Therapists in Lamar County, TX
Deborah Wall
Licensed Professional Counselor, MBS, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Paris, TX 75460 (Online Only)
Deborah Wall, LPC is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Oklahoma and Texas. Her extensive career history has focused on stabilizing and promoting personal functioning while empowering others to achieve long-term growth. As an action-oriented therapist, Deborah strives to help others resolve stressors and become the best version of themselves. This concept is evidenced by her advocation of adults, children and families to become addiction free, resolve traumas, and develop a healthy sense of self to combat life's difficulties. Additionally, she is a certified SYMBIS premarital and marital counseling facilitator.
Deborah Wall, LPC is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Oklahoma and Texas. Her extensive career history has focused on stabilizing and promoting personal functioning while empowering others to achieve long-term growth. As an action-oriented therapist, Deborah strives to help others resolve stressors and become the best version of themselves. This concept is evidenced by her advocation of adults, children and families to become addiction free, resolve traumas, and develop a healthy sense of self to combat life's difficulties. Additionally, she is a certified SYMBIS premarital and marital counseling facilitator.
Andrea Perry
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LPC
Verified Verified
Paris, TX 75460
Thank you for your interest in my psychological services. My educational background includes a Masters degree in Professional Counseling, and a Doctorate (PhD) in Counselor Education and Supervision. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Paris, Texas with 10 years of experience practicing. I work with clients who are dealing with a wide range of concerns including Grief, Crisis Intervention, Trauma & Serious Illness, PTSD, Depression, Anxiety/Panic, Schizophrenia, OCD, Bipolar Disorder, Personality Disorders, family of origin concerns & exploration, & many other psychological & behavioral challenges.
Thank you for your interest in my psychological services. My educational background includes a Masters degree in Professional Counseling, and a Doctorate (PhD) in Counselor Education and Supervision. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Paris, Texas with 10 years of experience practicing. I work with clients who are dealing with a wide range of concerns including Grief, Crisis Intervention, Trauma & Serious Illness, PTSD, Depression, Anxiety/Panic, Schizophrenia, OCD, Bipolar Disorder, Personality Disorders, family of origin concerns & exploration, & many other psychological & behavioral challenges.
Jennifer Durham
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Paris, TX 75460
When life feels frustrating and out of control it can be helpful to talk with someone who understands what you are going through. I offer an environment of acceptance and commitment to healing. I work with individuals, children, teens,couples, and families. Your treatment would be specific to your needs and goals. My approach to counseling is primarily cognitive behavioral therapy, holistic, and trauma focused. I would like to offer you an opportunity for treatments that change problematic thought and behavior patterns, while building on your particular strengths. I would be honored to walk with you through this time in your life.
When life feels frustrating and out of control it can be helpful to talk with someone who understands what you are going through. I offer an environment of acceptance and commitment to healing. I work with individuals, children, teens,couples, and families. Your treatment would be specific to your needs and goals. My approach to counseling is primarily cognitive behavioral therapy, holistic, and trauma focused. I would like to offer you an opportunity for treatments that change problematic thought and behavior patterns, while building on your particular strengths. I would be honored to walk with you through this time in your life.
Online Therapists
Dwana R Hayes
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Plano, TX 75093
My counseling experience includes addiction and recovery, anxiety, depression, stress, grief, parenting support, marriage and family and anger management.
Empowering you to become "The Best Possible You" is my ultimate goal. Life is full of challenges, disappointments and successes. How you process these experiences may impact your quality of life. Do you embrace a challenge, learn from mistakes and celebrate success; or do you retreat from a challenge, beat yourself up over mistakes and discount your successes? While I do not purport to be able to change difficult situations from the past, I will partner with you in understanding and addressing current life issues in a way that allows you to embrace challenges, learn from mistakes, and celebrate success.
My counseling experience includes addiction and recovery, anxiety, depression, stress, grief, parenting support, marriage and family and anger management.
Empowering you to become "The Best Possible You" is my ultimate goal. Life is full of challenges, disappointments and successes. How you process these experiences may impact your quality of life. Do you embrace a challenge, learn from mistakes and celebrate success; or do you retreat from a challenge, beat yourself up over mistakes and discount your successes? While I do not purport to be able to change difficult situations from the past, I will partner with you in understanding and addressing current life issues in a way that allows you to embrace challenges, learn from mistakes, and celebrate success.
Julia Schmitz Crump
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Dallas, TX 75231
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 20 years of experience in mental health and substance abuse treatment. I have a general practice in which I treat a wide range of issues some of which include: relationship difficulties, low self esteem, post- trauma issues, depression, anxiety, stage 2 addiction recovery and others. It is my goal to provide a safe caring environment that encourages self-exploration and leads to clients' ability to find joy and richness in everyday life and relationships.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 20 years of experience in mental health and substance abuse treatment. I have a general practice in which I treat a wide range of issues some of which include: relationship difficulties, low self esteem, post- trauma issues, depression, anxiety, stage 2 addiction recovery and others. It is my goal to provide a safe caring environment that encourages self-exploration and leads to clients' ability to find joy and richness in everyday life and relationships.
Janice Terry Counseling Services
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-S, LCDC
Verified Verified
Tyler, TX 75703
I have over 20 years of experience. My specialities include intensive one on one therapy, trauma and family and marriage counseling. I work with children, adolescents and adults. I am a Clinical Social Work Supervisor and a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor. I address addiction, anxiety, depression, grief/loss, sleep, sports, and weight loss management. I teach coping skills, communication skills, healthy relationships, positive mindset & help motivate clients to make change. I have a certification in PTSD and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia. I use CBT to assist clients in meeting their needs and goals.
I have over 20 years of experience. My specialities include intensive one on one therapy, trauma and family and marriage counseling. I work with children, adolescents and adults. I am a Clinical Social Work Supervisor and a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor. I address addiction, anxiety, depression, grief/loss, sleep, sports, and weight loss management. I teach coping skills, communication skills, healthy relationships, positive mindset & help motivate clients to make change. I have a certification in PTSD and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia. I use CBT to assist clients in meeting their needs and goals.
Nicole Genrich
LPC Associate, LPC-A
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
The Colony, TX 75056 (Online Only)
I specialize in aiding individuals of all age groups—children, adolescents, and adults—tackling diverse challenges such as anxiety, depression, insomnia, emotional intelligence, career progression, organizational skills, nurturing healthy relationships, coping mechanisms, substance misuse, social aptitude, mood regulation, and personal development.
I bring fresh and contemporary methodologies to the mental health counseling field. I strive to make therapy accessible, interactive, and captivating. My goal is to foster positive transformations in individuals' lives through establishing genuine, purposeful, and empowering therapeutic bonds with my clients. I craft personalized treatment plans, acknowledging that clients shape their own mental landscapes. Drawing from a trauma-informed framework, I listen, validate, and comprehend my clients' narratives, while equipping them with vital skills to uphold their mental well-being and heighten their self-awareness.
I specialize in aiding individuals of all age groups—children, adolescents, and adults—tackling diverse challenges such as anxiety, depression, insomnia, emotional intelligence, career progression, organizational skills, nurturing healthy relationships, coping mechanisms, substance misuse, social aptitude, mood regulation, and personal development.
I bring fresh and contemporary methodologies to the mental health counseling field. I strive to make therapy accessible, interactive, and captivating. My goal is to foster positive transformations in individuals' lives through establishing genuine, purposeful, and empowering therapeutic bonds with my clients. I craft personalized treatment plans, acknowledging that clients shape their own mental landscapes. Drawing from a trauma-informed framework, I listen, validate, and comprehend my clients' narratives, while equipping them with vital skills to uphold their mental well-being and heighten their self-awareness.
Melissa Fowler
LPC Associate, MS, NCC, LPC-A
Verified Verified
Dallas, TX 75208
I am here to help you achieve the changes you want to make in your world! With the challenges life throws at us, it is a very personal task to find someone who knows what you are going through and will be able to help you heal. I have experience in helping people through trauma such as abuse, domestic violence, and others along with depression, grief, and addiction. Through a collaborative effort we will work together to face the goals you make and make the changes you want to see in your life.
I am here to help you achieve the changes you want to make in your world! With the challenges life throws at us, it is a very personal task to find someone who knows what you are going through and will be able to help you heal. I have experience in helping people through trauma such as abuse, domestic violence, and others along with depression, grief, and addiction. Through a collaborative effort we will work together to face the goals you make and make the changes you want to see in your life.
Della Boyer
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Dallas, TX 75201
With a wealth of experience spanning diverse demographics, I've served as a seasoned counselor, offering guidance to children, adolescents, individuals grappling with substance abuse, LGBTQ community members, those with ADHD, individuals facing depression, and veterans. Over the years, I've been fortunate to glean insights from seasoned professionals, shaping my approach to client care significantly. In my work with children, I integrate art, activities, and games to foster communication and personal development. Though I'll admit, I frequently find myself on the losing side of UNO!
With a wealth of experience spanning diverse demographics, I've served as a seasoned counselor, offering guidance to children, adolescents, individuals grappling with substance abuse, LGBTQ community members, those with ADHD, individuals facing depression, and veterans. Over the years, I've been fortunate to glean insights from seasoned professionals, shaping my approach to client care significantly. In my work with children, I integrate art, activities, and games to foster communication and personal development. Though I'll admit, I frequently find myself on the losing side of UNO!
Leigh Barnett
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
Dallas, TX 75243
I specialize in working with adolescents, adults and couples who struggle with anxiety, depression, substance abuse, mood disorders and relationship issues. I will help you learn to cope with present stressors or process past experiences. It is important that we establish goals, and I will actively work to help you meet them. I develop personal and genuine relationships with my clients, which is helpful in developing a plan that is tailored to your individual needs.
I specialize in working with adolescents, adults and couples who struggle with anxiety, depression, substance abuse, mood disorders and relationship issues. I will help you learn to cope with present stressors or process past experiences. It is important that we establish goals, and I will actively work to help you meet them. I develop personal and genuine relationships with my clients, which is helpful in developing a plan that is tailored to your individual needs.
Joellen Walter LPC, PLLC
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Princeton, TX 75407
Most of my clients have been shackled by their past, present and future by expectations, societal norms, families or some type of addiction.
My ideal client is one that wants to work on themselves and seeks change. I am directive, interactive and straightforward in my approach. Education, a sense of humor, feedback and curiosity are important in working with clients. My clients are often high functioning free thinkers. Learning to challenge the your internal status quo can often be challenging and scary. Clients I attract are stressed out executives having issues at home, work and with relationships , young adults who are trying to figure out what they want in life, and addicts of any sort who find themselves stuck, "Thinking is this all there is in life?"
Most of my clients have been shackled by their past, present and future by expectations, societal norms, families or some type of addiction.
My ideal client is one that wants to work on themselves and seeks change. I am directive, interactive and straightforward in my approach. Education, a sense of humor, feedback and curiosity are important in working with clients. My clients are often high functioning free thinkers. Learning to challenge the your internal status quo can often be challenging and scary. Clients I attract are stressed out executives having issues at home, work and with relationships , young adults who are trying to figure out what they want in life, and addicts of any sort who find themselves stuck, "Thinking is this all there is in life?"
Erica Pouncie
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LPC-S, LCDCI, CBT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Richardson, TX 75080
Waitlist for new clients
Issues addressed include Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) combat and non-combat related- I work with Veterans and civilians, MST, career problems, life adjustments, relationships, behavioral problems, addiction, stress/anger management, and substance abuse.
I love helping individuals grow to their fullest potential, as they utilize tools that reside within. My experience includes working in Private Practice settings and Veteran Mental Health/Rehabilitation facility. Additional experience has been gained by working in adolescent residential treatment, and intensive outpatient. My counseling experience has given me a natural ability to work with individuals, groups, and families of any culture or background. I have the ability to meet individuals where they are in life and help implement tools to grow. My expertise includes working with Veterans adjusting back to civilian life, adults, and adolescents. I modify therapy for your specific needs.
Issues addressed include Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) combat and non-combat related- I work with Veterans and civilians, MST, career problems, life adjustments, relationships, behavioral problems, addiction, stress/anger management, and substance abuse.
I love helping individuals grow to their fullest potential, as they utilize tools that reside within. My experience includes working in Private Practice settings and Veteran Mental Health/Rehabilitation facility. Additional experience has been gained by working in adolescent residential treatment, and intensive outpatient. My counseling experience has given me a natural ability to work with individuals, groups, and families of any culture or background. I have the ability to meet individuals where they are in life and help implement tools to grow. My expertise includes working with Veterans adjusting back to civilian life, adults, and adolescents. I modify therapy for your specific needs.
Texas Online Counseling PLLC
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, LMFT, CHMC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Lewisville, TX 75067 (Online Only)
We have a few therapists to choose from. Michelle Blank is a Licensed Professional Counselor specializing in Anxiety, Substance-Abuse, and Trauma. She works with adult individuals that are 18+. She has night and weekend hours available. Eric Rothe specializes in substance abuse and trauma. He works with 18+ individuals. Pat Keaton is bi-lingual in Spanish and English and works with individuals 18+ and couples. Pat specializes in trauma, substance abuse, and life transitions.
We have a few therapists to choose from. Michelle Blank is a Licensed Professional Counselor specializing in Anxiety, Substance-Abuse, and Trauma. She works with adult individuals that are 18+. She has night and weekend hours available. Eric Rothe specializes in substance abuse and trauma. He works with 18+ individuals. Pat Keaton is bi-lingual in Spanish and English and works with individuals 18+ and couples. Pat specializes in trauma, substance abuse, and life transitions.
Laura Elizabeth Forrester
Licensed Professional Counselor, M Ed, LPC-S
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Dallas, TX 75206 (Online Only)
I work with adult clients & have clinical experience in the following areas: Addiction/Substance Use, Eating Disorders, PTSD/Trauma, Domestic Violence, Depression, Anxiety, Personality Disorders, Self-Esteem, Co-Occurring Disorders, Sexual/Physical Abuse, Mood Disorders, Crisis Intervention, Codependency, Women’s Issues, LGBTQIA+ Issues, Sex-Work.
Hello! I believe in the value of connection and authenticity. My therapeutic approach comes from a deep-seeded belief that all humans are worthy of love and compassion. I believe that each person needs different things and it is my hope to be available to you to offer guidance, support, empathy, compassion, and acceptance without judgement. I deeply value diversity and inclusivity, and connecting with my clients is of the utmost importance to me. My goal is to be present for my clients and for them to feel safe in sharing their stories with me.
I work with adult clients & have clinical experience in the following areas: Addiction/Substance Use, Eating Disorders, PTSD/Trauma, Domestic Violence, Depression, Anxiety, Personality Disorders, Self-Esteem, Co-Occurring Disorders, Sexual/Physical Abuse, Mood Disorders, Crisis Intervention, Codependency, Women’s Issues, LGBTQIA+ Issues, Sex-Work.
Hello! I believe in the value of connection and authenticity. My therapeutic approach comes from a deep-seeded belief that all humans are worthy of love and compassion. I believe that each person needs different things and it is my hope to be available to you to offer guidance, support, empathy, compassion, and acceptance without judgement. I deeply value diversity and inclusivity, and connecting with my clients is of the utmost importance to me. My goal is to be present for my clients and for them to feel safe in sharing their stories with me.
Angela Thomas
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC-S, LCDC
Verified Verified
Longview, TX 75601
I specialize in working with individual's struggling with substance abuse and not only needing counseling, but substance abuse assessments for the court or court ordered probation programs.
My style of counseling is very person centered, warm and pragmatic. I believe meeting the client where they are, at that particular moment in their life, is so very important. I tell people not to be afraid of change, be afraid of not changing. I have never approached this profession with a mindset that "One size fits all." We all are unique individuals with varied backgrounds, experiences and perspectives, which requires active listening and suspension of judgement or bias.
I specialize in working with individual's struggling with substance abuse and not only needing counseling, but substance abuse assessments for the court or court ordered probation programs.
My style of counseling is very person centered, warm and pragmatic. I believe meeting the client where they are, at that particular moment in their life, is so very important. I tell people not to be afraid of change, be afraid of not changing. I have never approached this profession with a mindset that "One size fits all." We all are unique individuals with varied backgrounds, experiences and perspectives, which requires active listening and suspension of judgement or bias.
Collins Counseling Center
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC-S
Verified Verified
Dallas, TX 75238
Telehealth sessions available in all of Texas and in Washington and In-office sessions in Dallas, TX. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor with over 30 years of experience working with children, adolescents, and adults. I specialize in counseling children, adolescents, and adult who have been victims of crime. I also assist with divorce issues, issues related to parental use of drugs and alcohol, and I offer parental guidance. With adults and adolescents, I also offer counseling on addiction, depression, anxiety, divorce, and mental health concerns.
Telehealth sessions available in all of Texas and in Washington and In-office sessions in Dallas, TX. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor with over 30 years of experience working with children, adolescents, and adults. I specialize in counseling children, adolescents, and adult who have been victims of crime. I also assist with divorce issues, issues related to parental use of drugs and alcohol, and I offer parental guidance. With adults and adolescents, I also offer counseling on addiction, depression, anxiety, divorce, and mental health concerns.
Rebekah Poynor
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, ATR, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Dallas, TX 75243
With over seven years of practice in in-patient rehabs, nonprofits, international work, and private practice, I specialize in treating adults, teens, and families suffering from a range of emotional disorders to include depression, anxiety, trauma-based disorders, self-esteem issues, relationship issues, addiction, mood disorders, and family conflict.
My clients would describe me as compassionate, creative, and understanding. For therapy to work, it’s important the client truly feels heard trusts the process. I believe in empowering my clients through evidenced based approaches like Art Therapy, Attachment Theory, Somatic Experiencing, Person-Centered Therapy. My clients and I form genuine relationships and respect for each other, which yields really great results. I take a holistic, trauma informed approach in my work. I enjoy using the creative process alongside clients as they create fulfilling lives. I strongly believe that clients have the answers to their own healing.
With over seven years of practice in in-patient rehabs, nonprofits, international work, and private practice, I specialize in treating adults, teens, and families suffering from a range of emotional disorders to include depression, anxiety, trauma-based disorders, self-esteem issues, relationship issues, addiction, mood disorders, and family conflict.
My clients would describe me as compassionate, creative, and understanding. For therapy to work, it’s important the client truly feels heard trusts the process. I believe in empowering my clients through evidenced based approaches like Art Therapy, Attachment Theory, Somatic Experiencing, Person-Centered Therapy. My clients and I form genuine relationships and respect for each other, which yields really great results. I take a holistic, trauma informed approach in my work. I enjoy using the creative process alongside clients as they create fulfilling lives. I strongly believe that clients have the answers to their own healing.
Focused Change Therapy Services PLLC
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
Frisco, TX 75034
Five of those years were working with dual-diagnosis and addiction patients in a residential treatment facility.
Due to current economy, discounts are available if financial documentation can be provided. Saturday Appointments Available Free 15 minute Phone Consult (Office in Frisco, Texas) My hope is that you will allow me to empower you, assist you in creating a new way of seeing yourself, others and the world around you. Are you hurting emotionally? Struggling Spiritually or with low self-esteem? Are you "sick and tired" of things the way they are? Do you want more meaningful relationships? Do you ask yourself, "why me?" If you answered yes to any of these Please Call Today! 469-515-5802
Five of those years were working with dual-diagnosis and addiction patients in a residential treatment facility.
Due to current economy, discounts are available if financial documentation can be provided. Saturday Appointments Available Free 15 minute Phone Consult (Office in Frisco, Texas) My hope is that you will allow me to empower you, assist you in creating a new way of seeing yourself, others and the world around you. Are you hurting emotionally? Struggling Spiritually or with low self-esteem? Are you "sick and tired" of things the way they are? Do you want more meaningful relationships? Do you ask yourself, "why me?" If you answered yes to any of these Please Call Today! 469-515-5802
Longevity Relationships Counseling- Alicia Johnson
Licensed Chemical Depenency Counselor Intern , MS, BA, LCDC
Verified Verified
Aubrey, TX 76227
Are you trapped in a repetitive cycle, unable to shake off longstanding issues that have haunted your life for years? Whether it's struggles with addiction, a pattern of failed relationships, or persistent feelings of anxiety and depression, you've tried countless solutions to no avail. Have you ever considered that you might be carrying baggage that isn't yours to bear, or that unresolved childhood traumas may be at the root of your challenges? I can guide you through the process of unpacking these underlying issues and equip you with the skills and tools needed to achieve lasting resolution.
Are you trapped in a repetitive cycle, unable to shake off longstanding issues that have haunted your life for years? Whether it's struggles with addiction, a pattern of failed relationships, or persistent feelings of anxiety and depression, you've tried countless solutions to no avail. Have you ever considered that you might be carrying baggage that isn't yours to bear, or that unresolved childhood traumas may be at the root of your challenges? I can guide you through the process of unpacking these underlying issues and equip you with the skills and tools needed to achieve lasting resolution.
Jennifer Y Namkoong
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, LCDC
Verified Verified
Frisco, TX 75034 (Online Only)
I am extensively trained in Trauma (Focused) Cognitive Behavioral (Physical/Sexual Abuse and other traumas); Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (Depression, Anxiety, OCD, Eating and Substance Abuse Disorders), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and working with Culturally Diverse population.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor (LCDC) and a School Counselor with over 25+ years of experience and specializing in working with individuals, couples and families. We will work collaboratively together to help you find alternative and healthy ways to cope with disorders and symptoms such as anxiety (panic attacks), depression, grief/loss, and other mental health issues and addictions which can hinder success in personal relationships, schools/academics and/or employment settings. I am extensively trained in Trauma Cognitive Behavioral and Dialectical Therapies.
I am extensively trained in Trauma (Focused) Cognitive Behavioral (Physical/Sexual Abuse and other traumas); Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (Depression, Anxiety, OCD, Eating and Substance Abuse Disorders), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and working with Culturally Diverse population.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor (LCDC) and a School Counselor with over 25+ years of experience and specializing in working with individuals, couples and families. We will work collaboratively together to help you find alternative and healthy ways to cope with disorders and symptoms such as anxiety (panic attacks), depression, grief/loss, and other mental health issues and addictions which can hinder success in personal relationships, schools/academics and/or employment settings. I am extensively trained in Trauma Cognitive Behavioral and Dialectical Therapies.
See more therapy options for Lamar County
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.