Addiction Counselling in Brighton

Photo of Sharon O'Driscoll, PsychD, HCPC - Couns. Psych., Psychologist
Sharon O'Driscoll
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Couns. Psych.
Verified Verified
Brighton BN2
My work with adults covers areas such as addiction, bereavement, meaning in midlife, self-esteem and self-loathing, low mood, anxiety, health-based trauma and relationship breakdown.
Understanding ourselves, the decisions and choices we make and our relationships with others can sometimes be baffling. You may find yourself acting or behaving in ways that you struggle to align with your personal principles, wishes or desires. At times, your experience may suggest that your way of being doesn't blend with the world around you and you might find yourself meeting resistance from people or institutions. Therapy gives us the chance to explore these challenges together. We can look at your relationships with others and the meaning you make of them, helping to develop your insight, self-awareness and self-acceptance.
My work with adults covers areas such as addiction, bereavement, meaning in midlife, self-esteem and self-loathing, low mood, anxiety, health-based trauma and relationship breakdown.
Understanding ourselves, the decisions and choices we make and our relationships with others can sometimes be baffling. You may find yourself acting or behaving in ways that you struggle to align with your personal principles, wishes or desires. At times, your experience may suggest that your way of being doesn't blend with the world around you and you might find yourself meeting resistance from people or institutions. Therapy gives us the chance to explore these challenges together. We can look at your relationships with others and the meaning you make of them, helping to develop your insight, self-awareness and self-acceptance.
01273 071149 View 01273 071149
Photo of Duncan Long, MUKCP, Psychotherapist
Duncan Long
Psychotherapist, MUKCP
Verified Verified
Brighton BN2
I’m an experienced and passionate Psychotherapist and have both a wide lived and professional experience, working with addiction, anxiety, depression, trauma, childhood abuse, adoption, burnout, loneliness and relationship issues.
Hello! A very warm welcome to you. As we face these uncertain times in our world, we find ourselves coming up against many challenges that may be exacerbating our existing internal struggles. It feels more important than ever to find some sense of certainty and purpose in these difficult times. The very idea of isolation can bring on fear and anxiety, uncertainty around our livelihoods can trigger old and new coping strategies that may feel damaging to one’s self.
I’m an experienced and passionate Psychotherapist and have both a wide lived and professional experience, working with addiction, anxiety, depression, trauma, childhood abuse, adoption, burnout, loneliness and relationship issues.
Hello! A very warm welcome to you. As we face these uncertain times in our world, we find ourselves coming up against many challenges that may be exacerbating our existing internal struggles. It feels more important than ever to find some sense of certainty and purpose in these difficult times. The very idea of isolation can bring on fear and anxiety, uncertainty around our livelihoods can trigger old and new coping strategies that may feel damaging to one’s self.
01273 071655 View 01273 071655
Photo of Ralph Geoffrey Taylor - Talk to Ralph Psychotherapy, DCounsPsych, MNCPS Acc., Counsellor
Talk to Ralph Psychotherapy
Counsellor, DCounsPsych, MNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
Brighton BN2
Waitlist for new clients
I specialise in addiction, trauma and relationship issues, giving me extensive experience in handling complex trauma, anxiety, depression, relationship & sexual difficulties, intimacy issues, shame, feeling stuck, and low self-esteem.
Another therapist in the sea of therapists? Trying to decipher who's best for you based on a photo and therapeutic jargon when you're already stressed? Let me introduce myself and explain how I work and how I can help. I prioritise being a human first, meeting you where you are to build a relationship that facilitates lasting change. Establishing clear goals is central to my work, emerging as we progress, working together to relieve anxieties, traumas and life-limiting internal & interpersonal issues. Our work can lead toward more fulfilment, awareness, spontaneity, and intimacy.
I specialise in addiction, trauma and relationship issues, giving me extensive experience in handling complex trauma, anxiety, depression, relationship & sexual difficulties, intimacy issues, shame, feeling stuck, and low self-esteem.
Another therapist in the sea of therapists? Trying to decipher who's best for you based on a photo and therapeutic jargon when you're already stressed? Let me introduce myself and explain how I work and how I can help. I prioritise being a human first, meeting you where you are to build a relationship that facilitates lasting change. Establishing clear goals is central to my work, emerging as we progress, working together to relieve anxieties, traumas and life-limiting internal & interpersonal issues. Our work can lead toward more fulfilment, awareness, spontaneity, and intimacy.
01273 092779 View 01273 092779
Photo of Sophie Perring, MBACP, Counsellor
Sophie Perring
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Brighton BN1  (Online Only)
I work with those experiencing substance misuse, sexual abuse, bereavement, and suicidal ideation.
I am BSc Hons, qualified Counsellor/Psychotherapist, and currently provide face-to-face, phone, and online counselling. I believe we all have the capacity to change, sometimes we need help to make that change. I have experience working with clients with substance use, helping clients to facilitate change in their lifestyle, to address & alter behaviours. Counselling provides a confidential space for people experiencing emotional discomfort and trauma related responses to historic and current abuse, neglect, relationship difficulties, anxiety, grief, depression, and other situations. I do not judge and am approachable.
I work with those experiencing substance misuse, sexual abuse, bereavement, and suicidal ideation.
I am BSc Hons, qualified Counsellor/Psychotherapist, and currently provide face-to-face, phone, and online counselling. I believe we all have the capacity to change, sometimes we need help to make that change. I have experience working with clients with substance use, helping clients to facilitate change in their lifestyle, to address & alter behaviours. Counselling provides a confidential space for people experiencing emotional discomfort and trauma related responses to historic and current abuse, neglect, relationship difficulties, anxiety, grief, depression, and other situations. I do not judge and am approachable.
07723 313164 View 07723 313164
Photo of Leon Standing, MA, Counsellor
Leon Standing
Counsellor, MA
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Brighton BN1
I specialise in the field of Addiction.
At times life can be difficult. Sometimes it may feel like life isn’t moving forward and you keep repeating the same old patterns and nothing changes. You may be dwelling on the past or worried about the present or the future. You may just be in a place of general unhappiness where you just don’t know what to do. In developing a better understanding of ourselves, increasing our awareness, and learning about how we operate as people we are able to make fresh choices, see new perspectives, change things, move forward and find our full potential. I believe in peoples capacity to thrive when they are given the right conditions to do so.
I specialise in the field of Addiction.
At times life can be difficult. Sometimes it may feel like life isn’t moving forward and you keep repeating the same old patterns and nothing changes. You may be dwelling on the past or worried about the present or the future. You may just be in a place of general unhappiness where you just don’t know what to do. In developing a better understanding of ourselves, increasing our awareness, and learning about how we operate as people we are able to make fresh choices, see new perspectives, change things, move forward and find our full potential. I believe in peoples capacity to thrive when they are given the right conditions to do so.
01273 037886 View 01273 037886
Photo of Charlotte Parish - Start Something Counselling and Psychotherapy, MSc
Start Something Counselling and Psychotherapy
MSc
Verified Verified
Brighton BN1
I am clinically experienced, having worked with a wide range of presentations within private practice, and in the voluntary sector with bereavement and substance dependence.
Welcome to Start Something Counselling and Psychotherapy. I understand that life can be challenging. Sometimes specific events and experiences create pain and emotional discomfort. For others, understanding why life feels uncomfortable is less obvious. My aim is to work with you to help you understand your mind, to enable to you become aware of how your experiences have influenced and impacted you.
I am clinically experienced, having worked with a wide range of presentations within private practice, and in the voluntary sector with bereavement and substance dependence.
Welcome to Start Something Counselling and Psychotherapy. I understand that life can be challenging. Sometimes specific events and experiences create pain and emotional discomfort. For others, understanding why life feels uncomfortable is less obvious. My aim is to work with you to help you understand your mind, to enable to you become aware of how your experiences have influenced and impacted you.
01273 099454 View 01273 099454
Photo of Mark Lewenstein, MNCPS Acc., Counsellor
Mark Lewenstein
Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
Brighton BN1
You may want to talk about anxiety, addiction or depression; you may be looking to cope with some life event such as a bereavement, divorce, redundancy or a relationship problem; or you might be feeling stuck in a rut and that you want more out of life. You will be able to explore what might lie behind the feelings you're experiencing, or what might lie behind certain thoughts or behaviours that you're not finding helpful. All these things can be helped and supported by talking confidentially.
You may want to talk about anxiety, addiction or depression; you may be looking to cope with some life event such as a bereavement, divorce, redundancy or a relationship problem; or you might be feeling stuck in a rut and that you want more out of life. You will be able to explore what might lie behind the feelings you're experiencing, or what might lie behind certain thoughts or behaviours that you're not finding helpful. All these things can be helped and supported by talking confidentially.
01273 037768 View 01273 037768
Photo of Ian Caley - Ian Caley Therapy, MSc, BACP, Counsellor
Ian Caley Therapy
Counsellor, MSc, BACP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Brighton BN1
Welcome, I'm Ian Caley and I specialise in helping people explore their drug and alcohol use and overcome addiction. I'll work with you to design a new life in a safe, confidential, collaborative way. No judgements, just understanding. Maybe you just want to cut down, gain control. Maybe things are getting a little more drastic. I've years of experience, personally and therapeutically, and I know it's not as simple as just putting down the substance- There's the past; trauma from childhood, depression, low self-esteem, anxiety, misplaced coping mechanisms. We'll find solutions. Get in touch to see if I'm the right therapist for you.
Welcome, I'm Ian Caley and I specialise in helping people explore their drug and alcohol use and overcome addiction. I'll work with you to design a new life in a safe, confidential, collaborative way. No judgements, just understanding. Maybe you just want to cut down, gain control. Maybe things are getting a little more drastic. I've years of experience, personally and therapeutically, and I know it's not as simple as just putting down the substance- There's the past; trauma from childhood, depression, low self-esteem, anxiety, misplaced coping mechanisms. We'll find solutions. Get in touch to see if I'm the right therapist for you.
01273 092734 View 01273 092734
Photo of Sophie Sorensen, MA, MBACP, Psychotherapist
Sophie Sorensen
Psychotherapist, MA, MBACP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Brighton BN1
Sometimes it's hard to keep up with the challenges we face. I offer an easy-going and confidential​ digital space to unpack what is troubling you. I have experience working with a variety of issues, such as anxiety and depression, trauma, bereavement, personality disorders, life transitions, relationship issues, questions around identity, sexuality, addiction & recovery processes. It's easy to say, "I'm fine" when often, quite the opposite is true. My work as a Psychotherapist is informed by an Integrative/Pluralistic approach. I work at your pace to meet your needs. www.sorensentherapy.space
Sometimes it's hard to keep up with the challenges we face. I offer an easy-going and confidential​ digital space to unpack what is troubling you. I have experience working with a variety of issues, such as anxiety and depression, trauma, bereavement, personality disorders, life transitions, relationship issues, questions around identity, sexuality, addiction & recovery processes. It's easy to say, "I'm fine" when often, quite the opposite is true. My work as a Psychotherapist is informed by an Integrative/Pluralistic approach. I work at your pace to meet your needs. www.sorensentherapy.space
07480 781410 View 07480 781410
Photo of Laurence Baretto de Souza, MBACP, Psychotherapist
Laurence Baretto de Souza
Psychotherapist, MBACP
Verified Verified
Brighton BN1
I worked as a Therapist at the Priory (now Elysium Healthcare) for 5 years and have worked at Brighton Housing Trust in their Addiction Recovery Therapeutic Community for 9 years.
We all go through some difficulties in life. Asking for help can be difficult , finding the right support can be even more of a challenge. As an Integrative Therapist, I use different modalities to fit my clients' needs, learning curves and communications styles, personalities and states of mind. I also adapt to fit my clients' physical health, integrating body and mind work within the process of change. I believe we can all benefit from the therapeutic relationship. it can be helpful when dealing with difficulties and as a boost to reach our full potential. I can also be a place and time to optimise mental hygiene and health.
I worked as a Therapist at the Priory (now Elysium Healthcare) for 5 years and have worked at Brighton Housing Trust in their Addiction Recovery Therapeutic Community for 9 years.
We all go through some difficulties in life. Asking for help can be difficult , finding the right support can be even more of a challenge. As an Integrative Therapist, I use different modalities to fit my clients' needs, learning curves and communications styles, personalities and states of mind. I also adapt to fit my clients' physical health, integrating body and mind work within the process of change. I believe we can all benefit from the therapeutic relationship. it can be helpful when dealing with difficulties and as a boost to reach our full potential. I can also be a place and time to optimise mental hygiene and health.
07481 337236 View 07481 337236
Photo of Bradley John Riddell, MBACP, Counsellor
Bradley John Riddell
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Brighton BN1
I specialise in addiction issues & couples counselling using Imago dialogue as a pivotal technique to nurture listening, being heard & understood & valued.
I’m a counselling therapist based in Hove, Brighton. I specialise in addiction but work with many other issues too including couples. We will explore & endeavour to shed new light on your way of being in the world, thus far, & how your past has informed your sense of self in the present & how you might want to enhance your life still further by bringing yourself out of the shadows & into the light? We don’t see the world as it is but as we; so who are we, really? I use “parts” work to free us to “Self-lead” to restore calmness; clarity; confidence; connectedness; compassion; courage; creativity; curiosity in & around us………………………
I specialise in addiction issues & couples counselling using Imago dialogue as a pivotal technique to nurture listening, being heard & understood & valued.
I’m a counselling therapist based in Hove, Brighton. I specialise in addiction but work with many other issues too including couples. We will explore & endeavour to shed new light on your way of being in the world, thus far, & how your past has informed your sense of self in the present & how you might want to enhance your life still further by bringing yourself out of the shadows & into the light? We don’t see the world as it is but as we; so who are we, really? I use “parts” work to free us to “Self-lead” to restore calmness; clarity; confidence; connectedness; compassion; courage; creativity; curiosity in & around us………………………
01273 036063 View 01273 036063
Photo of Philippa Williams - Equine Enlightenment Psychological Services, GMBPsS, Psychologist
Equine Enlightenment Psychological Services
Psychologist, GMBPsS
Verified Verified
Brighton BN41  (Online Only)
This could be understood as complex trauma, complex PTSD, PTSD, ongoing or prolonged stressful/ traumatic or abusive events or a one off event, along with DID, self harm, sucicidality, addiction and Borderline/ Emotionally Unstable Personality disorders.
Currently sessions are available online only. We are able to offer both short and long term therapy for a broad range of needs and goals. We can work together once weekly or more, for an hour or more, alternative weeks/ monthly and one off sessions. We tailor the therapy to your individual needs and goals, combining a structured professional approach that will feel comfortable and safe. As a team of psychologists, psychotherapists and counsellors, we can offer a range of psychological approaches and evidence based therapy to support your healing. Click here to book: https://connect-bacp.wellola.com/organisation/728/bookingform
This could be understood as complex trauma, complex PTSD, PTSD, ongoing or prolonged stressful/ traumatic or abusive events or a one off event, along with DID, self harm, sucicidality, addiction and Borderline/ Emotionally Unstable Personality disorders.
Currently sessions are available online only. We are able to offer both short and long term therapy for a broad range of needs and goals. We can work together once weekly or more, for an hour or more, alternative weeks/ monthly and one off sessions. We tailor the therapy to your individual needs and goals, combining a structured professional approach that will feel comfortable and safe. As a team of psychologists, psychotherapists and counsellors, we can offer a range of psychological approaches and evidence based therapy to support your healing. Click here to book: https://connect-bacp.wellola.com/organisation/728/bookingform
07588 695348 View 07588 695348
Photo of Steve Broome, MBACP, Counsellor
Steve Broome
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Brighton BN1
These include diagnosable mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, panic, trauma responses, and substance misuse.
Starting counselling can feel like a daunting journey. I am here to provide you with the support you need to help you process your thoughts and feelings, and explore how you might move forward in your life. I am non-judgemental, accepting of you and your experiences, and here to listen to and work with whatever is on your mind. While counselling can be challenging at times, it can also come as a huge relief and be experienced as liberating and growthful.
These include diagnosable mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, panic, trauma responses, and substance misuse.
Starting counselling can feel like a daunting journey. I am here to provide you with the support you need to help you process your thoughts and feelings, and explore how you might move forward in your life. I am non-judgemental, accepting of you and your experiences, and here to listen to and work with whatever is on your mind. While counselling can be challenging at times, it can also come as a huge relief and be experienced as liberating and growthful.
01273 934723 View 01273 934723
Photo of Daniel Goldberg, DCounsPsych, PNCPS Acc., Psychotherapist
Daniel Goldberg
Psychotherapist, DCounsPsych, PNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
Brighton BN2
For the last 25 years, I have been involved in the rich and creative dialogue between depth psychological and meditative approaches to personal growth, emotional healing, and spiritual transformation. I’ve been a therapist for 23 years now . My special areas of interest are mid life crisis and beyond DEPRESSION, drug and alcohol dependence and Relationships . I worked as a bereavement counsellor for St Catherine’s hospice for four years and hence have valuable experience in this area . Narcissistic Pd. Anxiety disorders . Alcohol snd Drug addiction. Sex addiction Couple Counselling. Gas lighting snd abusive Relationship. Porn addic
For the last 25 years, I have been involved in the rich and creative dialogue between depth psychological and meditative approaches to personal growth, emotional healing, and spiritual transformation. I’ve been a therapist for 23 years now . My special areas of interest are mid life crisis and beyond DEPRESSION, drug and alcohol dependence and Relationships . I worked as a bereavement counsellor for St Catherine’s hospice for four years and hence have valuable experience in this area . Narcissistic Pd. Anxiety disorders . Alcohol snd Drug addiction. Sex addiction Couple Counselling. Gas lighting snd abusive Relationship. Porn addic
01342 659107 View 01342 659107
Photo of Harry Cooper, MUKCP, Psychotherapist
Harry Cooper
Psychotherapist, MUKCP
Verified Verified
Brighton BN1
Maybe you feel your life isn't going as it should be, things may feel out of control or they don't bring you the satisfaction they should. I offer individual and group psychotherapy; a place to explore and better undertsand these experiences and yourself better. I have worked effectively with patients struggling with issues related to; anxiety, depression, addiction, difficult thoughts, identity issues, issues with relationships and managing emotions. The struggles that people come with are often been ones that they have been struggling with for some time and the treatment I offer can take time to see results.
Maybe you feel your life isn't going as it should be, things may feel out of control or they don't bring you the satisfaction they should. I offer individual and group psychotherapy; a place to explore and better undertsand these experiences and yourself better. I have worked effectively with patients struggling with issues related to; anxiety, depression, addiction, difficult thoughts, identity issues, issues with relationships and managing emotions. The struggles that people come with are often been ones that they have been struggling with for some time and the treatment I offer can take time to see results.
01273 092027 View 01273 092027
Photo of Heather King, MHGI, Psychotherapist
Heather King
Psychotherapist, MHGI
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Brighton BN1
Do you feel like something needs to change? Although everyone has their own unique reasons for deciding to see a therapist, most people will be driven by a feeling that something in their life needs to change. Maybe you have been struggling with anxiety or depression, or an addiction or addictive behaviour has started to dominate your days? Perhaps you are struggling to let go of a bad experience from your past? Maybe low self-esteem is limiting your potential? Or it could be that you just don’t feel like ‘you’ anymore…. Whatever you are facing, I can help.
Do you feel like something needs to change? Although everyone has their own unique reasons for deciding to see a therapist, most people will be driven by a feeling that something in their life needs to change. Maybe you have been struggling with anxiety or depression, or an addiction or addictive behaviour has started to dominate your days? Perhaps you are struggling to let go of a bad experience from your past? Maybe low self-esteem is limiting your potential? Or it could be that you just don’t feel like ‘you’ anymore…. Whatever you are facing, I can help.
01273 092090 View 01273 092090
Photo of Louise Grace Montgomery, MBACP, Counsellor
Louise Grace Montgomery
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Brighton BN1
I have 10 years experience working with mental health issues, addiction, domestic abuse and trauma.
Hi I'm Louise, I'm a Humanistic counsellor, I am honest, approachable and authentic. Searching for the right therapist can be hard, finding someone you can trust and feel at ease with is the first step. To help you connect with me, I offer warmth and kindness, I really care for my clients. Many people see counselling as a place where they talk and the therapist listens, I will listen, but I will also support, resource you and help you find your way to wellbeing and calm. Together we can unpick any confusion, ease anxiety and bring light to the darker parts of your world. So let's work as a team to make things better.
I have 10 years experience working with mental health issues, addiction, domestic abuse and trauma.
Hi I'm Louise, I'm a Humanistic counsellor, I am honest, approachable and authentic. Searching for the right therapist can be hard, finding someone you can trust and feel at ease with is the first step. To help you connect with me, I offer warmth and kindness, I really care for my clients. Many people see counselling as a place where they talk and the therapist listens, I will listen, but I will also support, resource you and help you find your way to wellbeing and calm. Together we can unpick any confusion, ease anxiety and bring light to the darker parts of your world. So let's work as a team to make things better.
01273 092813 View 01273 092813
Photo of Jen Beaver, MNCPS Acc., Counsellor
Jen Beaver
Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
Brighton BN1
Jen is a qualified and experienced counsellor and psychotherapist with a range of expertise including therapy for grief, addiction, trauma and OCD. She specialises in anxiety, eco-anxiety and climate-emotions and vegan-related trauma. Jen has extensive experience working both online with clients and in person in her therapy room in Brighton. She is a full insured and a trained outdoor therapist, offering eco-therapy for individuals and outdoor therapy groups. She also facilitates monthly Climate Cafes, having completed various trainings with the Climate Psychology Alliance.
Jen is a qualified and experienced counsellor and psychotherapist with a range of expertise including therapy for grief, addiction, trauma and OCD. She specialises in anxiety, eco-anxiety and climate-emotions and vegan-related trauma. Jen has extensive experience working both online with clients and in person in her therapy room in Brighton. She is a full insured and a trained outdoor therapist, offering eco-therapy for individuals and outdoor therapy groups. She also facilitates monthly Climate Cafes, having completed various trainings with the Climate Psychology Alliance.
01273 934576 View 01273 934576
Photo of Babi Abis, MUKCP, Psychotherapist
Babi Abis
Psychotherapist, MUKCP
Verified Verified
Brighton BN1
If you are dealing with symptoms of Trauma, addiction, anxiety, Depression, problems in your relationships, or maybe you just feel a bit sad, directionless, unmotivated, Psychotherapy is for you. In therapy you are held in a safe and confidential space in which you are gently facilitated to explore your feelings, make sense of your current difficulties and find clarity around dynamics in relationships with other people. Talking with a qualified and experienced Psychotherapist could really support you in making the changes and shifts that you need to overcome fears, anxiety, stuckness and all the hurdles that sometimes hurt our soul
If you are dealing with symptoms of Trauma, addiction, anxiety, Depression, problems in your relationships, or maybe you just feel a bit sad, directionless, unmotivated, Psychotherapy is for you. In therapy you are held in a safe and confidential space in which you are gently facilitated to explore your feelings, make sense of your current difficulties and find clarity around dynamics in relationships with other people. Talking with a qualified and experienced Psychotherapist could really support you in making the changes and shifts that you need to overcome fears, anxiety, stuckness and all the hurdles that sometimes hurt our soul
020 8103 3443 View 020 8103 3443
Photo of Janet Bell, MBACP, Counsellor
Janet Bell
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Brighton BN2
Whether you are experiencing a sense of crisis, have a specific issue to work through, or a more general feeling of needing someone to talk to, I can help. I work with adults and young people with anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, relationship and family difficulties, trauma, addiction, identity, life changes and loss as well as more specialised experience with the music industry, performing arts, addiction and boarding school related issues. I support people from diverse backgrounds, cultures, ages, gender and neurodivergence (particularly ADHD and autistic spectrum), working inclusively with compassion and respect.
Whether you are experiencing a sense of crisis, have a specific issue to work through, or a more general feeling of needing someone to talk to, I can help. I work with adults and young people with anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, relationship and family difficulties, trauma, addiction, identity, life changes and loss as well as more specialised experience with the music industry, performing arts, addiction and boarding school related issues. I support people from diverse backgrounds, cultures, ages, gender and neurodivergence (particularly ADHD and autistic spectrum), working inclusively with compassion and respect.
01273 934582 View 01273 934582

See more therapy options for Brighton

Addiction Counsellors

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.