Therapists in District Of Columbia, DC

Photo of Peter Sugg, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in District Of Columbia, DC
Peter Sugg
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20036
I have a wealth of experience treating the issues of depression, anxiety, substance abuse, trauma, codependency, and others having worked in inpatient/outpatient psychiatric settings and crisis lines in my beloved Washington, D.
Life can be tricky. Maybe you’ve hit a big rut. Perhaps you’re doing just fine, except that you’re afraid of the other shoe dropping. This may be your first foray into individual therapy, or you may be a seasoned patient in need of a new therapeutic voice and perspective. Regardless, I am here to listen and help you discover solutions, whether immediate, long-term, or anywhere along the continuum.
I have a wealth of experience treating the issues of depression, anxiety, substance abuse, trauma, codependency, and others having worked in inpatient/outpatient psychiatric settings and crisis lines in my beloved Washington, D.
Life can be tricky. Maybe you’ve hit a big rut. Perhaps you’re doing just fine, except that you’re afraid of the other shoe dropping. This may be your first foray into individual therapy, or you may be a seasoned patient in need of a new therapeutic voice and perspective. Regardless, I am here to listen and help you discover solutions, whether immediate, long-term, or anywhere along the continuum.
(202) 883-5116 View (202) 883-5116
Photo of Graham Hall, Licensed Professional Counselor in District Of Columbia, DC
Graham Hall
Licensed Professional Counselor, LCPC, LPC
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20007
Prior to opening my private practice in Georgetown, I worked at the Kolmac Clinic on K Street in Washington, DC, an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) for the treatment of drug and alcohol addiction. I work with clients to improve self-esteem, identify what it is that they really want in their lives and help them to improve the overall quality of their lives and thrive more fully.
Prior to opening my private practice in Georgetown, I worked at the Kolmac Clinic on K Street in Washington, DC, an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) for the treatment of drug and alcohol addiction. I work with clients to improve self-esteem, identify what it is that they really want in their lives and help them to improve the overall quality of their lives and thrive more fully.
(202) 499-4548 View (202) 499-4548
Photo of Alec Spergel, Licensed Professional Counselor in District Of Columbia, DC
Alec Spergel
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20003
Began working with at risk children in the school system and then worked with individuals with substance abuse issues in the criminal justice system.
I work with children, young adults, and adults facing a wide range of mental health issues.
Began working with at risk children in the school system and then worked with individuals with substance abuse issues in the criminal justice system.
I work with children, young adults, and adults facing a wide range of mental health issues.
(202) 935-7287 View (202) 935-7287
Photo of Duncan Price, Licensed Professional Counselor in District Of Columbia, DC
Duncan Price
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20036
My clinical expertise includes the treatment of mood disorders, addiction, and trauma.
My goal is to create a safe and accepting environment that allows us to better explore the issues you are facing. I believe that one of the most important elements of counseling is the therapeutic relationship. I value a trusting, open, and interactive relationship that allows us to improve insight into your struggles and issues, and develop a plan for recovery and healing.
My clinical expertise includes the treatment of mood disorders, addiction, and trauma.
My goal is to create a safe and accepting environment that allows us to better explore the issues you are facing. I believe that one of the most important elements of counseling is the therapeutic relationship. I value a trusting, open, and interactive relationship that allows us to improve insight into your struggles and issues, and develop a plan for recovery and healing.
(202) 601-3836 View (202) 601-3836
Photo of Carl Mojta, LMFT, LLC, Marriage & Family Therapist in District Of Columbia, DC
Carl Mojta, LMFT, LLC
Marriage & Family Therapist, CAC-I, CST-S, IFS
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20006  (Online Only)
Some of my key areas of expertise and clinical/research interests are: sexuality/sexual health concerns, problematic sexual behavior, substance abuse addiction and recovery, relationship/couples issues, individuals and couples who identify as LGBTQIA+, masculinity and men's mental health, military/veterans mental health and multiculturalism.
Welcome! I am very glad you are here! I offer a person-centered, compassionate, and systemic approach to therapy. I consider working with each client to be a privilege and a collaborative therapeutic experience. If you’re looking for extra support and guidance through a challenging situation or you’re just ready to move in a new direction in your life, I look forward to working with you to achieve your goals and hopes. Internal Family Systems (IFS), an evidence-based model, guides my approach to helping individuals and couples heal by unburdening their protective and wounded parts in a loving and compassionate manner.
Some of my key areas of expertise and clinical/research interests are: sexuality/sexual health concerns, problematic sexual behavior, substance abuse addiction and recovery, relationship/couples issues, individuals and couples who identify as LGBTQIA+, masculinity and men's mental health, military/veterans mental health and multiculturalism.
Welcome! I am very glad you are here! I offer a person-centered, compassionate, and systemic approach to therapy. I consider working with each client to be a privilege and a collaborative therapeutic experience. If you’re looking for extra support and guidance through a challenging situation or you’re just ready to move in a new direction in your life, I look forward to working with you to achieve your goals and hopes. Internal Family Systems (IFS), an evidence-based model, guides my approach to helping individuals and couples heal by unburdening their protective and wounded parts in a loving and compassionate manner.
(202) 803-8623 View (202) 803-8623
Photo of Charles Harney, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in District Of Columbia, DC
Charles Harney
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, LCSW-C
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20036
Are you feeling stuck in life, unable to move forward and grow? Life can sometimes feel out of control, leading to feelings of anxiety, depression, anger, frustration, loneliness, isolation, and boredom. These emotions can lead to unhealthy coping mechanisms such as drug or alcohol abuse, excessive spending, or other destructive behaviors. My approach focuses on helping clients regain control and develop healthy coping skills. I work with young adults, adults and couples, specializing in LGBTQ issues, substance abuse and co-occurring disorders, trauma, and mood disorders.
Are you feeling stuck in life, unable to move forward and grow? Life can sometimes feel out of control, leading to feelings of anxiety, depression, anger, frustration, loneliness, isolation, and boredom. These emotions can lead to unhealthy coping mechanisms such as drug or alcohol abuse, excessive spending, or other destructive behaviors. My approach focuses on helping clients regain control and develop healthy coping skills. I work with young adults, adults and couples, specializing in LGBTQ issues, substance abuse and co-occurring disorders, trauma, and mood disorders.
(202) 831-3804 View (202) 831-3804
Photo of David A Ross, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in District Of Columbia, DC
David A Ross
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20002  (Online Only)
Hello! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in DC. My main areas of expertise are adults with substance use, LGBTQ+ issues, trauma, anxiety, and depression. I'm great at listening, problem solving, stress-reduction techniques, creative writing, and cooking. I tend to utilize a combination of approaches, including psychodynamic, CBT, and holistic practices. Therapy is different for everyone, and I will work with you to find what works best for you and your goals. I can help you achieve your goals if you know what they are, and I can help you find your goals if you don't. Also, I frequently have evening session availabilities.
Hello! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in DC. My main areas of expertise are adults with substance use, LGBTQ+ issues, trauma, anxiety, and depression. I'm great at listening, problem solving, stress-reduction techniques, creative writing, and cooking. I tend to utilize a combination of approaches, including psychodynamic, CBT, and holistic practices. Therapy is different for everyone, and I will work with you to find what works best for you and your goals. I can help you achieve your goals if you know what they are, and I can help you find your goals if you don't. Also, I frequently have evening session availabilities.
(855) 691-6012 View (855) 691-6012
Photo of Joseph Spilsbury, Licensed Professional Counselor in District Of Columbia, DC
Joseph Spilsbury
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20016
I specialize in mood disorders, trauma, substance use, and anxiety.
I love to work with individuals who are truly invested in actively processing their mental health--anything from adjustment and relational issues to post trauma symptoms, to ADHD, to depression and anxiety. I try to direct and guide my clients towards greater self-awareness, meaningful change, and transformation. Let’s work together to help you find harmony and balance in all aspects of your daily life.
I specialize in mood disorders, trauma, substance use, and anxiety.
I love to work with individuals who are truly invested in actively processing their mental health--anything from adjustment and relational issues to post trauma symptoms, to ADHD, to depression and anxiety. I try to direct and guide my clients towards greater self-awareness, meaningful change, and transformation. Let’s work together to help you find harmony and balance in all aspects of your daily life.
(202) 946-4875 View (202) 946-4875
Photo of Zachary James Pyne, Licensed Professional Counselor in District Of Columbia, DC
Zachary James Pyne
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20036
I work with clients from a wide variety of cultural backgrounds, who have all come to a shared realization: that their way of living is no longer working for them. Whether they are struggling with addiction or depression or find themselves experiencing relationship difficulties, they all aspire to something new; something more. Together we identify the nature of their particular dissatisfaction, discover how they got there, and develop a more desirable and sustainable reality. I believe that my role is to be a nonjudgmental companion to my clients on their unique journey of self-discovery and profound change.
I work with clients from a wide variety of cultural backgrounds, who have all come to a shared realization: that their way of living is no longer working for them. Whether they are struggling with addiction or depression or find themselves experiencing relationship difficulties, they all aspire to something new; something more. Together we identify the nature of their particular dissatisfaction, discover how they got there, and develop a more desirable and sustainable reality. I believe that my role is to be a nonjudgmental companion to my clients on their unique journey of self-discovery and profound change.
(202) 759-8387 View (202) 759-8387
Photo of Daniel J Paulus, Psychologist in District Of Columbia, DC
Daniel J Paulus
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20016  (Online Only)
I am a health psychologist with expertise in the treatment of chronic fear/anxiety and health conditions (pain, substance use, etc.) I have extensive research experience (95 scientific articles and book chapters; National Institutes of Health funding) which I draw upon to provide innovative and up-to-date psychological care. My practice is rooted in scientific evidence of what works, and I stay informed on the latest treatment advancements. My goal is not for you to be in therapy forever. I want to help you learn tools so that you become your own therapist. You cannot redo your past; you can make changes now for a better future.
I am a health psychologist with expertise in the treatment of chronic fear/anxiety and health conditions (pain, substance use, etc.) I have extensive research experience (95 scientific articles and book chapters; National Institutes of Health funding) which I draw upon to provide innovative and up-to-date psychological care. My practice is rooted in scientific evidence of what works, and I stay informed on the latest treatment advancements. My goal is not for you to be in therapy forever. I want to help you learn tools so that you become your own therapist. You cannot redo your past; you can make changes now for a better future.
(484) 209-1315 View (484) 209-1315
Photo of Sid Binks, Psychologist in District Of Columbia, DC
Sid Binks
Psychologist, PhD, ABPP-CN
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20008
I have been working with clients for almost two decades around issues of identity development, sexual orientation, anxiety, depression and addiction.
Ideal clients are those who are looking for help and feel ready to challenge themselves and are ready for change. Issues of happiness, fulfullment, identity development, sexual orientation, gender, addiction, anxiety, depression and psychosis are some of the typical things clients bring into treatment.
I have been working with clients for almost two decades around issues of identity development, sexual orientation, anxiety, depression and addiction.
Ideal clients are those who are looking for help and feel ready to challenge themselves and are ready for change. Issues of happiness, fulfullment, identity development, sexual orientation, gender, addiction, anxiety, depression and psychosis are some of the typical things clients bring into treatment.
(844) 931-3479 View (844) 931-3479
Photo of Tim Martin, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in District Of Columbia, DC
Tim Martin
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, CSAT, CMAT, CPTT, LICSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20015  (Online Only)
Infidelity? Porn addiction? Sex addiction? Trauma? All of these issues can be tough to deal with, but I can help. I have specialized training so that you're not wasting your time and money. Not just talk, talk, talk that gets you nowhere. I used evidence-based treatments so that you're feeling better soon. As a Certified Sex Addiction Therapist (CSAT), a Certified Partner Trauma Therapist (CPTT), and a Certified Multiple Addiction Therapist (CMAT), I'm trained in many addictions, including substances. Most therapists aren't trained in all these issues. I offer EMDR, as well. There is hope. Together, we'll figure things out.
Infidelity? Porn addiction? Sex addiction? Trauma? All of these issues can be tough to deal with, but I can help. I have specialized training so that you're not wasting your time and money. Not just talk, talk, talk that gets you nowhere. I used evidence-based treatments so that you're feeling better soon. As a Certified Sex Addiction Therapist (CSAT), a Certified Partner Trauma Therapist (CPTT), and a Certified Multiple Addiction Therapist (CMAT), I'm trained in many addictions, including substances. Most therapists aren't trained in all these issues. I offer EMDR, as well. There is hope. Together, we'll figure things out.
(202) 951-8669 View (202) 951-8669
Photo of Agustin Aguirre Herrera, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in District Of Columbia, DC
Agustin Aguirre Herrera
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, LCSW, LMSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20009  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
If you are interested in connecting for issues related to anxiety, trauma, addiction, or striving to feel emotional balance, I welcome you.
I am an affirming, trauma-trained therapist who believes in the strength of a collaborative, compassionate, and spiritually grounded healing relationship. As a result of our co-created safe space and relationship, you will experience increased resiliency, positive self-identification, emotional balance, self-compassion, and enhanced spiritual connection with your inner self-energy.
If you are interested in connecting for issues related to anxiety, trauma, addiction, or striving to feel emotional balance, I welcome you.
I am an affirming, trauma-trained therapist who believes in the strength of a collaborative, compassionate, and spiritually grounded healing relationship. As a result of our co-created safe space and relationship, you will experience increased resiliency, positive self-identification, emotional balance, self-compassion, and enhanced spiritual connection with your inner self-energy.
(866) 764-6174 View (866) 764-6174
Photo of Jerry St Louis, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in District Of Columbia, DC
Jerry St Louis
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20019  (Online Only)
Helping you find the best you. I tend to focus on LGBTQIA+ Issues, which include but are not limited to social anxiety, fear about coming out or being rejected, and concerns about being alone. I also provide therapeutic services to individuals dealing with addiction (i.e. Crystal Meth, Sex-Drug Fusion). It is important that people of all gender identities, sexual orientations, races, and body size feel respected and heard with me. People of all backgrounds should be able to get the help they need without fear of microaggressions or further oppression by the therapist. I am also an officiant and offer pre-martial counseling.
Helping you find the best you. I tend to focus on LGBTQIA+ Issues, which include but are not limited to social anxiety, fear about coming out or being rejected, and concerns about being alone. I also provide therapeutic services to individuals dealing with addiction (i.e. Crystal Meth, Sex-Drug Fusion). It is important that people of all gender identities, sexual orientations, races, and body size feel respected and heard with me. People of all backgrounds should be able to get the help they need without fear of microaggressions or further oppression by the therapist. I am also an officiant and offer pre-martial counseling.
(202) 915-3834 View (202) 915-3834
Photo of Adam Bloom, Counselor in District Of Columbia, DC
Adam Bloom
Counselor, MS, LPC, LCPC, NCC, MAC
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20036  (Online Only)
I have advanced training in treating anxiety disorders, depression, mood disorders, substance use concerns, relational struggles, attachment injury and trauma.
Making the decision to embark on a therapeutic journey takes courage and vulnerability. Congratulations on taking this step towards improving your personal wellness. Productive therapy starts by creating a safe space and working on building a relationship that fosters trust. We will discuss your current reasons for engaging in therapy, explore parts of your history that may inform our work together, and develop a tailored plan to support symptom relief and address the root causes to optimize your healing and growth.
I have advanced training in treating anxiety disorders, depression, mood disorders, substance use concerns, relational struggles, attachment injury and trauma.
Making the decision to embark on a therapeutic journey takes courage and vulnerability. Congratulations on taking this step towards improving your personal wellness. Productive therapy starts by creating a safe space and working on building a relationship that fosters trust. We will discuss your current reasons for engaging in therapy, explore parts of your history that may inform our work together, and develop a tailored plan to support symptom relief and address the root causes to optimize your healing and growth.
(202) 759-2255 View (202) 759-2255
Photo of Michael A Vigorito, Marriage & Family Therapist in District Of Columbia, DC
Michael A Vigorito
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT, CGP, CST-S
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20036
As a sexual health psychotherapist, I treat what is commonly labeled as "sexual addiction" or "compulsive sexual behavior" as a problem of competing motivations - men wanting to both stop and continue their sexual behavior despite harmful consequences.
How do you know if your sexual behavior is out of control? It's a subjective question that many men unfortunately wait until relationship, occupational or medical consequences accumulate before considering. I believe the most important person to evaluate concerns with regulating sexual behavior is the man experiencing the dilemma. I start with two basic questions: "What is your conflict with your sexual behavior?" and "What is your vision for your sexual health?" Since 2001, I have provided a safe, informed and confidential space for sexual health conversations with heterosexual, gay and bisexual men.
As a sexual health psychotherapist, I treat what is commonly labeled as "sexual addiction" or "compulsive sexual behavior" as a problem of competing motivations - men wanting to both stop and continue their sexual behavior despite harmful consequences.
How do you know if your sexual behavior is out of control? It's a subjective question that many men unfortunately wait until relationship, occupational or medical consequences accumulate before considering. I believe the most important person to evaluate concerns with regulating sexual behavior is the man experiencing the dilemma. I start with two basic questions: "What is your conflict with your sexual behavior?" and "What is your vision for your sexual health?" Since 2001, I have provided a safe, informed and confidential space for sexual health conversations with heterosexual, gay and bisexual men.
(202) 949-7872 View (202) 949-7872
Photo of Cj Seitz-Brown, Psychologist in District Of Columbia, DC
Cj Seitz-Brown
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20010  (Online Only)
During my 10+ years as a therapist, I have helped clients find their dream jobs, address substance use problems, improve their relationships, and achieve goals for their sleep, wellness, and mood.
As you’re looking for a therapist, it’s important to find someone you feel comfortable opening up to, and maybe even sharing aspects of your life that are hard to discuss. My clients often go there with me quickly; they can tell that I will be warm, supportive, nonjudgmental, and honor their trust. My approach to therapy is multicultural, LGBTQ+ affirming, sex/kink positive, and I have a background working with first gen people. Clients who want to better understand and express their emotions have found therapy with me helpful for learning communication and skills they weren’t taught growing up.
During my 10+ years as a therapist, I have helped clients find their dream jobs, address substance use problems, improve their relationships, and achieve goals for their sleep, wellness, and mood.
As you’re looking for a therapist, it’s important to find someone you feel comfortable opening up to, and maybe even sharing aspects of your life that are hard to discuss. My clients often go there with me quickly; they can tell that I will be warm, supportive, nonjudgmental, and honor their trust. My approach to therapy is multicultural, LGBTQ+ affirming, sex/kink positive, and I have a background working with first gen people. Clients who want to better understand and express their emotions have found therapy with me helpful for learning communication and skills they weren’t taught growing up.
(301) 215-3173 View (301) 215-3173
Photo of Video Life Counseling, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in District Of Columbia, DC
Video Life Counseling
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C, PhD
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20015
I have over 25 years of experience as a clinician working with hundreds of adult clients to help them achieve their goals. My main focus areas are self-actualization, addiction, sexuality, relationships, life situations, anxiety, depression, and spirituality. I am honest and fully present and committed to my work with clients. I use a compassion-centered perspective to help clients frame their problems into a series of value-based choices. I support, help organize, give perspective, document, and listen without judgment in order for you to make the best life decisions for your own best future.
I have over 25 years of experience as a clinician working with hundreds of adult clients to help them achieve their goals. My main focus areas are self-actualization, addiction, sexuality, relationships, life situations, anxiety, depression, and spirituality. I am honest and fully present and committed to my work with clients. I use a compassion-centered perspective to help clients frame their problems into a series of value-based choices. I support, help organize, give perspective, document, and listen without judgment in order for you to make the best life decisions for your own best future.
(240) 913-6833 View (240) 913-6833
Photo of Nun Sava-Siva Amen-Ra, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in District Of Columbia, DC
Nun Sava-Siva Amen-Ra
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, DrPH, MA, MSEd, MSW, LMSW
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20001
All psychological issues are ultimately existential in origin, entailing a confrontation with death, loss, meaning, purpose and value. All that we do (knowingly or unknowingly) is dedicated to deciphering these daunting and irrepressible demands of existence. Few are successful in resolving or even clearly conceptualizing these existential issues and their minds inevitably descend into despair, depression and anxiety. Some seek to assuage their suffering with psychoactive substances (illicit and licit) and this leads only to addiction and abdication of autonomy over one's authentic self. My System offers a solution.
All psychological issues are ultimately existential in origin, entailing a confrontation with death, loss, meaning, purpose and value. All that we do (knowingly or unknowingly) is dedicated to deciphering these daunting and irrepressible demands of existence. Few are successful in resolving or even clearly conceptualizing these existential issues and their minds inevitably descend into despair, depression and anxiety. Some seek to assuage their suffering with psychoactive substances (illicit and licit) and this leads only to addiction and abdication of autonomy over one's authentic self. My System offers a solution.
(223) 217-2766 View (223) 217-2766
Photo of RCCS, LLC, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in District Of Columbia, DC
RCCS, LLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW , MSSW, MFT
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Washington, DC 20001  (Online Only)
Currently seeing clients via Telehealth only. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, and substance abuse related issues. I also helped many people who have experienced physical trauma or emotional abuse. My goal in life is to assist any person/s in need of recovery or growth. I focus on inner strength and self exploration by providing counseling services to individuals, couples and families.
Currently seeing clients via Telehealth only. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, and substance abuse related issues. I also helped many people who have experienced physical trauma or emotional abuse. My goal in life is to assist any person/s in need of recovery or growth. I focus on inner strength and self exploration by providing counseling services to individuals, couples and families.
(540) 600-4620 View (540) 600-4620

See more therapy options for District Of Columbia

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.