Addiction Counselling in Newhaven

Photo of Alex Macfarlane - MacfarlaneTherapy, MBACP, Counsellor
MacfarlaneTherapy
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Newhaven BN9  (Online Only)
I specialise in working with with you in individual therapy between us that can cover your relationships, sexuality & gender, addictions and Trauma.
HI, I am a Person-Centred/Humanistic Counsellor, my service MacfarlaneTherapy is based in Brighton & Hove. This is where I offer individual/one on one therapy for 18yrs+. I specialise in working with a few main areas, these are: LGBTQI+, Sexuality & Gender, Trauma, addictions and your relationships.
I specialise in working with with you in individual therapy between us that can cover your relationships, sexuality & gender, addictions and Trauma.
HI, I am a Person-Centred/Humanistic Counsellor, my service MacfarlaneTherapy is based in Brighton & Hove. This is where I offer individual/one on one therapy for 18yrs+. I specialise in working with a few main areas, these are: LGBTQI+, Sexuality & Gender, Trauma, addictions and your relationships.
01273 032510 View 01273 032510
Photo of Kev Elliott, MBACP, Psychotherapist
Kev Elliott
Psychotherapist, MBACP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Newhaven BN9
Thank you very much for visiting my page. I am a Person Centred counsellor based in Seaford and I rent a room in the town centre. I aim to offer a safe place which is free of judgement and a positive atmosphere where we can explore whatever you may wish to bring to each session. In return I’ll also offer honesty and transparency to help build our relationship. I endeavour to work with you as an individual and not just on an individual problem. A personal favourite analogy of mine is “I will attempt to put your shoes on and walk with you but I won’t do up the laces”.
Thank you very much for visiting my page. I am a Person Centred counsellor based in Seaford and I rent a room in the town centre. I aim to offer a safe place which is free of judgement and a positive atmosphere where we can explore whatever you may wish to bring to each session. In return I’ll also offer honesty and transparency to help build our relationship. I endeavour to work with you as an individual and not just on an individual problem. A personal favourite analogy of mine is “I will attempt to put your shoes on and walk with you but I won’t do up the laces”.
07738 538448 View 07738 538448
Photo of Natalie Boxall, MNCPS Acc., Counsellor
Natalie Boxall
Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Newhaven BN9
Through challenges in life, many of us are faced with times of stress and anxiety where we have to dig deep to find a way out . Counselling can offer the support you need to face and work through pain and confusion we all carry at difficult times.
Through challenges in life, many of us are faced with times of stress and anxiety where we have to dig deep to find a way out . Counselling can offer the support you need to face and work through pain and confusion we all carry at difficult times.
01323 690072 View 01323 690072
Photo of Eileen Kemp, MBACP Accred, Counsellor
Eileen Kemp
Counsellor, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
Newhaven BN9
Having experienced at first hand the hugely positive impact counselling has had on my own life, I chose to train as a psychodynamic therapist to help others experience the same profound benefits. I now use an integrative approach, which has enriched my work with clients. Working with you, we will together examine and uncover often unconscious or repressed memories which in turn can drive unhelpful patterns of behaviour. We will explore the sources of your problems and aim to deal with the underlying issues, not just try to find a way to cope with them. Only by making peace with the past can you look forward to a happy future.
Having experienced at first hand the hugely positive impact counselling has had on my own life, I chose to train as a psychodynamic therapist to help others experience the same profound benefits. I now use an integrative approach, which has enriched my work with clients. Working with you, we will together examine and uncover often unconscious or repressed memories which in turn can drive unhelpful patterns of behaviour. We will explore the sources of your problems and aim to deal with the underlying issues, not just try to find a way to cope with them. Only by making peace with the past can you look forward to a happy future.
07447 957648 View 07447 957648
Photo of Katherine Hegarty - Kath Hegarty, MUKCP, Psychotherapist
Kath Hegarty
Psychotherapist, MUKCP
Verified Verified
Newhaven BN9
There are different times in our lives when we may encounter challenges in our emotional world. Transition and change can sometimes trigger these challenging feelings. For example, moving home or employment, changing relationships or friendships; life changes such as going to university or reaching age milestones. Any of these can significantly affect the way we feel about ourselves. We react in different ways to what we encounter in our environment. We might become depressed or overwhelmed by intense emotions or we might feel anxious and unable to engage in social activities. It can all become too much to manage alone.
There are different times in our lives when we may encounter challenges in our emotional world. Transition and change can sometimes trigger these challenging feelings. For example, moving home or employment, changing relationships or friendships; life changes such as going to university or reaching age milestones. Any of these can significantly affect the way we feel about ourselves. We react in different ways to what we encounter in our environment. We might become depressed or overwhelmed by intense emotions or we might feel anxious and unable to engage in social activities. It can all become too much to manage alone.
07714 275159 View 07714 275159
Photo of Simon Buckland, MSc, MBACP Accred, Counsellor
Simon Buckland
Counsellor, MSc, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
Newhaven BN9
Do you ever think that your life could be so much happier or more satisfying than it is? Counselling could be the first step towards making it so. Many of us grow up with negative influences around us: indifference, criticism, insecurity, rejection, sometimes even hostility and aggression. As we grow up we find ourselves absorbing these energies, and in adult life they show up as low self-esteem, as anxiety, as outbursts of rage or as depression. They interfere with our work, with our relationships and with our ability to enjoy and make the most of our lives.
Do you ever think that your life could be so much happier or more satisfying than it is? Counselling could be the first step towards making it so. Many of us grow up with negative influences around us: indifference, criticism, insecurity, rejection, sometimes even hostility and aggression. As we grow up we find ourselves absorbing these energies, and in adult life they show up as low self-esteem, as anxiety, as outbursts of rage or as depression. They interfere with our work, with our relationships and with our ability to enjoy and make the most of our lives.
020 3893 2809 View 020 3893 2809

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Bradley John Riddell, MBACP, Counsellor
Bradley John Riddell
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Hove BN3
we sometimes forget to remember just how powerful we are” John Flaherty Addiction Therapist.
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………………………
we sometimes forget to remember just how powerful we are” John Flaherty Addiction Therapist.
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 Sophie Sorensen, MA, MBACP, Psychotherapist
Sophie Sorensen
Psychotherapist, MA, MBACP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Hove BN3
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 Ian Caley - Ian Caley Therapy, MSc, BACP, Counsellor
Ian Caley Therapy
Counsellor, MSc, BACP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Hove BN3
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 Laurence Baretto de Souza, MBACP, Psychotherapist
Laurence Baretto de Souza
Psychotherapist, MBACP
Verified Verified
Seaford BN25
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 Charlotte Parish - Start Something Counselling and Psychotherapy, MSc
Start Something Counselling and Psychotherapy
MSc
Verified Verified
Hove BN3
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 Agnieszka Walaszek - Aga Counselling, MA, MBACP, Counsellor
Aga Counselling
Counsellor, MA, MBACP
Verified Verified
Brighton BN1
I am an integrative counsellor ready to provide you support. My experience is extensive, working with individuals from various backgrounds and cultures. I am equipped to handle a wide range of issues, including anxiety, depression, ADHD, low self-esteem, addiction, co-dependency, LGBTQ+ related issues, and helping individuals adjust to life changes. I understand that everyone's journey is unique, and I approach therapy with an integrative approach, tailoring my techniques to meet the specific needs of each client. Additionally, I offer walking therapy, allowing clients to engage in therapy while enjoying the outdoors.
I am an integrative counsellor ready to provide you support. My experience is extensive, working with individuals from various backgrounds and cultures. I am equipped to handle a wide range of issues, including anxiety, depression, ADHD, low self-esteem, addiction, co-dependency, LGBTQ+ related issues, and helping individuals adjust to life changes. I understand that everyone's journey is unique, and I approach therapy with an integrative approach, tailoring my techniques to meet the specific needs of each client. Additionally, I offer walking therapy, allowing clients to engage in therapy while enjoying the outdoors.
024 7542 7355 View 024 7542 7355
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 Leon Standing, MA, Counsellor
Leon Standing
Counsellor, MA
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Hove BN3
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 Sharon Cunliffe, MSc, MBACP, Psychotherapist
Sharon Cunliffe
Psychotherapist, MSc, MBACP
Verified Verified
Hove BN3
I have specialist training and experience in the addiction field working with both substance misuse and behavioural addictions.
People seek counselling for a variety of different personal reasons and difficulties. Whatever is going on for you right now, I provide a confidential and calm environment, to help you to develop a deeper understanding of yourself and your issues. I believe each client knows themselves best, therefore we will work together in a collaborative manner. I will help you to identify therapeutic goals and strategies of how you can achieve them, enabling you to feel more empowered to cope with the challenges that life throws at you, rather than feeling overwhelmed or held back by them.
I have specialist training and experience in the addiction field working with both substance misuse and behavioural addictions.
People seek counselling for a variety of different personal reasons and difficulties. Whatever is going on for you right now, I provide a confidential and calm environment, to help you to develop a deeper understanding of yourself and your issues. I believe each client knows themselves best, therefore we will work together in a collaborative manner. I will help you to identify therapeutic goals and strategies of how you can achieve them, enabling you to feel more empowered to cope with the challenges that life throws at you, rather than feeling overwhelmed or held back by them.
01444 224426 View 01444 224426
Photo of Alex Munn, MBACP, Counsellor
Alex Munn
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Hove BN3
I completed a clinical placement at Change Grow Live, where I received specialised training in the field of addiction, and have volunteered at a sixth form college supporting young people with their mental health.
Hello, I’m Alex. I’m an experienced counsellor offering online and in-person sessions. I believe that talking about personal experiences in a supportive environment can lead to positive, long lasting change. There are many reasons why you might be seeking therapy, perhaps there are specific challenges you’d like to work through, aspects of yourself you’d like to understand better, goals you’d like to work towards or find a greater sense of meaning and purpose in your life. Whatever your reasons may be, my role is to support you through that process.
I completed a clinical placement at Change Grow Live, where I received specialised training in the field of addiction, and have volunteered at a sixth form college supporting young people with their mental health.
Hello, I’m Alex. I’m an experienced counsellor offering online and in-person sessions. I believe that talking about personal experiences in a supportive environment can lead to positive, long lasting change. There are many reasons why you might be seeking therapy, perhaps there are specific challenges you’d like to work through, aspects of yourself you’d like to understand better, goals you’d like to work towards or find a greater sense of meaning and purpose in your life. Whatever your reasons may be, my role is to support you through that process.
01903 948382 View 01903 948382
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 Sophie Perring, MBACP, Counsellor
Sophie Perring
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Seaford BN25  (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 Sam Driscoll, MBACP, Psychotherapist
Sam Driscoll
Psychotherapist, MBACP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Seaford BN25
Life is difficult and often complex, sometimes engaging in a professional therapeutic relationship can help us make sense of things that are causing us distress. I am a person-centred therapist and I care deeply about the work I do. My therapeutic modality has trained me to work holistically with people as a whole rather than work in a problem specific way. I endeavour to co-create relationships which have a healing effect on my clients. Although I have extensive experience with depression, anxiety and addiction, I work with people, not just their problems.
Life is difficult and often complex, sometimes engaging in a professional therapeutic relationship can help us make sense of things that are causing us distress. I am a person-centred therapist and I care deeply about the work I do. My therapeutic modality has trained me to work holistically with people as a whole rather than work in a problem specific way. I endeavour to co-create relationships which have a healing effect on my clients. Although I have extensive experience with depression, anxiety and addiction, I work with people, not just their problems.
01323 396922 View 01323 396922
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

See more therapy options for Newhaven

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.