorders.
25 yrs experience in the addiction/dual diagnosis clients and their families.
General practice, specializing in anxiety, depression, trauma, EMDR; as well as addiction and families dealing with addictive disorders.
(424) 341-6512 View (424) 341-6512
Photo of James Kalivas, PsyD, Psychologist
James Kalivas
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
9 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90403
Through humor and integrative evidence-based methods, I effectively work with a wide range of issues such as depression, anxiety, addiction, and relational difficulties.
It takes time to choose the best therapist for you. When you're ready, let's talk and see if we might be a good fit. I appreciate the importance of this process, which is why I offer a free phone consultation to address any questions or concerns you may have prior to scheduling an appointment. Consider me a resource- even if we don't end up working together. Remember, life can be much more than survival. Change is closer than you may think. Keep reaching out.
Through humor and integrative evidence-based methods, I effectively work with a wide range of issues such as depression, anxiety, addiction, and relational difficulties.
It takes time to choose the best therapist for you. When you're ready, let's talk and see if we might be a good fit. I appreciate the importance of this process, which is why I offer a free phone consultation to address any questions or concerns you may have prior to scheduling an appointment. Consider me a resource- even if we don't end up working together. Remember, life can be much more than survival. Change is closer than you may think. Keep reaching out.
(424) 329-6022 View (424) 329-6022
Photo of Trish Becker, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Trish Becker
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90403
I have a lot of experience treating individuals who are struggling w/ alcohol & drug addiction as well as depression and anxiety.
Hello and welcome! My first priority when working w/ an individual is creating a safe space by helping them feel heard and understood without judgment. Once this environment is established, I focus on supporting a client's feelings, helping them reach new insights and acquire skills so they may be more comfortable and effective in their lives. I strive to guide the client toward solutions and to help them meet the goals they have for the therapy.
I have a lot of experience treating individuals who are struggling w/ alcohol & drug addiction as well as depression and anxiety.
Hello and welcome! My first priority when working w/ an individual is creating a safe space by helping them feel heard and understood without judgment. Once this environment is established, I focus on supporting a client's feelings, helping them reach new insights and acquire skills so they may be more comfortable and effective in their lives. I strive to guide the client toward solutions and to help them meet the goals they have for the therapy.
(424) 352-8533 View (424) 352-8533
Photo of Pamela J. Warren, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Pamela J. Warren
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90403
I have specialized training in of Mindfulness-Based Relapse Prevention, Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction and EMDR to treat alcohol and substance abuse, sex and love addiction, anxiety management and trauma.
"YOUR VISION WILL BECOME CLEAR WHEN YOU LOOK INTO YOUR HEART. Who looks outside, dreams; who looks inside, awakens." Carl Jung. As a therapist, I am here to support each individual define his or her vision and life's purpose. When one feels stuck, sometimes the idea of change or transition can seem overwhelming. Issues such as anxiety, depression, addiction, relationship distress, loneliness and low-self esteem can be an indicator that a shift is imminent. I am here to provide gentle guidance, by providing a safe, warm and compassionate space to explore these issues.
I have specialized training in of Mindfulness-Based Relapse Prevention, Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction and EMDR to treat alcohol and substance abuse, sex and love addiction, anxiety management and trauma.
"YOUR VISION WILL BECOME CLEAR WHEN YOU LOOK INTO YOUR HEART. Who looks outside, dreams; who looks inside, awakens." Carl Jung. As a therapist, I am here to support each individual define his or her vision and life's purpose. When one feels stuck, sometimes the idea of change or transition can seem overwhelming. Issues such as anxiety, depression, addiction, relationship distress, loneliness and low-self esteem can be an indicator that a shift is imminent. I am here to provide gentle guidance, by providing a safe, warm and compassionate space to explore these issues.
(424) 273-8413 View (424) 273-8413
Photo of Dr. Margie Mirell, PhD, LMFT, AASECT, Imago, Marriage & Family Therapist
Dr. Margie Mirell
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT, AASECT, Imago
Verified Verified
Santa Monica, CA 90403
Are you overwhelmed? Does it feel like something is holding you back from achieving your goals? Are you struggling with persistent negative thoughts or self-doubt? Together we can work to help equip you with the necessary tools for you to face and overcome your challenges. Whether you're struggling with trauma and PTSD, intimacy issues, overcoming addiction, or grief, it is important that you know you don't have to be alone in this journey. I have the experience to help you achieve your goals, overcome these struggles, and live a more fulfilling and meaningful life.
Are you overwhelmed? Does it feel like something is holding you back from achieving your goals? Are you struggling with persistent negative thoughts or self-doubt? Together we can work to help equip you with the necessary tools for you to face and overcome your challenges. Whether you're struggling with trauma and PTSD, intimacy issues, overcoming addiction, or grief, it is important that you know you don't have to be alone in this journey. I have the experience to help you achieve your goals, overcome these struggles, and live a more fulfilling and meaningful life.
(310) 773-0391 View (310) 773-0391
Photo of Meme Rhee, PsyD, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Meme Rhee
Marriage & Family Therapist, PsyD, MFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90403  (Online Only)
My area of expertise include: (teens and adults) Borderline Personality Disorder, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Addiction, Eating Disorders/Body Image EMDR/Trauma Resolution, Cross Cultural Counseling for Asian Americans, Creativity/Performance Enhancement, Couples/Family Therapy.
As a certified psychoanalyst, I specialize in treating teens and adults who struggle with depression; intense anxiety; obsessive-compulsive symptoms including invasive, disturbing thoughts; intolerable, painful emotions; high-conflict relationships; impulsive behaviors including suicidal and self-injurious behavior; substance and/or alcohol abuse; eating disorders, and post-traumatic stress symptoms. Our collaboration strives to help you find internal harmony. My method of investigation of the mind is designed to help you gain clarity in your thinking, achieve emotional containment and experience self-empowerment.
My area of expertise include: (teens and adults) Borderline Personality Disorder, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Addiction, Eating Disorders/Body Image EMDR/Trauma Resolution, Cross Cultural Counseling for Asian Americans, Creativity/Performance Enhancement, Couples/Family Therapy.
As a certified psychoanalyst, I specialize in treating teens and adults who struggle with depression; intense anxiety; obsessive-compulsive symptoms including invasive, disturbing thoughts; intolerable, painful emotions; high-conflict relationships; impulsive behaviors including suicidal and self-injurious behavior; substance and/or alcohol abuse; eating disorders, and post-traumatic stress symptoms. Our collaboration strives to help you find internal harmony. My method of investigation of the mind is designed to help you gain clarity in your thinking, achieve emotional containment and experience self-empowerment.
(424) 254-5197 View (424) 254-5197
Photo of Georgina Kim Smith - Revolve Recovery Intensive Outpatient Center, PhD
Why Are We Here? We are here because addiction is an epidemic.
Whether you just completed residential treatment, or you’re in sober or transitional living, or you’re independently seeking a more intensive therapy experience, Revolve Recovery’s trauma-focused intensive outpatient program tailors it’s dynamic, comprehensive, and innovative approaches to effectively treat those dealing with trauma, PTSD, complex trauma, addiction, and the spectrum of co-occurring disorders. Our clients come to Revolve yearning for deeper, more intensively focused trauma therapy, and yearning for tangible action and change, dynamic life and relational shifts, relief, and lasting healing.
Why Are We Here? We are here because addiction is an epidemic.
Whether you just completed residential treatment, or you’re in sober or transitional living, or you’re independently seeking a more intensive therapy experience, Revolve Recovery’s trauma-focused intensive outpatient program tailors it’s dynamic, comprehensive, and innovative approaches to effectively treat those dealing with trauma, PTSD, complex trauma, addiction, and the spectrum of co-occurring disorders. Our clients come to Revolve yearning for deeper, more intensively focused trauma therapy, and yearning for tangible action and change, dynamic life and relational shifts, relief, and lasting healing.
(424) 384-1373 View (424) 384-1373
Photo of Kati Pandkhou - Online Only, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Online Only
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90403  (Online Only)
I received my Master’s in clinical social work from the University of Southern California and I have experience in working with clients struggling with substance and alcohol abuse, PTSD, depression, and anxiety.
Life can be difficult, and we all find ourselves at times struggling with difficult thoughts and feelings. Past traumas or current stressors can leave us feeling anxious, depressed, or disconnected from ourselves and others. As a psychotherapist, I provide a compassionate, safe, and non-judgmental space for clients to explore with curiosity their feelings, thoughts, behaviors, and how they serve them and where they would like to bring in change.
I received my Master’s in clinical social work from the University of Southern California and I have experience in working with clients struggling with substance and alcohol abuse, PTSD, depression, and anxiety.
Life can be difficult, and we all find ourselves at times struggling with difficult thoughts and feelings. Past traumas or current stressors can leave us feeling anxious, depressed, or disconnected from ourselves and others. As a psychotherapist, I provide a compassionate, safe, and non-judgmental space for clients to explore with curiosity their feelings, thoughts, behaviors, and how they serve them and where they would like to bring in change.
(323) 784-6644 View (323) 784-6644
Photo of Emily Delster, LMFT, CSAT-C, Marriage & Family Therapist
Emily Delster
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, CSAT-C
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90403
Peter Levine (Somatic Experiencing) to address trauma, addiction and mood disorders.
I use Internal Family Systems (IFS), Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) and Post Induction Therapy (PIT) to get to the root of the problems keeping you stuck, isolated and in survival mode. I'll be the compassionate guide who tells you the truth and gives you a soft place to land. It takes so much courage to begin working toward the life and relationships you want most. You are worth the work!
Peter Levine (Somatic Experiencing) to address trauma, addiction and mood disorders.
I use Internal Family Systems (IFS), Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) and Post Induction Therapy (PIT) to get to the root of the problems keeping you stuck, isolated and in survival mode. I'll be the compassionate guide who tells you the truth and gives you a soft place to land. It takes so much courage to begin working toward the life and relationships you want most. You are worth the work!
(805) 819-5430 View (805) 819-5430
Photo of Monica Farassat - Monica Farassat, Psy.D., PsyD, LMFT, CGP, Marriage & Family Therapist
Monica Farassat, Psy.D.
Marriage & Family Therapist, PsyD, LMFT, CGP
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Santa Monica, CA 90403
Many people shy away from asking for help when in emotional and psychological pain. It is not easy to ask for help. Perhaps there are feelings of shame underlying the recognition of one's vulnerability. But in essence these are the times that important and life-altering changes can occur. I am invested in establishing a safe, supportive, and truthful interaction with you towards improving your life, your choices, and your relationships, & have over 25 years of experience as proof. The concerns that I have worked with extensively include depression, anxiety, grief, life transitions, substance-abuse, adjustment, crisis intervention, & individuation.
Many people shy away from asking for help when in emotional and psychological pain. It is not easy to ask for help. Perhaps there are feelings of shame underlying the recognition of one's vulnerability. But in essence these are the times that important and life-altering changes can occur. I am invested in establishing a safe, supportive, and truthful interaction with you towards improving your life, your choices, and your relationships, & have over 25 years of experience as proof. The concerns that I have worked with extensively include depression, anxiety, grief, life transitions, substance-abuse, adjustment, crisis intervention, & individuation.
(310) 737-8975 View (310) 737-8975
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.