Therapists in Hico, TX
Laura J Adams
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, LCDC
Verified Verified
Hico, TX 76457
Sometimes the help we need goes beyond talking to a friend; we need professional guidance. The decision to begin counseling and find a therapist can be stressful. Fear can keep us from moving forward. We sabotage ourselves with behaviors that keep us from reaching our potential. Unlocking the potential in each person I counsel is my passion. I work to create a collaborative, comfortable and supportive environment. I specialize in addiction issues, relationship problems, anger management, resolution of trauma and abuse. I help guide my clients through the grief process from significant losses, e.g. death, job loss, and divorce.
Sometimes the help we need goes beyond talking to a friend; we need professional guidance. The decision to begin counseling and find a therapist can be stressful. Fear can keep us from moving forward. We sabotage ourselves with behaviors that keep us from reaching our potential. Unlocking the potential in each person I counsel is my passion. I work to create a collaborative, comfortable and supportive environment. I specialize in addiction issues, relationship problems, anger management, resolution of trauma and abuse. I help guide my clients through the grief process from significant losses, e.g. death, job loss, and divorce.
Online Therapists
Rick David Bingham
Drug & Alcohol Counselor, BA , AADC, LCDC, CAS
Verified Verified
Carrollton, TX 75006
If you are struggling with a craving for a substance, or being challenged with the uncomfortable feelings that occur after a detox, I can help you.
Life can be complicated. It can be confusing. It can just wear a person out. Sometimes, just an objective listener is all we want, all we need. As a licensed counselor, an ordained minister, and what they call an acu-detox specialist; I can offer you a listening ear, an acupuncture treatment, and a balanced view of how to navigate this thing we call life. If your experiences with religion have left you filled with guilt and shame, a more balanced and realistic view of spirituality may be helpful to you. I am supportive of abstinence, Moderation Management, S.O.S., S.M.A.R.T., MAT, & all other forms of harm reduction recovery.
If you are struggling with a craving for a substance, or being challenged with the uncomfortable feelings that occur after a detox, I can help you.
Life can be complicated. It can be confusing. It can just wear a person out. Sometimes, just an objective listener is all we want, all we need. As a licensed counselor, an ordained minister, and what they call an acu-detox specialist; I can offer you a listening ear, an acupuncture treatment, and a balanced view of how to navigate this thing we call life. If your experiences with religion have left you filled with guilt and shame, a more balanced and realistic view of spirituality may be helpful to you. I am supportive of abstinence, Moderation Management, S.O.S., S.M.A.R.T., MAT, & all other forms of harm reduction recovery.
Van Eric Martin
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, LPC, CBIS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Fort Worth, TX 76102
16 Years of experience as a Licensed Professional Counselor, Certified Brain Injury Specialist, & Co-Occurring Psychiatric and Substance Abuse Disorders Therapist positions me to provide specialized targeted treatment.
From time to time we all need help growing into a better place. In life we experience joy & suffering, success & failure, health & loss. When you suffer physically, emotionally, or spiritually- there is hope, greater potential awaiting- calling you. Through non-judgmental compassionate listening, being understood, encouraged, & learning new ways of responding to life, you can experience healing and hope. Together we'll gain insight into your struggles, nourish your strengths, acquire useful tools, skills, & upward mobility- for positive lasting changes in your life.
16 Years of experience as a Licensed Professional Counselor, Certified Brain Injury Specialist, & Co-Occurring Psychiatric and Substance Abuse Disorders Therapist positions me to provide specialized targeted treatment.
From time to time we all need help growing into a better place. In life we experience joy & suffering, success & failure, health & loss. When you suffer physically, emotionally, or spiritually- there is hope, greater potential awaiting- calling you. Through non-judgmental compassionate listening, being understood, encouraged, & learning new ways of responding to life, you can experience healing and hope. Together we'll gain insight into your struggles, nourish your strengths, acquire useful tools, skills, & upward mobility- for positive lasting changes in your life.
Beulah Joshua
Licensed Professional Counselor, BE, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Southlake, TX 76092 (Online Only)
Rehabilitation procedures to thrive in life experiences of Complex Trauma, Substance Abuse, Depression, Anxiety, Panic Attacks, and Relational Issues are key areas for treatment focus.
Life brings difficulties and stressors that threaten your goals, causing depression and anxiety. I seek to be part of your experience whether in overwhelming distress, or helplessness, that can be turned into opportunities for motivation and growth, by learning to find closure with boundaries and acceptance of self. My goal is to help you find your passion in life, in the given potential and enjoy your personality. It will be rewarding to live life fully getting past the challenges to a meaningful and growth filled life purposes.
Rehabilitation procedures to thrive in life experiences of Complex Trauma, Substance Abuse, Depression, Anxiety, Panic Attacks, and Relational Issues are key areas for treatment focus.
Life brings difficulties and stressors that threaten your goals, causing depression and anxiety. I seek to be part of your experience whether in overwhelming distress, or helplessness, that can be turned into opportunities for motivation and growth, by learning to find closure with boundaries and acceptance of self. My goal is to help you find your passion in life, in the given potential and enjoy your personality. It will be rewarding to live life fully getting past the challenges to a meaningful and growth filled life purposes.
Jenny B Henson
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, LCDC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Corsicana, TX 75110
Many times we find ourselves in emotional crisis that we can't get through alone. All people go through hard times in life. Some people get through it alone or with support from family or friends, others pretend to get through it and live with it constantly affecting their lives, and others are not able to get through it or pretend to. There is no right or wrong way to overcome hard times, trauma, anger, bereavement, grief, depression, addiction, or other obstacles in life. If you find yourself in a hard spot and in need of someone to listen and help guide you through it, with no judgement, I would like to be that person for you.
Many times we find ourselves in emotional crisis that we can't get through alone. All people go through hard times in life. Some people get through it alone or with support from family or friends, others pretend to get through it and live with it constantly affecting their lives, and others are not able to get through it or pretend to. There is no right or wrong way to overcome hard times, trauma, anger, bereavement, grief, depression, addiction, or other obstacles in life. If you find yourself in a hard spot and in need of someone to listen and help guide you through it, with no judgement, I would like to be that person for you.
I.M. Resilient Counseling & Consulting, PLLC
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, LCDC
Verified Verified
Cedar Hill, TX 75104
I am a licensed professional counselor in the state of Texas. I have 5 years experience serving children, adolescents, families, and veterans through individual or group therapy who are dealing with issues that affect their mental health and well-being. More specifically, addressing a variety of mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress, substance abuse, and personality disorders. My counseling philosophy includes Rational Emotive Behavior and Choice Reality Therapy, placing emphasis on reshaping core beliefs in those individuals experiencing a variety of mental health conditions,
I am a licensed professional counselor in the state of Texas. I have 5 years experience serving children, adolescents, families, and veterans through individual or group therapy who are dealing with issues that affect their mental health and well-being. More specifically, addressing a variety of mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress, substance abuse, and personality disorders. My counseling philosophy includes Rational Emotive Behavior and Choice Reality Therapy, placing emphasis on reshaping core beliefs in those individuals experiencing a variety of mental health conditions,
Cherylene M. Tucker
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, NCC, MAC, LCDC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Venus, TX 76084 (Online Only)
“I am ready for things to change!” Have you ever said this? Maybe you’ve thought this. Are you or someone you know, struggling with stress, depression, anxiety, grief/loss, relational issues, substance use disorders, or other difficult emotions and concerns? If you answered yes, I am here to listen. I understand that daily life experiences, work difficulties, personal struggles, and relationships are sometimes overwhelming. I want to help you, to gain insight, inner strength, confidence, and resolution.
“I am ready for things to change!” Have you ever said this? Maybe you’ve thought this. Are you or someone you know, struggling with stress, depression, anxiety, grief/loss, relational issues, substance use disorders, or other difficult emotions and concerns? If you answered yes, I am here to listen. I understand that daily life experiences, work difficulties, personal struggles, and relationships are sometimes overwhelming. I want to help you, to gain insight, inner strength, confidence, and resolution.
Tajha Lewis
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Dallas, TX 75287
Welcome! I am Tajha Lewis LCSW, LCDC, CGP, CCTP, a mental health professional with over 6 years in the field. I have worked with adult individuals with numerous concerns including substance abuse/dependency, grief and loss, women's issues just to name a few. My approach to therapy is empathic, compassionate, creative, non-judgmental, and client centered, yet direct and straightforward. I believe in treating everyone with respect and dignity. I utilize a Solution-Focused, Strength-based approach and incorporate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and other therapeutic modalities.
Welcome! I am Tajha Lewis LCSW, LCDC, CGP, CCTP, a mental health professional with over 6 years in the field. I have worked with adult individuals with numerous concerns including substance abuse/dependency, grief and loss, women's issues just to name a few. My approach to therapy is empathic, compassionate, creative, non-judgmental, and client centered, yet direct and straightforward. I believe in treating everyone with respect and dignity. I utilize a Solution-Focused, Strength-based approach and incorporate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and other therapeutic modalities.
Ryan Sadkin Rodriguez
Licensed Professional Counselor, JD, MA, LPC, EMDR
Verified Verified
Dallas, TX 75225
Are you drinking or using too much? Do you struggle to know your purpose in life? I'm well-equipped to treat those experiencing substance abuse, anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, lack of motivation, loss of identity, feelings of not being "good enough," codependency, communication issues, gender role issues, workplace stress, "daddy issues," mom guilt, overwhelming resentments, and feeling "stuck." I help clients discover the root of their issues in order to help them change their thinking, manage their emotions, and develop new routines and behaviors so they can move forward with a happy, peaceful, and productive life.
Are you drinking or using too much? Do you struggle to know your purpose in life? I'm well-equipped to treat those experiencing substance abuse, anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, lack of motivation, loss of identity, feelings of not being "good enough," codependency, communication issues, gender role issues, workplace stress, "daddy issues," mom guilt, overwhelming resentments, and feeling "stuck." I help clients discover the root of their issues in order to help them change their thinking, manage their emotions, and develop new routines and behaviors so they can move forward with a happy, peaceful, and productive life.
Mario Arias
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW FL, MO, MT, NC, NJ, NY, TX, MCAP FL
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Dallas, TX 75219 (Online Only)
Thinking about therapy? I help individuals work through depressive and anxiety symptoms. Similarly, I’ve helped individuals find value in themselves to improve their self-esteem and sense of self-worth. Maladaptive behaviors such as substance misuse can wreak havoc in your life- we can explore, discuss, and attempt to correct the behavior. In a way, we have all developed some form of maladaptive behaviors to life events and relationships. Let’s explore the negative patterns and how to make it better. You are worth it!
Thinking about therapy? I help individuals work through depressive and anxiety symptoms. Similarly, I’ve helped individuals find value in themselves to improve their self-esteem and sense of self-worth. Maladaptive behaviors such as substance misuse can wreak havoc in your life- we can explore, discuss, and attempt to correct the behavior. In a way, we have all developed some form of maladaptive behaviors to life events and relationships. Let’s explore the negative patterns and how to make it better. You are worth it!
James Coley
Licensed Professional Counselor, MDiv, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
Farmers Branch, TX 75244
My clients are adults of all ages working through a wide range of issues, such as depression, anxiety, addiction, grief, spiritual disconnection, relationship difficulties, and more. I have a particular interest and additional experience with the LGBTQ population, young adults working to establish their identities, those working through painful grief journeys, and those who are exploring their faith or spirituality. My goal is always to create a space free from judgment where you can explore who you are, who you want to be, and how you can get there!
My clients are adults of all ages working through a wide range of issues, such as depression, anxiety, addiction, grief, spiritual disconnection, relationship difficulties, and more. I have a particular interest and additional experience with the LGBTQ population, young adults working to establish their identities, those working through painful grief journeys, and those who are exploring their faith or spirituality. My goal is always to create a space free from judgment where you can explore who you are, who you want to be, and how you can get there!
Chris Epstein
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC-S
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Dallas, TX 75230
I have special interests in working with those struggling with anxiety and depressive disorders, dual diagnosis, spiritual issues, substance use disorders, boundary issues, conflict resolution, interpersonal skill-building and bipolar disorder.
Being a Licensed Professional Counselor in Texas for many years, I have enjoyed a type of therapy that allows an individual to find freedom through acceptance of their issues rather than running from the reality of their existence. As we come to understand our past and how it has shaped us, we can then begin the practice of choosing differently for ourselves in the present and for our future. This search is a sacred process where therapist and client join together, rather than a therapy done 'to' you as a client. I would like to join in that process with you!
I have special interests in working with those struggling with anxiety and depressive disorders, dual diagnosis, spiritual issues, substance use disorders, boundary issues, conflict resolution, interpersonal skill-building and bipolar disorder.
Being a Licensed Professional Counselor in Texas for many years, I have enjoyed a type of therapy that allows an individual to find freedom through acceptance of their issues rather than running from the reality of their existence. As we come to understand our past and how it has shaped us, we can then begin the practice of choosing differently for ourselves in the present and for our future. This search is a sacred process where therapist and client join together, rather than a therapy done 'to' you as a client. I would like to join in that process with you!
Katherine Fields
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
Fort Worth, TX 76110 (Online Only)
She also has clinical experience working with adolescents and adults who struggle with relationships, depression, anxiety, addiction and more acute psychiatric disorders such as Bipolar Disorder.
Katherine Fields is a licensed clinical therapist and school counselor in the state of Texas. She is an army brat and former navy spouse which have afforded her the opportunity to experience a wide range of cultures, including South, Central America, Italy and Japan. Recently, Katherine traversed to Mexico for eight months to learn more about its rich culture. Living in Texas, she currently accepts new clients; whether student, professional or retired. She uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help adults both young and seasoned to make sense of the world around them.
She also has clinical experience working with adolescents and adults who struggle with relationships, depression, anxiety, addiction and more acute psychiatric disorders such as Bipolar Disorder.
Katherine Fields is a licensed clinical therapist and school counselor in the state of Texas. She is an army brat and former navy spouse which have afforded her the opportunity to experience a wide range of cultures, including South, Central America, Italy and Japan. Recently, Katherine traversed to Mexico for eight months to learn more about its rich culture. Living in Texas, she currently accepts new clients; whether student, professional or retired. She uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help adults both young and seasoned to make sense of the world around them.
Johanna Horstman
Licensed Professional Counselor
Verified Verified
Farmers Branch, TX 75244
Areas of specialization include premarital, marriage, divorce intervention, pornography and/or sex addiction, intimate partner violence, communication, conflict resolution, trauma, grief/loss.
I graduated from Dallas Theological Seminary with degrees in Christian education and Biblical counseling. I believe that all people should be treated with dignity, grace, and mercy, and that everyone struggles with the basic building blocks of society: relationships. My work is focused on individuals, married couples, families, employees, and small groups.
Areas of specialization include premarital, marriage, divorce intervention, pornography and/or sex addiction, intimate partner violence, communication, conflict resolution, trauma, grief/loss.
I graduated from Dallas Theological Seminary with degrees in Christian education and Biblical counseling. I believe that all people should be treated with dignity, grace, and mercy, and that everyone struggles with the basic building blocks of society: relationships. My work is focused on individuals, married couples, families, employees, and small groups.
Mend Counseling
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, LPC
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Dallas, TX 75206
Our therapists work with anxiety, depression, perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, eating disorders, trauma, addiction, couples, life transitions, suicidality, self harm, grief and bereavement through a variety of modalities including EMDR, CBT, DBT, ACT and play therapy.
Welcome to Mend Counseling! We are a boutique, collaborative counseling practice located in Mockingbird Station that sees clients ages 4 and up. We provide play therapy, individual counseling, couples counseling, and group counseling. Our clients want a fun and person-centered therapist that listens to their needs and creates a personalized plan to support them. We are motivated by seeing the beautiful growth and increased confidence in our clients.
Our therapists work with anxiety, depression, perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, eating disorders, trauma, addiction, couples, life transitions, suicidality, self harm, grief and bereavement through a variety of modalities including EMDR, CBT, DBT, ACT and play therapy.
Welcome to Mend Counseling! We are a boutique, collaborative counseling practice located in Mockingbird Station that sees clients ages 4 and up. We provide play therapy, individual counseling, couples counseling, and group counseling. Our clients want a fun and person-centered therapist that listens to their needs and creates a personalized plan to support them. We are motivated by seeing the beautiful growth and increased confidence in our clients.
Lisa Alfaro Williams
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, LCDC
Verified Verified
Bedford, TX 76022
I can help adolescents and adults to find hope, healing, and solutions for a variety of issues that include addiction, depression, anxiety, trauma, life transitions, grief, chronic mental health issues, teen issues, singles issues, parenting issues, and more.
As a therapist, I am dedicated in supporting my clients on their personal recovery journey by helping them make meaning of sorrow and hardship, uncovering their gifts and talents, and develop goals so they can move forward toward a brighter future and hope. I believe that as long as there is breath there is hope!
I can help adolescents and adults to find hope, healing, and solutions for a variety of issues that include addiction, depression, anxiety, trauma, life transitions, grief, chronic mental health issues, teen issues, singles issues, parenting issues, and more.
As a therapist, I am dedicated in supporting my clients on their personal recovery journey by helping them make meaning of sorrow and hardship, uncovering their gifts and talents, and develop goals so they can move forward toward a brighter future and hope. I believe that as long as there is breath there is hope!
Dr. Erika L Epps
LADC, LCDC, PsyD
Verified Verified
Ennis, TX 75119
I serve individuals and their families struggling with life's curveballs, losses as well as providing addiction/harm reduction counseling, business/professional development training, life coaching, faith/spiritual coaching, mentoring services, and more for individuals and couples without judgment to empower and encourage people to begin a new life journey.
Wellness is an integrative approach focusing on mind, body, soul and spirit. Dr. E. offers wellness services for individuals, adolescents, couples, and corporations in the areas of business, life, grief, mindfulness, diet, health and nutrition, and parental coaching services, addiction/harm reduction counseling, communication skills building, boundary setting, relationship rebuilding strategies, therapeutic services, mentoring services, and more. Life seasons require assistance and guidance at times so refocus can be ascertained. Need to refocus yourself? I'm here to help!
I serve individuals and their families struggling with life's curveballs, losses as well as providing addiction/harm reduction counseling, business/professional development training, life coaching, faith/spiritual coaching, mentoring services, and more for individuals and couples without judgment to empower and encourage people to begin a new life journey.
Wellness is an integrative approach focusing on mind, body, soul and spirit. Dr. E. offers wellness services for individuals, adolescents, couples, and corporations in the areas of business, life, grief, mindfulness, diet, health and nutrition, and parental coaching services, addiction/harm reduction counseling, communication skills building, boundary setting, relationship rebuilding strategies, therapeutic services, mentoring services, and more. Life seasons require assistance and guidance at times so refocus can be ascertained. Need to refocus yourself? I'm here to help!
SoulWork Counseling
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA MFT, LPC
Verified Verified
Dallas, TX 75228
I provide services for individuals and families in the areas of addiction, trauma, behavioral health, loss/grief, forgiveness, spiritual formation and marriage and family issues.
We all have places in our lives where we have been or are currently hurting. This place is our Soul; {psuche}; the heart, the feelings, the will, the intellect, the center of one's being. Therapy is designed to heal and make whole those places that are broken, wounded, hurt or damaged or to keep us strong in our places of victory. To become whole we all need to do the SoulWork. SoulWork Counseling is holistic Christian counseling to meet you where you hurt and walk with you into your destiny of healing and wholeness.
I provide services for individuals and families in the areas of addiction, trauma, behavioral health, loss/grief, forgiveness, spiritual formation and marriage and family issues.
We all have places in our lives where we have been or are currently hurting. This place is our Soul; {psuche}; the heart, the feelings, the will, the intellect, the center of one's being. Therapy is designed to heal and make whole those places that are broken, wounded, hurt or damaged or to keep us strong in our places of victory. To become whole we all need to do the SoulWork. SoulWork Counseling is holistic Christian counseling to meet you where you hurt and walk with you into your destiny of healing and wholeness.
Linda Kay Campbell
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, LCDC, RN, NCC, CPTT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Roanoke, TX 76262 (Online Only)
I work with young to older adults struggling with life dissatisfaction, partner betrayals, addiction, experiencing anxiety, depression, distress, life changes, trauma related symptoms acute and PTSD, identity issues, negative self-talk, marital/relationship, family and workplace conflict issues, My style is collaborative, supportive, and compassionate.
I have been married for 16 years and have three adult stepchildren, a son-in-law and 3 grandchildren. I also have 2 cats that are important members of the family. The spirit of and definition family is something that has grown and has become valued over the years. My life experiences have given me insight and perspectives that allow me to make unique connections with my clients. I learned that life is ever changing. I have come to realize is that during times when we feel defeated, it does not mean we are unable to change the outcome or our quality of life in the future. Nor, is it too late to create the life we do want.
I work with young to older adults struggling with life dissatisfaction, partner betrayals, addiction, experiencing anxiety, depression, distress, life changes, trauma related symptoms acute and PTSD, identity issues, negative self-talk, marital/relationship, family and workplace conflict issues, My style is collaborative, supportive, and compassionate.
I have been married for 16 years and have three adult stepchildren, a son-in-law and 3 grandchildren. I also have 2 cats that are important members of the family. The spirit of and definition family is something that has grown and has become valued over the years. My life experiences have given me insight and perspectives that allow me to make unique connections with my clients. I learned that life is ever changing. I have come to realize is that during times when we feel defeated, it does not mean we are unable to change the outcome or our quality of life in the future. Nor, is it too late to create the life we do want.
Cara Strickland
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT, EMDR, Equine
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Argyle, TX 76226
I am a Level II Certified EMDR trauma specialist and have an established range of professional experiences ranging from working in the private practice setting, the educational arena, psychiatric hospitals, trauma centers, substance abuse treatment facilities and providing support to our veterans.
The journey through life is uniquely our own and presents each of us with an array of distinctive experiences. We are all faced with transitions and challenges that present us with opportunities to grow, gain insight, heal and explore our personal potential. I am honored to meet you right where you are on your path, provide therapeutic support and find solutions that enable you to live a healthier, more fulfilling life. Collaboratively, we will work to cultivate new coping skills, reshape relationships, identify personal strengths, and overcome ineffective behavioral patterns in efforts to achieve your personal goals.
I am a Level II Certified EMDR trauma specialist and have an established range of professional experiences ranging from working in the private practice setting, the educational arena, psychiatric hospitals, trauma centers, substance abuse treatment facilities and providing support to our veterans.
The journey through life is uniquely our own and presents each of us with an array of distinctive experiences. We are all faced with transitions and challenges that present us with opportunities to grow, gain insight, heal and explore our personal potential. I am honored to meet you right where you are on your path, provide therapeutic support and find solutions that enable you to live a healthier, more fulfilling life. Collaboratively, we will work to cultivate new coping skills, reshape relationships, identify personal strengths, and overcome ineffective behavioral patterns in efforts to achieve your personal goals.
See more therapy options for Hico
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.