Therapists in McKinney, TX
![Photo of Alysse Shropshire, MS, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a16fbb6e-2a28-4c1d-b919-1ad2d2cd0d7e/2/320x400.jpeg)
Alysse Shropshire
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
McKinney, TX 75071
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Texas. During my education, I completed an internship at Promise House, Inc. providing therapy to children and adolescents in CPS care. Post education, I gained experience in treating clients of all ages with anxiety, depression, substance use and addiction issues, self-harm and suicidal ideation, low self-esteem, life adjustments/daily stressors, grief, and trauma. I also have experience working with parents of teenagers with dual diagnosis substance use and mental health issues.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Texas. During my education, I completed an internship at Promise House, Inc. providing therapy to children and adolescents in CPS care. Post education, I gained experience in treating clients of all ages with anxiety, depression, substance use and addiction issues, self-harm and suicidal ideation, low self-esteem, life adjustments/daily stressors, grief, and trauma. I also have experience working with parents of teenagers with dual diagnosis substance use and mental health issues.
![Photo of Ashley Wilson, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/59627381-3034-4eec-8fd0-86389651860b/2/320x400.jpeg)
Ashley Wilson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Not Verified Not Verified
1 Endorsed
McKinney, TX 75072
I am trained in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, and Seeking Safety, which is a curriculum-based approach to treatment of co-occurring substance use and PTSD.
The human mind and body is a vastly complex and amazing system, with immeasurable capacity for both pain and healing. None of us operates in a vacuum and, because of different life experiences, beliefs, environments and relationships, each of us is unique in our suffering, as well as our path to wellness.
I am trained in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, and Seeking Safety, which is a curriculum-based approach to treatment of co-occurring substance use and PTSD.
The human mind and body is a vastly complex and amazing system, with immeasurable capacity for both pain and healing. None of us operates in a vacuum and, because of different life experiences, beliefs, environments and relationships, each of us is unique in our suffering, as well as our path to wellness.
![Photo of Abby Rose Hansen, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/05d3acc2-885a-49ca-92be-8f9c1ce9f588/1/320x400.jpeg)
Abby Rose Hansen
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
McKinney, TX 75070 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Some things I enjoy helping with include trauma, grief, self-harm, suicidality, substance abuse, difficult relationships, increasing coping/grounding skills, anxiety/panic and more.
As a therapist, I believe my most valuable skills are genuine care and connection. I believe in getting to know my clients, supporting them through their various struggles and seasons of life, and being a consistent support. Life comes with many different struggles, ups and downs, but also joys. I believe it is important to be there for all of it! Humor, practical application, compassionate listening, productive feedback, and flexibility to what you need are components I find valuable in a therapy session.
Some things I enjoy helping with include trauma, grief, self-harm, suicidality, substance abuse, difficult relationships, increasing coping/grounding skills, anxiety/panic and more.
As a therapist, I believe my most valuable skills are genuine care and connection. I believe in getting to know my clients, supporting them through their various struggles and seasons of life, and being a consistent support. Life comes with many different struggles, ups and downs, but also joys. I believe it is important to be there for all of it! Humor, practical application, compassionate listening, productive feedback, and flexibility to what you need are components I find valuable in a therapy session.
![Photo of Javier Davila-Lopez, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/09bd864a-3479-48d6-9cc4-580a89a60d92/2/320x400.jpeg)
Javier Davila-Lopez
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
McKinney, TX 75070
Javier Davila-Lopez, LPC has counseled a wide variety of clinical populations in various settings, including academic, forensic, non-profit and private practice. Javiar recognizes that life is full of obstacles, which may translate into depression, anxiety, relationship issues, addiction, and trauma. All of these can feel like inadequacy, failure, loneliness, and pain. He believes that through an empathetic and collaborative relationship with his client, each can experience growth and healing. Javiar enjoys working with adolescents (13 and up), adult individuals and couples.
Javier Davila-Lopez, LPC has counseled a wide variety of clinical populations in various settings, including academic, forensic, non-profit and private practice. Javiar recognizes that life is full of obstacles, which may translate into depression, anxiety, relationship issues, addiction, and trauma. All of these can feel like inadequacy, failure, loneliness, and pain. He believes that through an empathetic and collaborative relationship with his client, each can experience growth and healing. Javiar enjoys working with adolescents (13 and up), adult individuals and couples.
![Photo of Tannaz Moein, PsyD, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3dfb9c0a-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
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.
![Photo of Tonya McKinzey, LPC-S, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/376e25c7-39c9-4d8b-b177-179c22f36e72/3/320x400.jpeg)
Tonya McKinzey
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC-S
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
McKinney, TX 75070
I have over 20 years of experience working with clients in areas such as alcohol/substance use, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, domestic violence, women's issues, parenting issues, and more!.
I offer a safe space for my clients to identify and explore their struggles with compassion and free of judgment. I work with my clients to identify their strengths and work collaboratively to meet their goals.
I have over 20 years of experience working with clients in areas such as alcohol/substance use, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, domestic violence, women's issues, parenting issues, and more!.
I offer a safe space for my clients to identify and explore their struggles with compassion and free of judgment. I work with my clients to identify their strengths and work collaboratively to meet their goals.
![Photo of Katie Baird, BS, MS, LPC-S, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/489e46ce-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
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.
![Photo of Elina Kharmats, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/492bce92-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Elina Kharmats
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
McKinney, TX 75070 (Online Only)
I understand that your perception is your reality. My name is Elina Kharmats, and I have more than a decade of experience as a Licensed Professional Counselor working with individuals, couples, and families. I practice integrative therapy, which combines elements from different therapeutic modalities, and personalize the treatment according to the needs of each client. Some of these approaches include person centered therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, family systems therapy, and gestalt therapy, among others.
I understand that your perception is your reality. My name is Elina Kharmats, and I have more than a decade of experience as a Licensed Professional Counselor working with individuals, couples, and families. I practice integrative therapy, which combines elements from different therapeutic modalities, and personalize the treatment according to the needs of each client. Some of these approaches include person centered therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, family systems therapy, and gestalt therapy, among others.
![Photo of Elise Belmont, LPC-A](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/048caa10-2d1a-4568-8267-a4ef9132a117/1/320x400.jpeg)
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.
![Photo of undefined - Dr. Amir Abbassi, New Horizons Center for Healing, PhD, LMFT, LPC, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3cc77b78-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Amir Abbassi, New Horizons Center for Healing
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT, LPC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
McKinney, TX 75069
Dr. Abbassi is an expert in couple's communication and sexual issues. He is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist(LMFT), Certified Sex Therapist by American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT), Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and approved Supervisor of LPC and LMFT. He works with individual (children and Adults) in the area of depression, anxiety and general life difficulties. Dr. Abbassi has been in private practice for over 26 years. As a full Professor at local Institute of Higher Education, Dr. Abbassi teaches and provides supervision to Counseling Interns for both LPC & LMFT boards.
Dr. Abbassi is an expert in couple's communication and sexual issues. He is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist(LMFT), Certified Sex Therapist by American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT), Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and approved Supervisor of LPC and LMFT. He works with individual (children and Adults) in the area of depression, anxiety and general life difficulties. Dr. Abbassi has been in private practice for over 26 years. As a full Professor at local Institute of Higher Education, Dr. Abbassi teaches and provides supervision to Counseling Interns for both LPC & LMFT boards.
![Photo of Remmy Williams, MA](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/87985f9a-3dd0-4343-a670-712dc8b9a147/2/320x400.jpeg)
Remmy Williams
Licensed Professional Counselor Associate, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
McKinney, TX 75071
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate supervised by Heidi Johanson, LPC-S. I am a trauma-informed therapist who works with individuals and couples experiencing anxiety, depression, abandonment, codependency, childhood issues including abuse/neglect, family of origin issues, life transitions, PTSD, and relationship issues. I am also passionate about helping clients recover from narcissistic abuse. As a therapist, I collaborate with you on goals for treatment and give you autonomy in your healing process. I believe the therapeutic relationship provides healing for attachment wounds and other various forms of trauma.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate supervised by Heidi Johanson, LPC-S. I am a trauma-informed therapist who works with individuals and couples experiencing anxiety, depression, abandonment, codependency, childhood issues including abuse/neglect, family of origin issues, life transitions, PTSD, and relationship issues. I am also passionate about helping clients recover from narcissistic abuse. As a therapist, I collaborate with you on goals for treatment and give you autonomy in your healing process. I believe the therapeutic relationship provides healing for attachment wounds and other various forms of trauma.
![Photo of undefined - CHART Counseling Services PLLC, Komeka Biddle, MS, LPC, LPC-S, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/60023a5d-87c4-4f59-b52f-483822abe96f/1/320x400.jpeg)
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).
![Photo of Dorit Bunker, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/fbb646b8-c117-4f87-9dcb-ddc6f494e392/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dorit Bunker
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
McKinney, TX 75070
Dorit is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker holding a master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Wisconsin- Madison. She has extensive training and over 20 years of experience working with individuals and families in inpatient and outpatient settings, such as behavioral health hospitals, long term care facilities, correctional centers, medical hospitals and private practice. Dorit is passionate about her work, and is currently accepting new clients (13 and up) seeking individual counseling.
Dorit is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker holding a master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Wisconsin- Madison. She has extensive training and over 20 years of experience working with individuals and families in inpatient and outpatient settings, such as behavioral health hospitals, long term care facilities, correctional centers, medical hospitals and private practice. Dorit is passionate about her work, and is currently accepting new clients (13 and up) seeking individual counseling.
![Photo of Jenna Robinson](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/919f6ab5-571a-4aa9-a9d9-78115dfd8cf8/2/320x400.jpeg)
Jenna Robinson
LPC Associate
Verified Verified
McKinney, TX 75070
Jenna Robinson is an active and empathetic listener, and skilled at treating complex counseling issues with children, adolescents, and adults. She holds a Master's degree in Mental Health Counseling from the University of Miami in Miami, FL, a Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology from the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, AR, and offers extensive experience from a variety of outpatient and non-profit settings. Jenna is passionate about helping clients of all ages establish more meaningful and emotionally healthy lives.
Jenna Robinson is an active and empathetic listener, and skilled at treating complex counseling issues with children, adolescents, and adults. She holds a Master's degree in Mental Health Counseling from the University of Miami in Miami, FL, a Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology from the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, AR, and offers extensive experience from a variety of outpatient and non-profit settings. Jenna is passionate about helping clients of all ages establish more meaningful and emotionally healthy lives.
![Photo of Laurie Todd, MS, LPC-S, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/51d65fe5-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Laurie Todd
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC-S
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
McKinney, TX 75071
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor in the state of Texas. I graduated with a MS in Counseling from Southern Methodist University. Throughout my career I have had experience in working with clients who have depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, personality disorders, dissociative identity disorder, schizoaffective disorder, gender/identity struggles, life adjustment stressors, grief, phobias, and PTSD/trauma. I am trained to treat clients with PTSD and trauma through Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM).
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor in the state of Texas. I graduated with a MS in Counseling from Southern Methodist University. Throughout my career I have had experience in working with clients who have depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, personality disorders, dissociative identity disorder, schizoaffective disorder, gender/identity struggles, life adjustment stressors, grief, phobias, and PTSD/trauma. I am trained to treat clients with PTSD and trauma through Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM).
![Photo of Lindsey Smith, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/51d658b5-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Lindsey Smith
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
McKinney, TX 75071
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Texas, and I received my Master’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling from UT Southwestern, graduating in 2016. I have experience as a crisis counselor for the community helping children, teens, and adults experiencing suicidal/homicidal ideation. In private practice, I assist individuals suffering from a variety of mental health concerns including depression, anxiety, PTSD, life adjustment issues, personality disorders, and various family issues.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Texas, and I received my Master’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling from UT Southwestern, graduating in 2016. I have experience as a crisis counselor for the community helping children, teens, and adults experiencing suicidal/homicidal ideation. In private practice, I assist individuals suffering from a variety of mental health concerns including depression, anxiety, PTSD, life adjustment issues, personality disorders, and various family issues.
![Photo of Melissa Druskis, MS, BCBS, LBA](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5cb583ed-0eab-494c-8b50-18f1c02c7aca/1/320x400.png)
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.
![Photo of Susan Riley, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/75ef8121-d548-4940-8fe5-c62c5de9ddd3/2/320x400.jpeg)
Susan Riley
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
McKinney, TX 75071 (Online Only)
Susan Riley is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She is passionate about helping clients improve their mental health. She finds it heartbreaking to see anyone suffer needlessly knowing that there are absolutely ways to feel better. Susan received her Master of Social Work from University of Texas at Arlington. She has worked in outpatient and inpatient mental health in behavioral health hospitals. She has experience in group and individual therapy along with mental health crisis assessment. She also has experience with domestic violence counseling and shelters and has been a facilitator for grief support groups
Susan Riley is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She is passionate about helping clients improve their mental health. She finds it heartbreaking to see anyone suffer needlessly knowing that there are absolutely ways to feel better. Susan received her Master of Social Work from University of Texas at Arlington. She has worked in outpatient and inpatient mental health in behavioral health hospitals. She has experience in group and individual therapy along with mental health crisis assessment. She also has experience with domestic violence counseling and shelters and has been a facilitator for grief support groups
![Photo of Steven R. Scott, LPC-S, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/d6f5e9be-b5a9-4dfe-b368-556f496e6190/1/320x400.jpeg)
Steven R. Scott
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC-S
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
McKinney, TX 75070
Welcome to the practice of Steven R. Scott. Steven works with a large variety of people by providing individual psychotherapy, family and marital counseling, premarital counseling, grief resolution, teen counseling, and group therapy. Steven's goal is to make your therapeutic experience as fulfilling as possible. His solutions focused approach helps people reach their goals as efficiently as possible. Steven has over twenty years of experience, which allows him to be able to customize a treatment plan that will suit your needs. Steven now offers office hours as well as phone and video sessions. Call today for a consultation.
Welcome to the practice of Steven R. Scott. Steven works with a large variety of people by providing individual psychotherapy, family and marital counseling, premarital counseling, grief resolution, teen counseling, and group therapy. Steven's goal is to make your therapeutic experience as fulfilling as possible. His solutions focused approach helps people reach their goals as efficiently as possible. Steven has over twenty years of experience, which allows him to be able to customize a treatment plan that will suit your needs. Steven now offers office hours as well as phone and video sessions. Call today for a consultation.
![Photo of Ana Marcela Rodriguez, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0b50de33-5c02-4966-a936-d054d91809a9/1/320x400.jpeg)
Ana Marcela Rodriguez
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
McKinney, TX 75069
¿Qué tal terapia en tu idioma, con alguien que entiende tu cultura? Ofrezco terapia y evaluaciones para inmigración en español e inglés en persona y en linea para toda la familia. Hay muchas razones por las que las personas se acercan a terapia y cada razón es válida. Yo estoy aquí para ti, para que trabajemos juntos, encontremos nuevos caminos, redescubramos tus fortalezas y ayudarte a mejorar y sanar tus relaciones . Estoy aquí para escuchar tu historia. ¿porque esperar más a vivir mejor? También hacemos evaluaciones de inmigración. Llámanos. ¡No estás solo!
¿Qué tal terapia en tu idioma, con alguien que entiende tu cultura? Ofrezco terapia y evaluaciones para inmigración en español e inglés en persona y en linea para toda la familia. Hay muchas razones por las que las personas se acercan a terapia y cada razón es válida. Yo estoy aquí para ti, para que trabajemos juntos, encontremos nuevos caminos, redescubramos tus fortalezas y ayudarte a mejorar y sanar tus relaciones . Estoy aquí para escuchar tu historia. ¿porque esperar más a vivir mejor? También hacemos evaluaciones de inmigración. Llámanos. ¡No estás solo!
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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.