Substance Use Therapists in Montgomery County, MD

Photo of Katrina Daniels, Psychological Associate in Montgomery County, MD
Katrina Daniels
Psychological Associate, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Rockville, MD 20850
Dr. Katrina Daniels (pronouns: anything respectful) has experience working with a diverse range of clients with varying presenting concerns. Specifically, they emphasize working with gender and sexual minority individuals and veterans. They most recently worked as a Naval Psychologist and have previous experience in different types of settings including inpatient, outpatient, community college, and the VA. Additionally, they have clinical experience working with individuals from 17-85 with such concerns as, substance use, trauma, severe mental illness, bipolar, anxiety, depression, and general life challenges.
Dr. Katrina Daniels (pronouns: anything respectful) has experience working with a diverse range of clients with varying presenting concerns. Specifically, they emphasize working with gender and sexual minority individuals and veterans. They most recently worked as a Naval Psychologist and have previous experience in different types of settings including inpatient, outpatient, community college, and the VA. Additionally, they have clinical experience working with individuals from 17-85 with such concerns as, substance use, trauma, severe mental illness, bipolar, anxiety, depression, and general life challenges.
(301) 273-1417 View (301) 273-1417
Photo of Beth Haytmanek, Counselor in Montgomery County, MD
Beth Haytmanek
Counselor, LCPC, NCC
Verified Verified
Bethesda, MD 20814
Beth is available for individual, couples, and family therapy. She has a client-centered/humanistic approach with a focus on a strong therapeutic relationship and genuine empathy for her clients. Beth has experience working with clients who have eating disorders as well as those who struggle with substance use.
Beth is available for individual, couples, and family therapy. She has a client-centered/humanistic approach with a focus on a strong therapeutic relationship and genuine empathy for her clients. Beth has experience working with clients who have eating disorders as well as those who struggle with substance use.
(301) 742-2282 View (301) 742-2282
Photo of Jasmine B., Counselor in Montgomery County, MD
Jasmine B.
Counselor, MA, LGPC
Verified Verified
Silver Spring, MD 20910
I am a Licensed Graduate Professional Counselor (LGPC) and have experience supporting individuals who experience affective disorders, anxiety, depression, intellectual and developmental disabilities, trauma, and recovering from substance use. I utilize person-centered therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, and motivational interviewing to support clients in obtaining their goals. I have experience in supporting clients and facilitating groups focusing on anger management, women’s trauma, mood regulation, and mindfulness.
I am a Licensed Graduate Professional Counselor (LGPC) and have experience supporting individuals who experience affective disorders, anxiety, depression, intellectual and developmental disabilities, trauma, and recovering from substance use. I utilize person-centered therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, and motivational interviewing to support clients in obtaining their goals. I have experience in supporting clients and facilitating groups focusing on anger management, women’s trauma, mood regulation, and mindfulness.
(240) 332-5116 View (240) 332-5116
Photo of Judith Upshaw, Drug & Alcohol Counselor in Montgomery County, MD
Judith Upshaw
Drug & Alcohol Counselor, LCADC
Verified Verified
Silver Spring, MD 20902  (Online Only)
Her license as a clinical alcohol and drug counselor, denotes not only a specialty in mental health counseling but a concentration in substance use treatment as well.
Dr. Judith (Judy) Ann Upshaw is a licensed substance use therapist who specializes in the treatment of substance and behavioral abuse disorders, anxiety disorders, depression, and trauma. She practices individual, group, family, and couples therapists. Dr. Upshaw received a M. Ed. in Psycho-educational Processes from Temple University, and a Ed. D. in Counseling Psychology from Argosy University. She takes an active person-centered approach to therapy and makes room for personal exploration, questioning, and collaborative problem solving.
Her license as a clinical alcohol and drug counselor, denotes not only a specialty in mental health counseling but a concentration in substance use treatment as well.
Dr. Judith (Judy) Ann Upshaw is a licensed substance use therapist who specializes in the treatment of substance and behavioral abuse disorders, anxiety disorders, depression, and trauma. She practices individual, group, family, and couples therapists. Dr. Upshaw received a M. Ed. in Psycho-educational Processes from Temple University, and a Ed. D. in Counseling Psychology from Argosy University. She takes an active person-centered approach to therapy and makes room for personal exploration, questioning, and collaborative problem solving.
(301) 830-4373 View (301) 830-4373
Photo of Natalie Osoria, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Montgomery County, MD
Natalie Osoria
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Gaithersburg, MD 20878
***CURRENTLY ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS*** Natalie Osoria, LCSW-C, is a Licensed Clinical Social worker passionate about empowering her clients to overcome life’s challenges and achieve the goals they envision for themselves. Natalie has extensive experience working with clients from diverse cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds from various treatment settings, including inpatient residential and outpatient mental healthcare. She works with adults and adolescents (ages 14 and up) and specializes in issues such as anxiety, depression, addictions, substance use, relationship issues, and life transitions.
***CURRENTLY ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS*** Natalie Osoria, LCSW-C, is a Licensed Clinical Social worker passionate about empowering her clients to overcome life’s challenges and achieve the goals they envision for themselves. Natalie has extensive experience working with clients from diverse cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds from various treatment settings, including inpatient residential and outpatient mental healthcare. She works with adults and adolescents (ages 14 and up) and specializes in issues such as anxiety, depression, addictions, substance use, relationship issues, and life transitions.
(240) 213-9206 View (240) 213-9206
Photo of Megan Green, Licensed Professional Counselor in Montgomery County, MD
Megan Green
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, NCC, LPC, LCPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Potomac, MD 20854  (Online Only)
She enjoys working with individuals in all walks of life, including a specialization in substance use and lgbtq+ experiences.
Megan is a Licensed Professional Counselor (VA) and a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (MD) and the Owner of Prismatic Therapy. She received her Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Marymount Universtiy in Arlington, Virginia. Megan has experience in working with clients with anxiety, depression, life transitions, mood disorders, personality disorders, post traumatic stress and more. She has worked in residential treatment for dual diagnosis, intensive outpatient and private practice.
She enjoys working with individuals in all walks of life, including a specialization in substance use and lgbtq+ experiences.
Megan is a Licensed Professional Counselor (VA) and a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (MD) and the Owner of Prismatic Therapy. She received her Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Marymount Universtiy in Arlington, Virginia. Megan has experience in working with clients with anxiety, depression, life transitions, mood disorders, personality disorders, post traumatic stress and more. She has worked in residential treatment for dual diagnosis, intensive outpatient and private practice.
(571) 450-9170 View (571) 450-9170
Photo of Hugh K Marr, Psychologist in Montgomery County, MD
Hugh K Marr
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Takoma Park, MD 20912  (Online Only)
I am a clinical psychologist in private practice formerly (pre-covid) in Old Town, Alexandria, VA; all sessions are now via secure telehealth. I provide consultation and supervision to other mental health professionals; and I consult to healthcare facilities. I have taught courses in trauma therapy, family therapy, and substance abuse counseling to graduate students in psychology and counseling. Although I specialize in helping people with issues of trauma, substance use, and relationship, people bring a wide range of concerns from personal growth to serious mental illness. I help people understand and change their life stories.
I am a clinical psychologist in private practice formerly (pre-covid) in Old Town, Alexandria, VA; all sessions are now via secure telehealth. I provide consultation and supervision to other mental health professionals; and I consult to healthcare facilities. I have taught courses in trauma therapy, family therapy, and substance abuse counseling to graduate students in psychology and counseling. Although I specialize in helping people with issues of trauma, substance use, and relationship, people bring a wide range of concerns from personal growth to serious mental illness. I help people understand and change their life stories.
(703) 468-8284 View (703) 468-8284
Photo of Brianna Hurwitz Individual Adult Therapy, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Montgomery County, MD
Brianna Hurwitz Individual Adult Therapy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C, LICSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bethesda, MD 20814  (Online Only)
Brianna empowers adults facing anxiety, depression, substance use, relationship challenges, and life changes through evidence-based approaches like CBT, DBT, motivational interviewing, and psychodynamic therapy.
We all have a human need to feel connected – to our loved ones, our communities, and the world around us. Sometimes, however, emotional roadblocks or negative thought patterns can create walls that make genuine connections difficult. Therapy can be a powerful tool to explore these very issues. Imagine therapy as a safe space where you can freely explore your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors without judgment. Brianna's approach is collaborative and authentic, meaning you'll work together as a team to uncover how these internal factors might be impacting you.
Brianna empowers adults facing anxiety, depression, substance use, relationship challenges, and life changes through evidence-based approaches like CBT, DBT, motivational interviewing, and psychodynamic therapy.
We all have a human need to feel connected – to our loved ones, our communities, and the world around us. Sometimes, however, emotional roadblocks or negative thought patterns can create walls that make genuine connections difficult. Therapy can be a powerful tool to explore these very issues. Imagine therapy as a safe space where you can freely explore your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors without judgment. Brianna's approach is collaborative and authentic, meaning you'll work together as a team to uncover how these internal factors might be impacting you.
(703) 348-6102 View (703) 348-6102
Photo of Gabriel Martinez, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Montgomery County, MD
Gabriel Martinez
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, LCPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bethesda, MD 20814
I have extensive experience in treating substance use issues using a harm reduction/decision making approach.
At the core of my practice is a humanistic value that honors the individual person and the whole of their life experience within the larger global system. I focus on helping people build awareness of their needs and how to be able to effectively weigh decisions for action. I work with all genders in the age spectrum of adolescence to adulthood. To compliment the diversity of the experiences that define life, I use a variety of psychological modalities. My approach to therapy draws heavily from training in systems theory, existential therapy, relational therapy, ecotherapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy.
I have extensive experience in treating substance use issues using a harm reduction/decision making approach.
At the core of my practice is a humanistic value that honors the individual person and the whole of their life experience within the larger global system. I focus on helping people build awareness of their needs and how to be able to effectively weigh decisions for action. I work with all genders in the age spectrum of adolescence to adulthood. To compliment the diversity of the experiences that define life, I use a variety of psychological modalities. My approach to therapy draws heavily from training in systems theory, existential therapy, relational therapy, ecotherapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy.
(240) 618-2296 View (240) 618-2296
Photo of Billie Mitzner, Licensed Professional Counselor in Montgomery County, MD
Billie Mitzner
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, CACI, MBA
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Bethesda, MD 20815  (Online Only)
My experience includes providing treatment for 15 years to people struggling with substance use.
I'm licensed in DC and Virginia. My work is with adults experiencing difficult transitions who are trying to cope with the resulting stressors and uncertainties. The goal is to build capacity, make and sustain changes that are meaningful: including changes/losses related to career and relationships, new circumstances such as grief, sexuality, return to school, and retirement. My expertise is in the treatment of issues related addiction/recovery, and the impact on family and significant others. We work together so that you may effectively reengage in your personal and professional life and handle any potential license/clearance
My experience includes providing treatment for 15 years to people struggling with substance use.
I'm licensed in DC and Virginia. My work is with adults experiencing difficult transitions who are trying to cope with the resulting stressors and uncertainties. The goal is to build capacity, make and sustain changes that are meaningful: including changes/losses related to career and relationships, new circumstances such as grief, sexuality, return to school, and retirement. My expertise is in the treatment of issues related addiction/recovery, and the impact on family and significant others. We work together so that you may effectively reengage in your personal and professional life and handle any potential license/clearance
(202) 760-4673 View (202) 760-4673
Photo of Liz McLaughlin, Psychologist in Montgomery County, MD
Liz McLaughlin
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Bethesda, MD 20814  (Online Only)
I help people work on anxiety, depression, substance use problems, stress, and more.
I offer an individualized therapy experience based on modern, evidence-based practices. Your goals may include exploring identity issues, managing life transitions, improving the quality of your relationships, or something else; I look forward to hearing your unique story. I use cognitive-behavioral, acceptance-based, and motivational enhancement-based strategies. We’ll start with a thorough assessment of what is troubling you. We’ll collaborate on identifying what is working for you and what is not, and test new strategies you can use to cope more effectively. All along, I’ll provide a safe setting where you can work things out.
I help people work on anxiety, depression, substance use problems, stress, and more.
I offer an individualized therapy experience based on modern, evidence-based practices. Your goals may include exploring identity issues, managing life transitions, improving the quality of your relationships, or something else; I look forward to hearing your unique story. I use cognitive-behavioral, acceptance-based, and motivational enhancement-based strategies. We’ll start with a thorough assessment of what is troubling you. We’ll collaborate on identifying what is working for you and what is not, and test new strategies you can use to cope more effectively. All along, I’ll provide a safe setting where you can work things out.
(202) 335-7841 View (202) 335-7841
Photo of Kris Oseth, Licensed Professional Counselor in Montgomery County, MD
Kris Oseth
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, LCPC, LPCC, CPT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Silver Spring, MD 20910
I will work with you to illuminate the meaning of your experience and help you practice greater self-acceptance. Therapy goals/counseling/education will be tailored to your unique needs. I may show you how to change your behavior by using Mindfulness/changing your thoughts, recovery/harm reduction tools to address substance use, guidance/education/resources for exploring sexual orientation/gender identity/transitioning/coming out, provide couples/individual work for better communication in relationships, and/or I can apply EMDR/somatic-based approaches for trauma/anxiety and even substance using/behavioral urges.
I will work with you to illuminate the meaning of your experience and help you practice greater self-acceptance. Therapy goals/counseling/education will be tailored to your unique needs. I may show you how to change your behavior by using Mindfulness/changing your thoughts, recovery/harm reduction tools to address substance use, guidance/education/resources for exploring sexual orientation/gender identity/transitioning/coming out, provide couples/individual work for better communication in relationships, and/or I can apply EMDR/somatic-based approaches for trauma/anxiety and even substance using/behavioral urges.
(202) 759-8060 View (202) 759-8060
Photo of Angelina Oputa, Counselor in Montgomery County, MD
Angelina Oputa
Counselor, LCPC
Verified Verified
Burtonsville, MD 20866  (Online Only)
Together we can identify tools to address symptoms of anxiety, depression, and substance use.
Are you feeling frustrated, irritable , and mad at the world? Are you ready to feel at peace, and proud of the way you are living your everyday life? We all have challenges in life, and sometimes additional support is necessary. No matter how small or overwhelming the challenge I approach treatment from a place of non judgment to identify the root of problems as opposed to offering a temporary fix. During our first session I will take time to get to know you. I will ask about your past experiences with therapy, and what you want to accomplish during our tome together.
Together we can identify tools to address symptoms of anxiety, depression, and substance use.
Are you feeling frustrated, irritable , and mad at the world? Are you ready to feel at peace, and proud of the way you are living your everyday life? We all have challenges in life, and sometimes additional support is necessary. No matter how small or overwhelming the challenge I approach treatment from a place of non judgment to identify the root of problems as opposed to offering a temporary fix. During our first session I will take time to get to know you. I will ask about your past experiences with therapy, and what you want to accomplish during our tome together.
(301) 835-2471 View (301) 835-2471
Photo of Taylor Rapuano, Counselor in Montgomery County, MD
Taylor Rapuano
Counselor, LCPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Chevy Chase, MD 20815
Welcome! I specialize in eating disorders, disordered relationships with food and movement, body image, substance use, and relationship issues. I am equally passionate about cultural humility and competence in psychotherapy—especially for members of marginalized communities—as well as LGBTQIA+ issues. I use a Non-Diet, Health at Every Size (HAES) approach to recovery from eating disorders and disordered eating. I have extensive experience working with eating disorder and substance use patients with a wide range of co-occurring diagnoses, and at all levels of care.
Welcome! I specialize in eating disorders, disordered relationships with food and movement, body image, substance use, and relationship issues. I am equally passionate about cultural humility and competence in psychotherapy—especially for members of marginalized communities—as well as LGBTQIA+ issues. I use a Non-Diet, Health at Every Size (HAES) approach to recovery from eating disorders and disordered eating. I have extensive experience working with eating disorder and substance use patients with a wide range of co-occurring diagnoses, and at all levels of care.
(240) 774-2156 View (240) 774-2156
Photo of Comeback Counseling: Trauma-Informed Therapy, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Montgomery County, MD
Comeback Counseling: Trauma-Informed Therapy
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, LCPC, CCTP-II, ASDCS
Verified Verified
Bethesda, MD 20817
Certified trauma-informed therapist with training in EMDR, IFS, DBT, and CPT. I specialize in work with adult/adolescent clients with a history of trauma, whether single incident or complex. These clients may present with PTSD, cPTSD, depression, anxiety, substance use disorders, personality disorders, and more. My goal is to assist my clients with not only recovering after trauma, but enabling growth toward the person they want to be. I see survival as a strength, and the adaptations that allowed for that survival should be recognized as such to increase self-compassion and facilitate the next step.
Certified trauma-informed therapist with training in EMDR, IFS, DBT, and CPT. I specialize in work with adult/adolescent clients with a history of trauma, whether single incident or complex. These clients may present with PTSD, cPTSD, depression, anxiety, substance use disorders, personality disorders, and more. My goal is to assist my clients with not only recovering after trauma, but enabling growth toward the person they want to be. I see survival as a strength, and the adaptations that allowed for that survival should be recognized as such to increase self-compassion and facilitate the next step.
(240) 474-9205 View (240) 474-9205
Photo of Julia Perini, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Montgomery County, MD
Julia Perini
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C, CGP
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Rockville, MD 20855  (Online Only)
I promote a warm, non-judgmental space to support clients as they work to connect to themselves and the world around them. I offer virtual services to residents of Maryland and Washington, D.C. I have helped clients struggling with a variety of concerns such as anxiety, depression, family conflict, substance use, trauma, low self-esteem, stress management, and more. We all go through various life transitions, such as moving away from home for the first time. My goal in the therapeutic relationship is to help individuals navigate life’s changes and struggles, achieve greater peace, and enjoy their unique process along the way.
I promote a warm, non-judgmental space to support clients as they work to connect to themselves and the world around them. I offer virtual services to residents of Maryland and Washington, D.C. I have helped clients struggling with a variety of concerns such as anxiety, depression, family conflict, substance use, trauma, low self-esteem, stress management, and more. We all go through various life transitions, such as moving away from home for the first time. My goal in the therapeutic relationship is to help individuals navigate life’s changes and struggles, achieve greater peace, and enjoy their unique process along the way.
(240) 213-9312 View (240) 213-9312
Photo of Hannah L Gold, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Montgomery County, MD
Hannah L Gold
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C, LICSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Bethesda, MD 20814
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy is extremely effective in the management of anxiety, mood disorders, trauma and substance use disorders.
My greatest passion as a therapist is to help my clients lead a meaningful life aligned with their values and goals. I approach therapy collaboratively and support my clients as they work to develop new solutions to old problems. I help my clients build self-reliance through identifying what makes their life meaningful and taking committed actions towards achieving their goals. Therapy with me will look like a space with consistent, meaningful support while incorporating warmth, sensitivity, a sense of humor (at times) and a strong therapeutic alliance.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy is extremely effective in the management of anxiety, mood disorders, trauma and substance use disorders.
My greatest passion as a therapist is to help my clients lead a meaningful life aligned with their values and goals. I approach therapy collaboratively and support my clients as they work to develop new solutions to old problems. I help my clients build self-reliance through identifying what makes their life meaningful and taking committed actions towards achieving their goals. Therapy with me will look like a space with consistent, meaningful support while incorporating warmth, sensitivity, a sense of humor (at times) and a strong therapeutic alliance.
(202) 643-8466 View (202) 643-8466
Photo of Ashley Wilson, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Montgomery County, MD
Ashley Wilson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LGSW, LMSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Silver Spring, MD 20910
I specialize in working with children, adolescents and young adults managing the emotions and stressors that come along with significant life transitions. I have experience working with a diverse range of clients and diagnoses including depressive, anxiety, mood, trauma attention-deficit/hyperactivity and substance use disorders.
I specialize in working with children, adolescents and young adults managing the emotions and stressors that come along with significant life transitions. I have experience working with a diverse range of clients and diagnoses including depressive, anxiety, mood, trauma attention-deficit/hyperactivity and substance use disorders.
(240) 410-6874 View (240) 410-6874
Photo of Cj Seitz-Brown, Psychologist in Montgomery County, MD
Cj Seitz-Brown
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Silver Spring, MD 20910  (Online Only)
During my 10+ years as a therapist, I have helped clients find their dream jobs, address substance use problems, improve their relationships, and achieve goals for their sleep, wellness, and mood.
As you’re looking for a therapist, it’s important to find someone you feel comfortable opening up to, and maybe even sharing aspects of your life that are hard to discuss. My clients often go there with me quickly; they can tell that I will be warm, supportive, nonjudgmental, and honor their trust. My approach to therapy is multicultural, LGBTQ+ affirming, sex/kink positive, and I have a background working with first gen people. Clients who want to better understand and express their emotions have found therapy with me helpful for learning communication and skills they weren’t taught growing up.
During my 10+ years as a therapist, I have helped clients find their dream jobs, address substance use problems, improve their relationships, and achieve goals for their sleep, wellness, and mood.
As you’re looking for a therapist, it’s important to find someone you feel comfortable opening up to, and maybe even sharing aspects of your life that are hard to discuss. My clients often go there with me quickly; they can tell that I will be warm, supportive, nonjudgmental, and honor their trust. My approach to therapy is multicultural, LGBTQ+ affirming, sex/kink positive, and I have a background working with first gen people. Clients who want to better understand and express their emotions have found therapy with me helpful for learning communication and skills they weren’t taught growing up.
(301) 215-3173 View (301) 215-3173
Photo of Ilene Marto Atiyah, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Montgomery County, MD
Ilene Marto Atiyah
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
Bethesda, MD 20814
If you are struggling with emotional dysregulation, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, interpersonal/relationship difficulties, school/college challenges, work issues, substance use, trauma, or family conflict, I invite you to reach out to me.
I am deeply passionate about supporting every person I encounter to lead a life worth living. I offer a warm and mindful space to celebrate strengths and explore challenges while balancing the dialectics of acceptance and change.
If you are struggling with emotional dysregulation, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, interpersonal/relationship difficulties, school/college challenges, work issues, substance use, trauma, or family conflict, I invite you to reach out to me.
I am deeply passionate about supporting every person I encounter to lead a life worth living. I offer a warm and mindful space to celebrate strengths and explore challenges while balancing the dialectics of acceptance and change.
(240) 245-2563 View (240) 245-2563

See more therapy options for Montgomery County


Substance Use Therapists

How do substance and drug recovery or rehabilitation programs work?

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

How do 12-step programs combined with psychotherapy work?

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

How does harm reduction combined with psychotherapy work?

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

Are there specific medications for substance and drug use?

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