Photo of Jennifer Chelgren, Drug & Alcohol Counselor in McKinney, TX
Jennifer Chelgren
Drug & Alcohol Counselor, LCDC
Verified Verified
McKinney, TX 75070
As a dual-degreed Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor (LCDC), and more significantly, a person celebrating over a decade IN RECOVERY from addiction, I offer a unique perspective to those seeking a life free from addiction, or if you are just Sober Curious. I utilize individually targeted pathways and modalities (not everyone recovers the same way), combined with holistic and spiritual (if you choose) approaches for you or your loved ones. With the goal of recovery, we (together) will explore and process substance use/abuse, familial and marital history/complications, trauma, grief, relapse prevention, etc. JUDGEMENT FREE ZONE!
As a dual-degreed Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor (LCDC), and more significantly, a person celebrating over a decade IN RECOVERY from addiction, I offer a unique perspective to those seeking a life free from addiction, or if you are just Sober Curious. I utilize individually targeted pathways and modalities (not everyone recovers the same way), combined with holistic and spiritual (if you choose) approaches for you or your loved ones. With the goal of recovery, we (together) will explore and process substance use/abuse, familial and marital history/complications, trauma, grief, relapse prevention, etc. JUDGEMENT FREE ZONE!
(972) 382-5920 View (972) 382-5920
Photo of Nancy Lownds, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in McKinney, TX
Nancy Lownds
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
McKinney, TX 75070
As a licensed clinical social worker in Texas, I have 20 years of experience that includes working in Inpatient Behavioral Health Hospitals specializing in trauma and substance use disorders, and Outpatient Programs in trauma and addiction. I have worked with co-occurring disorders, such as depression, bipolar disorders, anxiety, PTSD and addiction. I grew up in Atlanta, Georgia and attended the University of Georgia for my BSW degree and The University of Texas in Arlington for my MSSW degree. I am trained in CBT, DBT, Family Systems, Trauma Model Therapy and Solution Focused Therapy.
As a licensed clinical social worker in Texas, I have 20 years of experience that includes working in Inpatient Behavioral Health Hospitals specializing in trauma and substance use disorders, and Outpatient Programs in trauma and addiction. I have worked with co-occurring disorders, such as depression, bipolar disorders, anxiety, PTSD and addiction. I grew up in Atlanta, Georgia and attended the University of Georgia for my BSW degree and The University of Texas in Arlington for my MSSW degree. I am trained in CBT, DBT, Family Systems, Trauma Model Therapy and Solution Focused Therapy.
(972) 945-0438 View (972) 945-0438
Photo of Waltina Chavis, Drug & Alcohol Counselor in McKinney, TX
Waltina Chavis
Drug & Alcohol Counselor, PhD Stu, MS-CMHC, LCDC
Verified Verified
McKinney, TX 75070
Vital aspects of addiction include wellness maintenance and relapse prevention.
Rehab/Hospital/Inpatient/Outpatient aftercare/support. Drug testing. Interventions, Assessments, SUEs (Substance Use Evaluations). Court-mandated BIPP (Battering Intervention) individual & group. Domestic Violence, Anger Mgt, Depression, Suicidal, Crisis/Trauma, Behavioral Mgt. Providing a confidential setting of understanding, nonjudgement, and patience provides the canvas and foundation for problem-solving and lasting change. There is no "cookie-cutter" technique, so every Client is given the utmost attention and consideration in order to provide the best service possible. You're not alone. I share the journey with you.
Vital aspects of addiction include wellness maintenance and relapse prevention.
Rehab/Hospital/Inpatient/Outpatient aftercare/support. Drug testing. Interventions, Assessments, SUEs (Substance Use Evaluations). Court-mandated BIPP (Battering Intervention) individual & group. Domestic Violence, Anger Mgt, Depression, Suicidal, Crisis/Trauma, Behavioral Mgt. Providing a confidential setting of understanding, nonjudgement, and patience provides the canvas and foundation for problem-solving and lasting change. There is no "cookie-cutter" technique, so every Client is given the utmost attention and consideration in order to provide the best service possible. You're not alone. I share the journey with you.
(214) 307-9113 View (214) 307-9113
Photo of Janice Caudill, Psychologist in McKinney, TX
Janice Caudill
Psychologist, PhD, CSAT-S, CCPS-S, CPTT-S, SEP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
McKinney, TX 75070
McKinney Counseling & Recovery therapists specialize in helping individuals and couples heal from sex and pornography addiction, partner betrayal trauma, infidelity, intimacy anorexia, and attachment and family-of-origin issues.
Is pornography, sexual compulsivity, or infidelity destroying your marriage? Feeling hurt, angry, betrayed? Want things to change but not sure how? You might try to deny that there really is a problem, but the worries that wake you in the middle of the night tell a different story. If you're tired of fighting the same battles and no longer believe the promises that next time will be different, the task ahead of you may seem overwhelming - but hope and help are available.
McKinney Counseling & Recovery therapists specialize in helping individuals and couples heal from sex and pornography addiction, partner betrayal trauma, infidelity, intimacy anorexia, and attachment and family-of-origin issues.
Is pornography, sexual compulsivity, or infidelity destroying your marriage? Feeling hurt, angry, betrayed? Want things to change but not sure how? You might try to deny that there really is a problem, but the worries that wake you in the middle of the night tell a different story. If you're tired of fighting the same battles and no longer believe the promises that next time will be different, the task ahead of you may seem overwhelming - but hope and help are available.
(972) 540-9996 View (972) 540-9996
Photo of Haleigh Morris, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in McKinney, TX
Haleigh Morris
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
McKinney, TX 75070
Haleigh enjoys working with clients of all ages but especially enjoys working with adolescents and young adults dealing with depression, anxiety, substance use and/or eating disorders.
Haleigh received a Bachelor’s of Social Work at Brigham Young University-Idaho and a Master’s of Social Work with a direct practice in mental health and substance abuse at The University of Texas at Arlington. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). She has experience working in substance use treatment, dual diagnosis work release and probation programs, as well as her most recent work being at an eating disorder treatment center for adolescents and adults.
Haleigh enjoys working with clients of all ages but especially enjoys working with adolescents and young adults dealing with depression, anxiety, substance use and/or eating disorders.
Haleigh received a Bachelor’s of Social Work at Brigham Young University-Idaho and a Master’s of Social Work with a direct practice in mental health and substance abuse at The University of Texas at Arlington. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). She has experience working in substance use treatment, dual diagnosis work release and probation programs, as well as her most recent work being at an eating disorder treatment center for adolescents and adults.
(972) 694-1605 View (972) 694-1605
Photo of Tannaz Moein, Licensed Professional Counselor in McKinney, TX
Tannaz Moein
Licensed Professional Counselor, PsyD, LPC
Verified Verified
McKinney, TX 75069
With a Doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology and a Master's degree in Science of Counseling from Southern Methodist University, Dr. Moein works with children, adolescents, adults, couples, families and groups. Dr. Moein has also gained advanced training in substance dependency and adolescence counseling. In psychotherapy, Tannaz pays close attention to the importance of whole and complete system of individuals. She believes in experiences, consciousness, and that people are creative and can shape their personality. Her approach to counseling is to help clients believe that individuals have within themselves the capacity for growth through better understanding of themselves, development of better relationships, and encouragement.
With a Doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology and a Master's degree in Science of Counseling from Southern Methodist University, Dr. Moein works with children, adolescents, adults, couples, families and groups. Dr. Moein has also gained advanced training in substance dependency and adolescence counseling. In psychotherapy, Tannaz pays close attention to the importance of whole and complete system of individuals. She believes in experiences, consciousness, and that people are creative and can shape their personality. Her approach to counseling is to help clients believe that individuals have within themselves the capacity for growth through better understanding of themselves, development of better relationships, and encouragement.
(972) 635-4854 View (972) 635-4854
Photo of Krysta Lacy in McKinney, TX
Krysta Lacy
MS
Verified Verified
McKinney, TX 75070
I received my masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and have experience in working with children, teens, and adults experiencing a variety of issues including anxiety, depression, text anxiety, grief, eating disorders and even substance abuse.
Do you feel as though you will never have a healthy relationship: with your family? with your significant other? with yourself? with food? Do you struggle to love and appreciate the person staring back at you in the mirror? Do you feel stuck in habits that result in self-sabotage and feelings of shame? Do you feel unworthy or undeserving of stability or contentment, so you turn to unhealthy eating patterns, toxic relationships, or substances? Maybe the trauma you have experienced has not been managed effectively and you don't have the tools to heal and feel relief.
I received my masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and have experience in working with children, teens, and adults experiencing a variety of issues including anxiety, depression, text anxiety, grief, eating disorders and even substance abuse.
Do you feel as though you will never have a healthy relationship: with your family? with your significant other? with yourself? with food? Do you struggle to love and appreciate the person staring back at you in the mirror? Do you feel stuck in habits that result in self-sabotage and feelings of shame? Do you feel unworthy or undeserving of stability or contentment, so you turn to unhealthy eating patterns, toxic relationships, or substances? Maybe the trauma you have experienced has not been managed effectively and you don't have the tools to heal and feel relief.
(972) 430-4972 View (972) 430-4972
Photo of Counseling By Kate, Licensed Professional Counselor in McKinney, TX
Counseling By Kate
Licensed Professional Counselor, JD, MS, LPC, LMHC
Verified Verified
McKinney, TX 75070
I offer a range of services including: Individual, Family and Couples Counseling, Parenting Coordination, Coparenting, Parent Coach, Mediation, Anger Management and Substance Abuse.
LIMITED AVAILABILITY & ONLY ACCEPTING NEW CASH PAY CLIENTS: Individual & Group Counseling, Coparenting, Parent Coach, Parenting Coordination & Collaborative Law. I am dedicating to providing clients with effective counseling methods to meet their personal needs and unleash their potential. Results and positive intervention are my goal in the therapeutic process. Although, my goal is to provide brief therapy, some clients may need more time to achieve the goals they set out for themselves. I will work with clients to achieve the trust, respect, honesty, and warmth that a counseling relationship demands.
I offer a range of services including: Individual, Family and Couples Counseling, Parenting Coordination, Coparenting, Parent Coach, Mediation, Anger Management and Substance Abuse.
LIMITED AVAILABILITY & ONLY ACCEPTING NEW CASH PAY CLIENTS: Individual & Group Counseling, Coparenting, Parent Coach, Parenting Coordination & Collaborative Law. I am dedicating to providing clients with effective counseling methods to meet their personal needs and unleash their potential. Results and positive intervention are my goal in the therapeutic process. Although, my goal is to provide brief therapy, some clients may need more time to achieve the goals they set out for themselves. I will work with clients to achieve the trust, respect, honesty, and warmth that a counseling relationship demands.
(360) 329-2940 View (360) 329-2940
Photo of CHART Counseling Services, Candace Thurman, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor in McKinney, TX
CHART Counseling Services, Candace Thurman, LPC
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
McKinney, TX 75070
Your happy mask won’t cover up your unresolved trauma, family issues, stress, mental health and/or substance abuse issues.
If you are exploring therapy options for you and/or your loved one, then I guess it is safe to say that you are at the point where you feel you’ve tried and tried to fix the same issues only to gain limited to no success. Our goal at CHART Counseling Services is Creating Hope And Restoring Trust. I specialize in helping individuals; young and old, families, and couples gain the necessary tools/skills to be an effective communicator, become assertive, set boundaries, increase confidence and self-esteem, and more importantly become overall mentally fit to face day to day life challenges.
Your happy mask won’t cover up your unresolved trauma, family issues, stress, mental health and/or substance abuse issues.
If you are exploring therapy options for you and/or your loved one, then I guess it is safe to say that you are at the point where you feel you’ve tried and tried to fix the same issues only to gain limited to no success. Our goal at CHART Counseling Services is Creating Hope And Restoring Trust. I specialize in helping individuals; young and old, families, and couples gain the necessary tools/skills to be an effective communicator, become assertive, set boundaries, increase confidence and self-esteem, and more importantly become overall mentally fit to face day to day life challenges.
(469) 425-2342 View (469) 425-2342
Photo of Katie Baird, Licensed Professional Counselor in McKinney, TX
Katie Baird
Licensed Professional Counselor, BS, MS, LPC-S
Verified Verified
McKinney, TX 75071
Katie works with individuals, groups, couples, and families with issues regarding anxiety, depression, eating disorders, bereavement, traumatic events, stress management, anger management, conflict resolution, parenting, and substance abuse issues.
Katie works with individuals, groups, couples, and families with issues regarding anxiety, depression, eating disorders, bereavement, traumatic events, stress management, anger management, conflict resolution, parenting, and substance abuse issues.
(214) 884-4795 View (214) 884-4795
Photo of Barbara Baselice, Licensed Professional Counselor in McKinney, TX
Barbara Baselice
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, NCC, LCDC-I
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
McKinney, TX 75070
I have experience and specialize in treating teens and adults with anxiety disorders, OCD, depression, grief, victims of emotional trauma, and addiction through the use of Cognitive Behavior Therapy, ERP Therapy and Biofeedback/Heart Rate Variability training.
OCD and Anxiety Specialist. Feeling constantly on edge and trying to function, but never really feeling okay is tough. Feeling a sense of helplessness while you struggle with OCD, anxiety and sadness can cause great stress on you and the entire family. Learning strategies to help overcome your anxiety and OCD and talking about your struggles can help you feel better and reclaim your life again. I can help you boost your adolescent and/or your self esteem to help your family get back on track. I understand first hand the struggle you are having and I am here to help you and your family gain a more balanced, happier life.
I have experience and specialize in treating teens and adults with anxiety disorders, OCD, depression, grief, victims of emotional trauma, and addiction through the use of Cognitive Behavior Therapy, ERP Therapy and Biofeedback/Heart Rate Variability training.
OCD and Anxiety Specialist. Feeling constantly on edge and trying to function, but never really feeling okay is tough. Feeling a sense of helplessness while you struggle with OCD, anxiety and sadness can cause great stress on you and the entire family. Learning strategies to help overcome your anxiety and OCD and talking about your struggles can help you feel better and reclaim your life again. I can help you boost your adolescent and/or your self esteem to help your family get back on track. I understand first hand the struggle you are having and I am here to help you and your family gain a more balanced, happier life.
(469) 972-6788 View (469) 972-6788
Photo of Sharon Walsh, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in McKinney, TX
Sharon Walsh
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
McKinney, TX 75070
Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 20 years of experience counseling individuals and couples dealing with depression, grief, anxiety, addiction, and terminal and/or complex illnesses. Incorporates a strengths-based counseling approach to identify and support individuals in working through complex issues. She has credentials in trauma recovery and is passionate about helping individuals move forward in life when they feel "stuck."
Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 20 years of experience counseling individuals and couples dealing with depression, grief, anxiety, addiction, and terminal and/or complex illnesses. Incorporates a strengths-based counseling approach to identify and support individuals in working through complex issues. She has credentials in trauma recovery and is passionate about helping individuals move forward in life when they feel "stuck."
(281) 626-8076 View (281) 626-8076
Photo of Kara English, Licensed Professional Counselor in McKinney, TX
Kara English
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, LCDC
Verified Verified
McKinney, TX 75070
I am a seasoned Licensed Professional and Chemical Dependency Counselor with over 30 years of combined experience in Counseling, Coaching, Training, and Administration. I love helping people work through the struggles of drug and alcohol addictions. I also work with clients struggling with depression, anxiety, addictions, trauma, and life transitions.
I am a seasoned Licensed Professional and Chemical Dependency Counselor with over 30 years of combined experience in Counseling, Coaching, Training, and Administration. I love helping people work through the struggles of drug and alcohol addictions. I also work with clients struggling with depression, anxiety, addictions, trauma, and life transitions.
(214) 393-5207 View (214) 393-5207
Photo of Elise Belmont, LPC Associate in McKinney, TX
Elise Belmont
LPC Associate, LPC-A
Verified Verified
McKinney, TX 75069
No matter what has happened, there is a pathway to peace and hope. I am honored to be your guide and support on that path. I naturally will see the good in you and together we will build on your strengths and learn tools for overcoming obstacles. There is freedom from the past.
No matter what has happened, there is a pathway to peace and hope. I am honored to be your guide and support on that path. I naturally will see the good in you and together we will build on your strengths and learn tools for overcoming obstacles. There is freedom from the past.
(469) 529-5045 View (469) 529-5045
Photo of Irene Little, Marriage & Family Therapist in McKinney, TX
Irene Little
Marriage & Family Therapist, PsyD, LMFT-S, LCDC, ICADC, CCC-SLP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
McKinney, TX 75071
I am here to assist you and your family get the help you need. Reaching out for help can be scary and can be the time you feel most alone. My team and I are here to help you determine your goals and develop a solid plan of action to meet your goals. I love helping people figure out how to live the life they want through using your talent and skills and zeroing in on how to monetize on your strengths. I provide, assessments, coaching, counseling and interventions when needed. We will work as a team to meet your goals.
I am here to assist you and your family get the help you need. Reaching out for help can be scary and can be the time you feel most alone. My team and I are here to help you determine your goals and develop a solid plan of action to meet your goals. I love helping people figure out how to live the life they want through using your talent and skills and zeroing in on how to monetize on your strengths. I provide, assessments, coaching, counseling and interventions when needed. We will work as a team to meet your goals.
(214) 225-3990 View (214) 225-3990
Photo of Bailey Luna, Licensed Professional Counselor in McKinney, TX
Bailey Luna
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, ATR
Verified Verified
McKinney, TX 75070
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor as well as a Registered Art Therapist. I graduated from Notre Dame de Namur University (now Dominican University) in Northern California, where I earned a Master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy and Art Therapy. My experience consists of working with the juvenile justice system, as well as higher level of care including partial hospitalization.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor as well as a Registered Art Therapist. I graduated from Notre Dame de Namur University (now Dominican University) in Northern California, where I earned a Master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy and Art Therapy. My experience consists of working with the juvenile justice system, as well as higher level of care including partial hospitalization.
(972) 737-9257 View (972) 737-9257
Photo of Kim Carson, Licensed Professional Counselor in McKinney, TX
Kim Carson
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, MEd, LPC, LPC-S
Verified Verified
McKinney, TX 75069
My therapeutic philosophy involves utilizing a holistic approach incorporating Gestalt and Adlerian therapies. As a Licensed Professional Counselor who specializes in athletes, children, adolescents, and young adults, I frequently work with clients experiencing issues related to poor sport or school performance, life changes during adolescence, life transitioning from college to career, parenting issues, sibling relationships, and divorce family transitioning. Topical issues may include low self-esteem , ADHD, transitioning from athletic identity, peer relationships, anger management, self-mutilation, eating disorders, and self-empowerment. A fundamental element in my approach is establishing the therapeutic relationship through rapport and building trust between the client and the therapist.
My therapeutic philosophy involves utilizing a holistic approach incorporating Gestalt and Adlerian therapies. As a Licensed Professional Counselor who specializes in athletes, children, adolescents, and young adults, I frequently work with clients experiencing issues related to poor sport or school performance, life changes during adolescence, life transitioning from college to career, parenting issues, sibling relationships, and divorce family transitioning. Topical issues may include low self-esteem , ADHD, transitioning from athletic identity, peer relationships, anger management, self-mutilation, eating disorders, and self-empowerment. A fundamental element in my approach is establishing the therapeutic relationship through rapport and building trust between the client and the therapist.
(972) 347-4096 View (972) 347-4096
Photo of Melissa Druskis in McKinney, TX
Melissa Druskis
MS, BCBS, LBA
Verified Verified
McKinney, TX 75070  (Online Only)
You can visualize your ideal self, yet anxiety, trauma, and negative habits are holding you back. I have been there and I understand the struggle, but your actions and thoughts are all behavior and they can be changed. With my unique approach as a behavior analyst and trauma-informed coach, we can collaboratively devise a tailored plan for meaningful change. While traditional talk therapy has its merits, I'm not a therapist—I am a behavioral scientist and coach. If you've hit a plateau in your self-help journey or feel stuck in your current behaviors, let's explore a more structured, action-based path to healing and growth.
You can visualize your ideal self, yet anxiety, trauma, and negative habits are holding you back. I have been there and I understand the struggle, but your actions and thoughts are all behavior and they can be changed. With my unique approach as a behavior analyst and trauma-informed coach, we can collaboratively devise a tailored plan for meaningful change. While traditional talk therapy has its merits, I'm not a therapist—I am a behavioral scientist and coach. If you've hit a plateau in your self-help journey or feel stuck in your current behaviors, let's explore a more structured, action-based path to healing and growth.
(469) 966-7864 View (469) 966-7864
Photo of CHART Counseling Services, Erin Smith-Spearman , Marriage & Family Therapist in McKinney, TX
CHART Counseling Services, Erin Smith-Spearman
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
McKinney, TX 75070  (Online Only)
Are you ready to surrender to the fact that your way of managing your personal and professional life is only making things worse? If so, I am ready to jump in and help! I specialize in conflict resolution, restoring relationships, and improving personal, academic, and professional development. In addition, I help my clients work to identify, explore, address, and resolve any unprocessed traumas or stressors that may be affecting their ability to be the best version of themselves. I not only help clients become new people, I strive to promote change that can break family cycles and significantly improve the entire family's dynamic.
Are you ready to surrender to the fact that your way of managing your personal and professional life is only making things worse? If so, I am ready to jump in and help! I specialize in conflict resolution, restoring relationships, and improving personal, academic, and professional development. In addition, I help my clients work to identify, explore, address, and resolve any unprocessed traumas or stressors that may be affecting their ability to be the best version of themselves. I not only help clients become new people, I strive to promote change that can break family cycles and significantly improve the entire family's dynamic.
(210) 908-5198 View (210) 908-5198
Photo of CHART Counseling Services PLLC, Komeka Biddle, Licensed Professional Counselor in McKinney, TX
CHART Counseling Services PLLC, Komeka Biddle
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, LPC-S
Verified Verified
McKinney, TX 75070
Are you tired of putting effort into people and problems that require more energy than you have and it's still NEVER enough! Does your involvement lead to the loss of your identity and often leads to a bad situation getting worse?! Now it's you who goes to bed depressed, wake up anxious, and feel lost because you've given everything you got! Living, loving, and supporting yourself or others is not suppose to be exhausting or one-sided. One-way streets have to end somewhere. I can help reroute you to Restoration Ave. where you will find the Recovery Inn and Suites! Our mission is Changing Hearts and Restoring Hearts Trust (CHART).
Are you tired of putting effort into people and problems that require more energy than you have and it's still NEVER enough! Does your involvement lead to the loss of your identity and often leads to a bad situation getting worse?! Now it's you who goes to bed depressed, wake up anxious, and feel lost because you've given everything you got! Living, loving, and supporting yourself or others is not suppose to be exhausting or one-sided. One-way streets have to end somewhere. I can help reroute you to Restoration Ave. where you will find the Recovery Inn and Suites! Our mission is Changing Hearts and Restoring Hearts Trust (CHART).
(469) 529-7643 View (469) 529-7643
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.