Photo of Christina Jeffrey, Counselor in New York County, NY
Christina Jeffrey
Counselor, MA, EdS, LMHC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
New York, NY 10016
Christina has a long history of working with clients with issues related to substance use concerns, anxiety disorders, and trauma.
Christina utitlizes a combination of Cognitive Theory, Attachment Theory, and Feminist theory to address the whole person, and better understand the systems they inhabit. Employing humor, frankness, and compassion she provides a safe, nonjudgmental place for clients to come and do the work to meet their desired outcomes.
Christina has a long history of working with clients with issues related to substance use concerns, anxiety disorders, and trauma.
Christina utitlizes a combination of Cognitive Theory, Attachment Theory, and Feminist theory to address the whole person, and better understand the systems they inhabit. Employing humor, frankness, and compassion she provides a safe, nonjudgmental place for clients to come and do the work to meet their desired outcomes.
(913) 871-9542 View (913) 871-9542
Photo of Danielle Russo, Counselor in New York County, NY
Danielle Russo
Counselor, LMHC
Verified Verified
New York, NY 10016
Danielle has worked with clients in residential settings diagnosed with anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, substance use, PTSD, and ADHD.
Danielle utilizes Dialectical Behavior Therapy and principles from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy when working with clients. Danielle believes a strong therapeutic alliance is built from having a nonjudgmental and collaborative space for her clients. She aims to support by providing validation and encouraging mindfulness practices. Danielle’s approach includes genuine empathy with a combination of lighthearted humor for clients to feel comfortable throughout the process.
Danielle has worked with clients in residential settings diagnosed with anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, substance use, PTSD, and ADHD.
Danielle utilizes Dialectical Behavior Therapy and principles from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy when working with clients. Danielle believes a strong therapeutic alliance is built from having a nonjudgmental and collaborative space for her clients. She aims to support by providing validation and encouraging mindfulness practices. Danielle’s approach includes genuine empathy with a combination of lighthearted humor for clients to feel comfortable throughout the process.
(929) 394-5743 View (929) 394-5743
Photo of Alexis Carmody, Counselor in New York County, NY
Alexis Carmody
Counselor, LMHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
New York, NY 10016
Lexi has years of hands-on experience working with an array of populations including but not limited to: Adults, adolescents, and children of all ages who are struggling with diagnoses such as depression, anxiety, mood disorders, substance use disorders, psychosis, and developmental disabilities.
Lexi understands and values the importance of an individualized, collaborative, and client centered counseling approach. She practices with empathy, compassion, honesty, and open communication. Lexi utilizes several counseling techniques including but not limited to cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, motivational interviewing, and a strengths-based approach to treatment. Opening up to others and deeply reflecting on ourselves can seem daunting, but Lexi's hope is to encourage others to practice self-compassion and self-care, and she gives them an open and safe space to do so.
Lexi has years of hands-on experience working with an array of populations including but not limited to: Adults, adolescents, and children of all ages who are struggling with diagnoses such as depression, anxiety, mood disorders, substance use disorders, psychosis, and developmental disabilities.
Lexi understands and values the importance of an individualized, collaborative, and client centered counseling approach. She practices with empathy, compassion, honesty, and open communication. Lexi utilizes several counseling techniques including but not limited to cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, motivational interviewing, and a strengths-based approach to treatment. Opening up to others and deeply reflecting on ourselves can seem daunting, but Lexi's hope is to encourage others to practice self-compassion and self-care, and she gives them an open and safe space to do so.
(646) 768-8164 View (646) 768-8164
Photo of Gomattie Bell, Counselor in New York County, NY
Gomattie Bell
Counselor, LMHC
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
New York, NY 10016
Gomattie has experience working with clients dealing with depression, anxiety, PTSD, trauma, substance use, adjustment disorders, criminal history, and family conflict.
Gomattie strongly believes that there is no “one size fits all” when it comes to therapy and believes in using a variety of techniques and modalities based on the needs of her clients. She works collaboratively with clients throughout the course of treatment in order to address their needs in a way that is personal and fitting to the challenges they are facing. Cognitive behavioral therapy, person centered therapy, trauma and grief counseling, motivational interviewing and solution focused therapy are all approaches Gomattie utilizes when working with clients.
Gomattie has experience working with clients dealing with depression, anxiety, PTSD, trauma, substance use, adjustment disorders, criminal history, and family conflict.
Gomattie strongly believes that there is no “one size fits all” when it comes to therapy and believes in using a variety of techniques and modalities based on the needs of her clients. She works collaboratively with clients throughout the course of treatment in order to address their needs in a way that is personal and fitting to the challenges they are facing. Cognitive behavioral therapy, person centered therapy, trauma and grief counseling, motivational interviewing and solution focused therapy are all approaches Gomattie utilizes when working with clients.
(646) 971-8177 View (646) 971-8177
Photo of Zero X (Aka Charlie) in New York County, NY
Zero X (Aka Charlie)
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
New York, NY 10007  (Online Only)
My experience is with individuals and groups who are working through challenges to include: trauma, adversity & resilience, attachment & relationships, gender & identity, systemic oppression, substance use, phobias, anxiety, depression, existential dilemmas & spiritual formation, racial & ethnic identity exploration, exploring ethical non-monogamy.
I'm a trans, queer, Mexican-American therapist who works from an attuned, responsive, and relationship oriented approach. As all of us have a tendency to get lost in a narrative or storyline, I invite clients to slow down with me and get intimate with their direct experience—the raging emotions in the body, the coming and going of thoughts, the feeling of shaky vulnerability, the rage, the loneliness—honoring it all and creating a safe holding space for these lost emotions, perhaps for the first time ever. In addition to psychotherapy, I offer end-of-life support, and coaching.
My experience is with individuals and groups who are working through challenges to include: trauma, adversity & resilience, attachment & relationships, gender & identity, systemic oppression, substance use, phobias, anxiety, depression, existential dilemmas & spiritual formation, racial & ethnic identity exploration, exploring ethical non-monogamy.
I'm a trans, queer, Mexican-American therapist who works from an attuned, responsive, and relationship oriented approach. As all of us have a tendency to get lost in a narrative or storyline, I invite clients to slow down with me and get intimate with their direct experience—the raging emotions in the body, the coming and going of thoughts, the feeling of shaky vulnerability, the rage, the loneliness—honoring it all and creating a safe holding space for these lost emotions, perhaps for the first time ever. In addition to psychotherapy, I offer end-of-life support, and coaching.
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Photo of Kalisa Moore, Counselor in New York County, NY
Kalisa Moore
Counselor, LMHC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
New York, NY 10016
KaLisa has worked with individuals from many walks of life. Her expertise includes assisting individuals struggling with substance use, bi-polar disorder, ADHD/ADD, anxiety, spectrum disorder, and depression. She has assisted those in crisis and those living with trauma as well as helped LGBTQIA folx explore their gender identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation. KaLisa has assisted individuals in overcoming the stigma of living with HIV and she has worked to empower individuals confronted with racism, sexism, and homophobia.
KaLisa has worked with individuals from many walks of life. Her expertise includes assisting individuals struggling with substance use, bi-polar disorder, ADHD/ADD, anxiety, spectrum disorder, and depression. She has assisted those in crisis and those living with trauma as well as helped LGBTQIA folx explore their gender identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation. KaLisa has assisted individuals in overcoming the stigma of living with HIV and she has worked to empower individuals confronted with racism, sexism, and homophobia.
(646) 971-1871 View (646) 971-1871
Photo of Daniel Lee, Counselor in New York County, NY
Daniel Lee
Counselor, LMHC
Verified Verified
New York, NY 10016
Daniel’s clinical experience includes work with adults of all ages ranging from young adults to senior citizens living with anxiety, depression, trauma, PTSD, substance use recovery (inclusive of co-occurring mental health & substance use conditions), interpersonal relationship issues, personal identity issues, and adjustment to chronic medical conditions.
Daniel provides therapeutic support from an individualized, person-centered approach in an attempt to meet each new patient where they are in their specific life-situation. He draws from an eclectic multicultural theoretical framework, incorporating psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral, and dialectical-behavioral approaches to treatment when appropriate. He firmly believes in each individual’s unique differences and relies on a strengths-based perspective when working to motivate behavioral change.
Daniel’s clinical experience includes work with adults of all ages ranging from young adults to senior citizens living with anxiety, depression, trauma, PTSD, substance use recovery (inclusive of co-occurring mental health & substance use conditions), interpersonal relationship issues, personal identity issues, and adjustment to chronic medical conditions.
Daniel provides therapeutic support from an individualized, person-centered approach in an attempt to meet each new patient where they are in their specific life-situation. He draws from an eclectic multicultural theoretical framework, incorporating psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral, and dialectical-behavioral approaches to treatment when appropriate. He firmly believes in each individual’s unique differences and relies on a strengths-based perspective when working to motivate behavioral change.
(646) 904-5797 View (646) 904-5797
Photo of Ita O'Sullivan in New York County, NY
Ita O'Sullivan
MS, NP
Verified Verified
New York, NY 10023
Waitlist for new clients
Our lives unfold their beauty, Like the petals of a flower, In challenges from circumstances, We find our finest hour. (C. Alexander Simkins). Generally it is in such circumstances that we find our way to a psychotherapist or a need for medication, not when life is smooth and comfortable. Many years of professional practice blended with my own life experiences have given me empathy and understanding that assist me in my relationships with my clients and in identifying with them what is needed to enhance healing and recovery. I am a nurse practitioner in psychiatry and mental health with a focus on depression, anxiety, life transitions, end of life issues, substance use and medication management. I see both individuals and couples. There are many research studies showing the use of hypnotherapy and mindfulness in easing the symptoms of stress and anxiety and I incorporate both into my practice. www.rickhanson.net. A wonderful resource to increase your knowledge and insights on how to use mindfulness to reduce stress.
Our lives unfold their beauty, Like the petals of a flower, In challenges from circumstances, We find our finest hour. (C. Alexander Simkins). Generally it is in such circumstances that we find our way to a psychotherapist or a need for medication, not when life is smooth and comfortable. Many years of professional practice blended with my own life experiences have given me empathy and understanding that assist me in my relationships with my clients and in identifying with them what is needed to enhance healing and recovery. I am a nurse practitioner in psychiatry and mental health with a focus on depression, anxiety, life transitions, end of life issues, substance use and medication management. I see both individuals and couples. There are many research studies showing the use of hypnotherapy and mindfulness in easing the symptoms of stress and anxiety and I incorporate both into my practice. www.rickhanson.net. A wonderful resource to increase your knowledge and insights on how to use mindfulness to reduce stress.
(646) 600-8131 View (646) 600-8131
Photo of Joan Sementa, Drug & Alcohol Counselor in New York County, NY
Joan Sementa
Drug & Alcohol Counselor, MLADC, MMHC
Verified Verified
New York, NY 10178
GateHouse Treatment is a private substance abuse center providing intervention and treatment services to those struggling with substance use disorders and individuals with co-occurring mental health disorders. We provide individualized treatment in a small, gender-specific environment. Also, GateHouse offers one of the only comprehensive vocational programs in Nashua, New Hampshire. At GateHouse, our evidence-based practice is applied along with creative interventions. We provide extraordinary individualized care and enable our clients to gain insight into their underlying factors driving addictive behaviors.
GateHouse Treatment is a private substance abuse center providing intervention and treatment services to those struggling with substance use disorders and individuals with co-occurring mental health disorders. We provide individualized treatment in a small, gender-specific environment. Also, GateHouse offers one of the only comprehensive vocational programs in Nashua, New Hampshire. At GateHouse, our evidence-based practice is applied along with creative interventions. We provide extraordinary individualized care and enable our clients to gain insight into their underlying factors driving addictive behaviors.
(603) 697-7452 View (603) 697-7452
Photo of Janita Ramar, Counselor in New York County, NY
Janita Ramar
Counselor, LMHC, CASAC-T
Verified Verified
New York, NY 10001  (Online Only)
Hi there! My name is Janita Ramar and I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with experience working with individuals with a host of mental health diagnoses including (Depression, Anxiety, and Bipolar Disorders) as well as stress-related difficulties, trauma-related issues, and substance use disorders.
Hi there! My name is Janita Ramar and I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with experience working with individuals with a host of mental health diagnoses including (Depression, Anxiety, and Bipolar Disorders) as well as stress-related difficulties, trauma-related issues, and substance use disorders.
(631) 837-2622 View (631) 837-2622
Photo of Rob Strauber in New York County, NY
Rob Strauber
CIP, CAI-II, CFRS, CRS
Verified Verified
New York, NY 10022
I provide professional interventions addressing Substance Use Disorder and other behavioral concerns including Alcohol, Drug, Prescription, Co-Occurring Disorders, Gambling and Eating Disorders.
I specialize in working with individuals and their families finding difficulty accessing and navigating early recovery. Based on your specific needs, I help identify and execute the most effective intervention strategy. We intervene, educate and coach in a loving and caring manner. Having performed over 900 interventions, I have seen the devastation that Substance Use Disorder has done to families first hand. We can change the course your loved one's addiction has taken them. I work at Recovery Centers of America as an interventionist, family change agent, and an advocate for recovery.
I provide professional interventions addressing Substance Use Disorder and other behavioral concerns including Alcohol, Drug, Prescription, Co-Occurring Disorders, Gambling and Eating Disorders.
I specialize in working with individuals and their families finding difficulty accessing and navigating early recovery. Based on your specific needs, I help identify and execute the most effective intervention strategy. We intervene, educate and coach in a loving and caring manner. Having performed over 900 interventions, I have seen the devastation that Substance Use Disorder has done to families first hand. We can change the course your loved one's addiction has taken them. I work at Recovery Centers of America as an interventionist, family change agent, and an advocate for recovery.
(610) 756-9651 View (610) 756-9651
Photo of Arianny Marrero, Counselor in New York County, NY
Arianny Marrero
Counselor, LMHC, CRC
Verified Verified
New York, NY 10001  (Online Only)
I take a humanistic, integrative, and evidence based approach in my practice. My clients are the only ones who can bring about change in their own lives and I am merely a guide in their journeys. I have experience working in drug rehabilitation centers, EAP services, high school settings, with the Hispanic community, with those with persistent psychotic disorders and most recently in private practice with clients facing a number of challenges such as anxiety, depression, relationship issues among others.
I take a humanistic, integrative, and evidence based approach in my practice. My clients are the only ones who can bring about change in their own lives and I am merely a guide in their journeys. I have experience working in drug rehabilitation centers, EAP services, high school settings, with the Hispanic community, with those with persistent psychotic disorders and most recently in private practice with clients facing a number of challenges such as anxiety, depression, relationship issues among others.
(332) 263-3141 View (332) 263-3141
Photo of Carly Rachel Bell, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in New York County, NY
Carly Rachel Bell
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
New York, NY 10028
A truly fantastic therapist can be life changing. Learning to be honest with ourselves while sharing intimate details of our lives can be overwhelming for some, especially those who are in vulnerable positions. I truly believe that what is mentionable, is manageable. I provide a safe space where all can feel validated, appreciated and heard while developing a unique treatment plan tailored to the client's most pressing and specific needs. I mainly work from a solution oriented approach, where one can explore openly, without bias, the most inner and special aspects of themselves.
A truly fantastic therapist can be life changing. Learning to be honest with ourselves while sharing intimate details of our lives can be overwhelming for some, especially those who are in vulnerable positions. I truly believe that what is mentionable, is manageable. I provide a safe space where all can feel validated, appreciated and heard while developing a unique treatment plan tailored to the client's most pressing and specific needs. I mainly work from a solution oriented approach, where one can explore openly, without bias, the most inner and special aspects of themselves.
(347) 244-7535 View (347) 244-7535
Photo of Oliver Olwyn, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in New York County, NY
Oliver Olwyn
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-R, CSAT, SEP
Verified Verified
New York, NY 10031
For over a decade as a psychotherapist in several settings, I have witnessed insurmountable suffering when mental illness remains untreated. As an addict, you may feel powerless; that your life is unmanageable and consequences are escalating. Allow me to help you recover and explore what your life has to offer when you let go of shame, guilt and self-judgement. Transformation occurs in recovery as you move from isolation and despair, to a life of freedom and joy with endless possibilities. As a somatic practitioner, I use body felt-senses as well as a psychodynamic approach to help resolve traumas and increase your resiliency.
For over a decade as a psychotherapist in several settings, I have witnessed insurmountable suffering when mental illness remains untreated. As an addict, you may feel powerless; that your life is unmanageable and consequences are escalating. Allow me to help you recover and explore what your life has to offer when you let go of shame, guilt and self-judgement. Transformation occurs in recovery as you move from isolation and despair, to a life of freedom and joy with endless possibilities. As a somatic practitioner, I use body felt-senses as well as a psychodynamic approach to help resolve traumas and increase your resiliency.
(917) 623-7778 View (917) 623-7778
Photo of Helen Schwartz, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in New York County, NY
Helen Schwartz
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, BCD, R
Verified Verified
New York, NY 10023
Patients that I meet with will receive a full range of psychotherapy services. I provide parenting counseling, relationship counseling, cognitive therapy, group therapy, psychoanalysis, and anger management. Psychotherapy is available for issues including anxiety, depression, substance abuse as well as eating disorders, couples therapy, individual and family therapy. HIV pre and post counseling, postpartum depression, court mandated treatment, phobias/panic attack, autism, Asperger, ADHD/ ADD, and OCD are a few of the presenting issues I specialize in with over 40 years of experience.
Patients that I meet with will receive a full range of psychotherapy services. I provide parenting counseling, relationship counseling, cognitive therapy, group therapy, psychoanalysis, and anger management. Psychotherapy is available for issues including anxiety, depression, substance abuse as well as eating disorders, couples therapy, individual and family therapy. HIV pre and post counseling, postpartum depression, court mandated treatment, phobias/panic attack, autism, Asperger, ADHD/ ADD, and OCD are a few of the presenting issues I specialize in with over 40 years of experience.
(347) 493-2661 View (347) 493-2661
Photo of Alexa Sokolov, Drug & Alcohol Counselor in New York County, NY
Alexa Sokolov
Drug & Alcohol Counselor, LMSW, CASAC, CMFSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
New York, NY 10021  (Online Only)
What is the meaning of my life? Is the goal just to live longer or should I seek a higher purpose? On one hand you seem to be accomplished, driven and determined but of the inside you never feel good enough and the automatic thoughts and voices in your head never cease to remind you that you're just not there yet and falling short. You've been struggling while trying to keep it all together however you find yourself exhausted and with doubts. You're always there for others putting others' needs first while you continue to be last on your list. It's time to change, this feeling has to end, and you will find the meaning of your life!
What is the meaning of my life? Is the goal just to live longer or should I seek a higher purpose? On one hand you seem to be accomplished, driven and determined but of the inside you never feel good enough and the automatic thoughts and voices in your head never cease to remind you that you're just not there yet and falling short. You've been struggling while trying to keep it all together however you find yourself exhausted and with doubts. You're always there for others putting others' needs first while you continue to be last on your list. It's time to change, this feeling has to end, and you will find the meaning of your life!
(646) 630-7563 View (646) 630-7563
Photo of Joel Taveras in New York County, NY
Joel Taveras
MA, CRC
Verified Verified
New York, NY 10003
It is to be expected with so many turbulent events around the globe that a lot of deep rooted issues creep up to the surface, be it anxiety, depression, negative thinking, suicidal ideation or substance abuse in many. How could it not with all the changes happening in our world today bound to have an impact of sorts on us Psychologically, however, they should not stop us from living a healthy life. I am more than happy & open to work with anyone willing to forge ahead & achieve their goals, be they Vocational, Mental Health related, Physical Health related or development of Coping Skills. Open to clients. Starting 12/1/23.
It is to be expected with so many turbulent events around the globe that a lot of deep rooted issues creep up to the surface, be it anxiety, depression, negative thinking, suicidal ideation or substance abuse in many. How could it not with all the changes happening in our world today bound to have an impact of sorts on us Psychologically, however, they should not stop us from living a healthy life. I am more than happy & open to work with anyone willing to forge ahead & achieve their goals, be they Vocational, Mental Health related, Physical Health related or development of Coping Skills. Open to clients. Starting 12/1/23.
(347) 621-7206 View (347) 621-7206
Photo of Zachary Scott Adamson, Drug & Alcohol Counselor in New York County, NY
Zachary Scott Adamson
Drug & Alcohol Counselor, MA-LPCC, CDAC, LCAS
Verified Verified
New York, NY 10021  (Online Only)
Struggling with past hurts, hang-ups, feel as though barriers from the past are weighing you down? I'm here to listen or guide you towards identifying and developing healthy coping strategies to reduce symptoms brought on by mental health or addictive lifestyles or lost connection spirituality, I will share wisdom that I've learned from life's many journeys, solutions for obstacles which are keeping you, from living a richer, fuller life today. Listen life is for the living You are not what you used to be, nor who you want to be, however you are a new creation under construction RMM
Struggling with past hurts, hang-ups, feel as though barriers from the past are weighing you down? I'm here to listen or guide you towards identifying and developing healthy coping strategies to reduce symptoms brought on by mental health or addictive lifestyles or lost connection spirituality, I will share wisdom that I've learned from life's many journeys, solutions for obstacles which are keeping you, from living a richer, fuller life today. Listen life is for the living You are not what you used to be, nor who you want to be, however you are a new creation under construction RMM
(704) 727-4810 View (704) 727-4810
Photo of Cali Estes, Drug & Alcohol Counselor in New York County, NY
Cali Estes
Drug & Alcohol Counselor, PhD, MCAP, ICADC, MAC, MNLP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
New York, NY 10019
Ready to UnPause Your life and find the best version of yourself? I can help you get to the root cause of everything that holds you back and help you become the BEST version of yourself. Whether you self-soothe with drugs, alcohol, sex, shopping, food, have stress and anxiety or crave personal development, we work together as a team to get to the root cause of the issues and stressors you are experiencing and begin removing them and learning ways to have a more productive, positive life. I blend therapy and life coaching with a 100% confidential service, phone, skype, or in person. My Deep Dive Method creates positive lasting change
Ready to UnPause Your life and find the best version of yourself? I can help you get to the root cause of everything that holds you back and help you become the BEST version of yourself. Whether you self-soothe with drugs, alcohol, sex, shopping, food, have stress and anxiety or crave personal development, we work together as a team to get to the root cause of the issues and stressors you are experiencing and begin removing them and learning ways to have a more productive, positive life. I blend therapy and life coaching with a 100% confidential service, phone, skype, or in person. My Deep Dive Method creates positive lasting change
(786) 651-3113 View (786) 651-3113
Photo of Emily Moley, Counselor in New York County, NY
Emily Moley
Counselor, LMHC
Verified Verified
New York, NY 10005  (Online Only)
Every human has the answers that they seek deep within themselves. My job is simply to give you a safe space to help you navigate and uncover the solutions to problems or answers to questions that you subconsciously already have the answers to. After all, nobody knows you better than you! Together we will process the areas that you need support in as well identify strengths and appropriate coping skills to build up your ability to deal with life on life’s terms instead of resorting to old, negative coping skills that no longer serve a purpose in your life.
Every human has the answers that they seek deep within themselves. My job is simply to give you a safe space to help you navigate and uncover the solutions to problems or answers to questions that you subconsciously already have the answers to. After all, nobody knows you better than you! Together we will process the areas that you need support in as well identify strengths and appropriate coping skills to build up your ability to deal with life on life’s terms instead of resorting to old, negative coping skills that no longer serve a purpose in your life.
(716) 708-4571 View (716) 708-4571

See more therapy options for New York County

Substance Use Therapists

How do substance and drug recovery or rehabilitation programs work?

In inpatient programs, individuals live in a facility with other clients in recovery; in outpatient programs, individuals reside at home. These facilities are staffed with healthcare professionals including physicians, nurses, psychologists, counselors, and psychotherapists. Staff often also includes people who have recovered themselves, serving as mentors and guides. These programs may use abstinence, harm reduction, detoxification, psychotherapy, and other methods.

How do 12-step programs combined with psychotherapy work?

Members of 12-step programs help each other reach abstinence and work to maintain it. These programs promote complete change in the individual’s emotional, mental, physical, and even spiritual perspectives. Some programs require that new members attend 90 meetings in 90 days. Many people do attend these programs in conjunction with their work in psychotherapy; the combination of therapy along with 12-step can be extremely effective.

How does harm reduction combined with psychotherapy work?

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, harm reduction prevents death, injury, disease, overdose, and substance misuse. People who choose harm reduction for substance use reduce the amount of drugs they consume. It is not abstinence-based like a 12-step program, but combining harm reduction with psychotherapy proves to be effective for many people.

Are there specific medications for substance and drug use?

There are medications approved to treat substance use disorder—such as buprenorphine, methadone, naltrexone, and acamprosate. These medications do help people cope with substance use as well as avoid the problem of relapse. Naltrexone can help reduce cravings, methadone is an opioid medication used to treat severe pain, and acamprosate may help ease symptoms like poor sleep and anxious feelings.