Therapists in Torrance, CA

Photo of Lance Miller, Psychologist in Torrance, CA
Lance Miller
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Torrance, CA 90503
I believe in providing a supportive and empowering environment in which my clients can feel heard, safe, and confident that their needs are being met. The best therapists combine competent techniques with genuine empathy and connection to help you achieve the goals and outcome you desire. I work primarily with individuals or couples struggling with traumatic backgrounds, anxiety or depression, addiction, relationship problems, and personality disorders. I strive to ensure that the interaction I have with my clients is always honest, sincere, and compassionate yet effective.
I believe in providing a supportive and empowering environment in which my clients can feel heard, safe, and confident that their needs are being met. The best therapists combine competent techniques with genuine empathy and connection to help you achieve the goals and outcome you desire. I work primarily with individuals or couples struggling with traumatic backgrounds, anxiety or depression, addiction, relationship problems, and personality disorders. I strive to ensure that the interaction I have with my clients is always honest, sincere, and compassionate yet effective.
(424) 206-6742 View (424) 206-6742
Photo of Dianne Kline, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist in Torrance, CA
Dianne Kline, LMFT
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Torrance, CA 90505
Certified Therapist in EMDR, Domestic Violence Counselor, SAP Professional, Addiction and 12-Step Programs, Anxiety and Depression, and Coping Skills.
Have you experienced a traumatic event in your life and having recurring nightmares, flashbacks and panic attacks? Feeling depressed, anxious, stressed, overwhelmed and unable to cope with life's challenges? Have you experienced domestic violence in your home and feel alone and hopeless? Has your self-esteem and self-worth been affected by negative and self-defeating patterns and you're feeling frustrated? I provide a safe and trusting environment for adults and couples who need a competent and compassionate therapist that can help you improve the quality of your life.
Certified Therapist in EMDR, Domestic Violence Counselor, SAP Professional, Addiction and 12-Step Programs, Anxiety and Depression, and Coping Skills.
Have you experienced a traumatic event in your life and having recurring nightmares, flashbacks and panic attacks? Feeling depressed, anxious, stressed, overwhelmed and unable to cope with life's challenges? Have you experienced domestic violence in your home and feel alone and hopeless? Has your self-esteem and self-worth been affected by negative and self-defeating patterns and you're feeling frustrated? I provide a safe and trusting environment for adults and couples who need a competent and compassionate therapist that can help you improve the quality of your life.
(424) 355-9026 View (424) 355-9026
Photo of Cheryl Maddern, Marriage & Family Therapist in Torrance, CA
Cheryl Maddern
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
Torrance, CA 90505  (Online Only)
I also offer affordable workshops about parenting teens, communication skills, healthy boundaries, substance abuse, codependence.
I join my clients in their journey to seek happiness and peace by offering a healing relationship and experience as a mental health professional. I listen to what a client's strengths and challenges are to achieving the life they want. I design treatment ideas to specifically address each person. I have extensive experience in successfully treating anxiety, depression, substance abuse, dual diagnosis and bipolar disorder, parenting, divorce, couples therapy and many other issues. I help clients by providing techniques, tools, conversation and support and not to feel alone on the path to wellness.
I also offer affordable workshops about parenting teens, communication skills, healthy boundaries, substance abuse, codependence.
I join my clients in their journey to seek happiness and peace by offering a healing relationship and experience as a mental health professional. I listen to what a client's strengths and challenges are to achieving the life they want. I design treatment ideas to specifically address each person. I have extensive experience in successfully treating anxiety, depression, substance abuse, dual diagnosis and bipolar disorder, parenting, divorce, couples therapy and many other issues. I help clients by providing techniques, tools, conversation and support and not to feel alone on the path to wellness.
(310) 906-4581 View (310) 906-4581
Photo of Hazzel Angulo, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in Torrance, CA
Hazzel Angulo
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
Verified Verified
Torrance, CA 90505
Trauma, anxiety, and addiction can make you feel stuck. The most important step towards healing is to address the unresolved emotion inside you. Healing requires feelings. Acceptance slowly dissolves pain. When we function from the fear and scarring of our trauma, the cycles continue until we learn how to transmute that energy into love. I apply a Holistic approach that integrates physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual forms of well-being, addressing the “whole” self. Through a holistic framework tailored to your unique needs, the goal is to support you develop a deeper understanding of the self on all these levels.
Trauma, anxiety, and addiction can make you feel stuck. The most important step towards healing is to address the unresolved emotion inside you. Healing requires feelings. Acceptance slowly dissolves pain. When we function from the fear and scarring of our trauma, the cycles continue until we learn how to transmute that energy into love. I apply a Holistic approach that integrates physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual forms of well-being, addressing the “whole” self. Through a holistic framework tailored to your unique needs, the goal is to support you develop a deeper understanding of the self on all these levels.
(424) 340-5605 View (424) 340-5605
Photo of Elise Ricks-James, Marriage & Family Therapist in Torrance, CA
Elise Ricks-James
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, CATC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Torrance, CA 90503
Addiction is painful disorder which effects all major areas of a persons life and families are destroyed by it.
My primary focus is the individual, family or couple who are unhappy with the relationships in their lives; helping them uncover the dynamics of those relationships, find your solution, closure, journey and ultimately, their path to accepting themselves. These dynamics can manifest themselves in addiction, alcohol, abuse, anxiety, depression, low self esteem, developmental and challenges of transitioning to different life stages. I help empower people, from women with long term sobriety facing life stage issues to parents struggling with teens. I honor the trust and faith placed on me and am committed to assisting you to THRIVE.
Addiction is painful disorder which effects all major areas of a persons life and families are destroyed by it.
My primary focus is the individual, family or couple who are unhappy with the relationships in their lives; helping them uncover the dynamics of those relationships, find your solution, closure, journey and ultimately, their path to accepting themselves. These dynamics can manifest themselves in addiction, alcohol, abuse, anxiety, depression, low self esteem, developmental and challenges of transitioning to different life stages. I help empower people, from women with long term sobriety facing life stage issues to parents struggling with teens. I honor the trust and faith placed on me and am committed to assisting you to THRIVE.
(424) 242-2998 View (424) 242-2998
Photo of Christine Rivlin, Counselor in Torrance, CA
Christine Rivlin
Counselor, LPCC
Verified Verified
Torrance, CA 90505
I also specialize in working with individuals experiencing addiction issues, and eating disorders.
I work primarily with adults who are wanting to manage symptoms associated with depression, anxiety, and trauma. I will be with you on your path to discovery, recovery, and finding the person you would like to become. I approach therapy with a client-centered approach in order to create a safe, comfortable space for you to share and express yourself, and your vulnerabilities. We will explore healthy ways to process your trauma, regulate difficult emotions, and restore broken relationships. I believe the trust built between Client and Therapist is powerful, and necessary in order to help you through your healing journey.
I also specialize in working with individuals experiencing addiction issues, and eating disorders.
I work primarily with adults who are wanting to manage symptoms associated with depression, anxiety, and trauma. I will be with you on your path to discovery, recovery, and finding the person you would like to become. I approach therapy with a client-centered approach in order to create a safe, comfortable space for you to share and express yourself, and your vulnerabilities. We will explore healthy ways to process your trauma, regulate difficult emotions, and restore broken relationships. I believe the trust built between Client and Therapist is powerful, and necessary in order to help you through your healing journey.
(424) 401-7211 View (424) 401-7211
Photo of Barbara Mignosi, Marriage & Family Therapist in Torrance, CA
Barbara Mignosi
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MEd, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Torrance, CA 90505
Are parts of your life not working? Tired of doing this alone? I can help and use integrative methods of body, mind and spirit to address the whole person. If you are struggling with issues of stress management, self-esteem, difficult relationships, issues of substance abuse or co-dependency, I have professional and personal experience in these areas. Each person is unique so I utilize an eclectic approach to teach individuals how to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. We will spend the needed time understanding your situation so we can proceed with open minds and hearts. This is a positive first step.
Are parts of your life not working? Tired of doing this alone? I can help and use integrative methods of body, mind and spirit to address the whole person. If you are struggling with issues of stress management, self-esteem, difficult relationships, issues of substance abuse or co-dependency, I have professional and personal experience in these areas. Each person is unique so I utilize an eclectic approach to teach individuals how to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. We will spend the needed time understanding your situation so we can proceed with open minds and hearts. This is a positive first step.
(310) 736-2060 View (310) 736-2060
Photo of Shannon McHenry, Marriage & Family Therapist in Torrance, CA
Shannon McHenry
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Torrance, CA 90505  (Online Only)
I do focused work with teenagers around substance abuse, eating disorders, emotion regulation issues, and other axis II traits.
I work with individuals, couples, and families to help gain insight into what is happening in order to move forward and achieve a more fulfilling and productive life. My goal is to help you understand yourself more and assist you with living a more free and conscious life. I use attachment theory to assist people in understanding how their past impacts their present. I specialize in treating addiction, trauma, codependency, relationship issues, and axis II disorders using a holistic trauma informed approach and dialectical behavioral techniques.
I do focused work with teenagers around substance abuse, eating disorders, emotion regulation issues, and other axis II traits.
I work with individuals, couples, and families to help gain insight into what is happening in order to move forward and achieve a more fulfilling and productive life. My goal is to help you understand yourself more and assist you with living a more free and conscious life. I use attachment theory to assist people in understanding how their past impacts their present. I specialize in treating addiction, trauma, codependency, relationship issues, and axis II disorders using a holistic trauma informed approach and dialectical behavioral techniques.
(323) 747-1202 View (323) 747-1202
Photo of L. Debbie Murad, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Torrance, CA
L. Debbie Murad
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Torrance, CA 90505
I am skilled at dealing with the intersection of addiction, trauma, and mental health challenges.
Are you struggling with issues around anxiety, deep emotional pain, or trauma? Are you coping with relationship issues? Are you questioning what is the purpose of your life, your mission, and how to make choices in alignment with that on a daily basis? These areas and more can be explored in psychotherapy. I practice from a place of core solutions that are inherent within your situation already. Hope and possibilities are for you. I believe in every individual's innate ability to recover and heal, and my role is to offer guidance along the way!
I am skilled at dealing with the intersection of addiction, trauma, and mental health challenges.
Are you struggling with issues around anxiety, deep emotional pain, or trauma? Are you coping with relationship issues? Are you questioning what is the purpose of your life, your mission, and how to make choices in alignment with that on a daily basis? These areas and more can be explored in psychotherapy. I practice from a place of core solutions that are inherent within your situation already. Hope and possibilities are for you. I believe in every individual's innate ability to recover and heal, and my role is to offer guidance along the way!
(424) 625-3145 View (424) 625-3145
Photo of Jen Vachet, Marriage & Family Therapist in Torrance, CA
Jen Vachet
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Torrance, CA 90505
I see clients seeking help with a variety of issues including: relationship difficulties, loss & grief, trauma, addiction, anxiety and depression, and life transitions.
I believe in the importance of creating a trusting, safe and collaborative therapeutic relationship with my clients. I view each session as an opportunity to grow by working through personal challenges, developing greater self-awareness, learning to set healthy boundaries, and exploring the positive and negative styles of thinking. I believe that although treating symptoms is important, people must look at the deeper underlying issues that might include low self-esteem, codependency, or childhood trauma.
I see clients seeking help with a variety of issues including: relationship difficulties, loss & grief, trauma, addiction, anxiety and depression, and life transitions.
I believe in the importance of creating a trusting, safe and collaborative therapeutic relationship with my clients. I view each session as an opportunity to grow by working through personal challenges, developing greater self-awareness, learning to set healthy boundaries, and exploring the positive and negative styles of thinking. I believe that although treating symptoms is important, people must look at the deeper underlying issues that might include low self-esteem, codependency, or childhood trauma.
(310) 907-7836 View (310) 907-7836
Photo of Jill L. Ruby-Wahba, Marriage & Family Therapist in Torrance, CA
Jill L. Ruby-Wahba
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, ATR-BC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Torrance, CA 90505
Imagine what your life could look like if you felt more in control, self-assured, energetic and hopeful about the future. Your conflicts and challenges don't need to define you, consume you, or prevent you from being able to enjoy the life or relationships you desire. Imagine feeling wonderful just as you are. What if you had fulfilling, healthy relationships (with your spouse/partner, family, friends, colleagues or children), despite anxiety, changing roles or circumstances, traumatic experiences, addiction or abuse, grief, loss, or guilty feelings? Let me help you heal old wounds and create a life you love living.
Imagine what your life could look like if you felt more in control, self-assured, energetic and hopeful about the future. Your conflicts and challenges don't need to define you, consume you, or prevent you from being able to enjoy the life or relationships you desire. Imagine feeling wonderful just as you are. What if you had fulfilling, healthy relationships (with your spouse/partner, family, friends, colleagues or children), despite anxiety, changing roles or circumstances, traumatic experiences, addiction or abuse, grief, loss, or guilty feelings? Let me help you heal old wounds and create a life you love living.
(424) 347-8603 View (424) 347-8603
Photo of Dr. Risa Takeuchi, Registered Psychological Associate in Torrance, CA
Dr. Risa Takeuchi
Registered Psychological Associate, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Torrance, CA 90501
Seeking psychotherapy can be intimidating as you are taking a courageous step. Depending on your needs, expectations, and values, my therapeutic approach is integrative. I look forward to supporting your process of healing, finding solutions, making positive changes, and creating a life you hope for. I work with individuals with a wide range of issues including stress management, depression, anxiety, trauma, family/relationship issues, addiction, identity development, acculturation, grief, and life transitions, among others. I also provide psychotherapy in Japanese.
Seeking psychotherapy can be intimidating as you are taking a courageous step. Depending on your needs, expectations, and values, my therapeutic approach is integrative. I look forward to supporting your process of healing, finding solutions, making positive changes, and creating a life you hope for. I work with individuals with a wide range of issues including stress management, depression, anxiety, trauma, family/relationship issues, addiction, identity development, acculturation, grief, and life transitions, among others. I also provide psychotherapy in Japanese.
(310) 340-0622 View (310) 340-0622
Photo of Melissa Satram, Marriage & Family Therapist in Torrance, CA
Melissa Satram
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Torrance, CA 90505
Do you ever struggle with feeling like you’re not enough? Do you feel like you have to prove yourself? Do you feel stuck and triggered by childhood trauma? The symptoms of trauma include anxiety, depression, high conflict relationships, occupational impairment, addiction, and much more. I believe therapy can help you develop a more self-awareness and actionable plan to alleviate these symptoms. I specialized in working with people who are willing to explore past, present, and future challenges and to find tools for personal growth.
Do you ever struggle with feeling like you’re not enough? Do you feel like you have to prove yourself? Do you feel stuck and triggered by childhood trauma? The symptoms of trauma include anxiety, depression, high conflict relationships, occupational impairment, addiction, and much more. I believe therapy can help you develop a more self-awareness and actionable plan to alleviate these symptoms. I specialized in working with people who are willing to explore past, present, and future challenges and to find tools for personal growth.
(310) 340-2046 View (310) 340-2046
Photo of Mary Jordan, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in Torrance, CA
Mary Jordan
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT, EMDR
Verified Verified
Torrance, CA 90505
Do you find yourself shut down or suppress your feelings? Do you struggle in relationships due to your trauma? Are you unsure of where you belong? I work with people of all identities to process unresolved feelings due to trauma. I strive to provide you a safe and non-judgmental space, in order for you to develop coping mechanisms for trauma symptoms (anxiety, depression, addiction, etc.) and to explore aspects of yourself. I can help you let go of past HURTS and develop tools to find RELIEF.
Do you find yourself shut down or suppress your feelings? Do you struggle in relationships due to your trauma? Are you unsure of where you belong? I work with people of all identities to process unresolved feelings due to trauma. I strive to provide you a safe and non-judgmental space, in order for you to develop coping mechanisms for trauma symptoms (anxiety, depression, addiction, etc.) and to explore aspects of yourself. I can help you let go of past HURTS and develop tools to find RELIEF.
(424) 368-9336 View (424) 368-9336
Photo of Robert Christopher Travis, Marriage & Family Therapist in Torrance, CA
Robert Christopher Travis
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, EMDR
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Torrance, CA 90505  (Online Only)
Empowering and supporting my clients to become the best version of themselves is my greatest joy. I believe that anyone could benefit from the support and encouragement of a trained therapist from time to time. I have experience working with clients living with all types of addiction, anxiety, depression, Bipolar disorders, and thought disorders. If you are feeling stuck, not sure about your goals, or not sure how to move forward, I can help. I work from a strengths based perspective. My clients find working with me encouraging and impactful.
Empowering and supporting my clients to become the best version of themselves is my greatest joy. I believe that anyone could benefit from the support and encouragement of a trained therapist from time to time. I have experience working with clients living with all types of addiction, anxiety, depression, Bipolar disorders, and thought disorders. If you are feeling stuck, not sure about your goals, or not sure how to move forward, I can help. I work from a strengths based perspective. My clients find working with me encouraging and impactful.
(424) 533-7988 View (424) 533-7988
Photo of Bernard Nicolas, Marriage & Family Therapist in Torrance, CA
Bernard Nicolas
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Torrance, CA 90505
While superbly educated and experienced as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, I always remember that the primary component of any healing I can facilitate is spiritual. I have a background as a creative artist and a community-oriented clinician. I work with children 6 and up, couples, families and individuals regardless of sexual orientation, race, religion, or economic status. I have also done a lot of work with adolescents dealing with substance abuse and adults facing workplace issues.
While superbly educated and experienced as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, I always remember that the primary component of any healing I can facilitate is spiritual. I have a background as a creative artist and a community-oriented clinician. I work with children 6 and up, couples, families and individuals regardless of sexual orientation, race, religion, or economic status. I have also done a lot of work with adolescents dealing with substance abuse and adults facing workplace issues.
(424) 273-8475 View (424) 273-8475
Photo of Heidi Bacani, Marriage & Family Therapist in Torrance, CA
Heidi Bacani
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
Torrance, CA 90505
For over 19 years, I have worked with clients who have overcome difficulties with relating to one's self and others, sexual identity, childhood trauma, infidelity, marital conflict, mood disorders, fear of intimacy, anger, thought disorders, codependancy and addiction behaviors like cutting, eating disorders, sexual disorders and substance abuse.
Are you a child, adolescent or adult having difficulty functioning at work, school, or in relationships? Sometimes a history of trauma, self defeating and limiting belief systems interfere with our ability to love, work and play. I can help when old ways of adapting to stressors no longer work. Change is necessary at the mind, body and spiritual level for adaptation to occur. We will work together through your transformation. You can learn new ways to tolerate what has been overwhelming and you can develop new, healthier coping skills to help you manage what was formerly intolerable about daily living.
For over 19 years, I have worked with clients who have overcome difficulties with relating to one's self and others, sexual identity, childhood trauma, infidelity, marital conflict, mood disorders, fear of intimacy, anger, thought disorders, codependancy and addiction behaviors like cutting, eating disorders, sexual disorders and substance abuse.
Are you a child, adolescent or adult having difficulty functioning at work, school, or in relationships? Sometimes a history of trauma, self defeating and limiting belief systems interfere with our ability to love, work and play. I can help when old ways of adapting to stressors no longer work. Change is necessary at the mind, body and spiritual level for adaptation to occur. We will work together through your transformation. You can learn new ways to tolerate what has been overwhelming and you can develop new, healthier coping skills to help you manage what was formerly intolerable about daily living.
(424) 294-8972 View (424) 294-8972
Photo of Mena Hughes, Marriage & Family Therapist in Torrance, CA
Mena Hughes
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Torrance, CA 90505
Waitlist for new clients
Because of my experience treating addiction, trauma, and mood disorders, I place a high value on providing honest, compassionate feedback, while providing accountability.
Usually we don't seek help unless we feel we are in some kind of crisis. With that in mind, I am sorry you are here... And yet, welcome. Welcome to the opportunity you are facing to make this hard time turn into strength, competence, satisfaction, peace and connection with yourself and others. Ideally, that is what good therapy does. You might not have the hope that can happen just yet, but I do. It is my belief that everything good is worth working toward. As a therapist, I will work with you collaboratively toward the goals you prioritize.
Because of my experience treating addiction, trauma, and mood disorders, I place a high value on providing honest, compassionate feedback, while providing accountability.
Usually we don't seek help unless we feel we are in some kind of crisis. With that in mind, I am sorry you are here... And yet, welcome. Welcome to the opportunity you are facing to make this hard time turn into strength, competence, satisfaction, peace and connection with yourself and others. Ideally, that is what good therapy does. You might not have the hope that can happen just yet, but I do. It is my belief that everything good is worth working toward. As a therapist, I will work with you collaboratively toward the goals you prioritize.
(424) 373-3513 View (424) 373-3513
Photo of Michael A Pearson, Marriage & Family Therapist in Torrance, CA
Michael A Pearson
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Torrance, CA 90505
Michael has a group practice currently available for phone and video sessions. Michael and his therapists use evidence-based, humanistic, cognitive behavioral and eclectic treatments for depression, anxiety, relationship difficulties, substance use disorders, adolescent turmoil, trauma, transitions, grief, self esteem, and other life challenges. The team enjoys working with adults, adolescents and couples. The team uses a non-judgmental, caring, and often uplifting approach that includes mindfulness and an appreciation and respect for diverse clientele, ethnicity, spiritual/religious, orientation and identity issues.
Michael has a group practice currently available for phone and video sessions. Michael and his therapists use evidence-based, humanistic, cognitive behavioral and eclectic treatments for depression, anxiety, relationship difficulties, substance use disorders, adolescent turmoil, trauma, transitions, grief, self esteem, and other life challenges. The team enjoys working with adults, adolescents and couples. The team uses a non-judgmental, caring, and often uplifting approach that includes mindfulness and an appreciation and respect for diverse clientele, ethnicity, spiritual/religious, orientation and identity issues.
(310) 683-4618 View (310) 683-4618
Photo of Diana Kang, Psychologist in Torrance, CA
Diana Kang
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Torrance, CA 90503
Dr. Diana Cho Kang is a licensed Psychologist and comes to Roots Through Recovery with a strong clinical background specializing in all levels of care in various settings. Dr. Kang has managed and developed several programs for both residential and outpatient programs. Most recently, she served as the Chief Clinical Officer for a nonprofit organization and has treated and overseen the clinical services for clients with substance use disorders, co-occurring disorders, mood disorders, psychotic disorders and personality disorders.
Dr. Diana Cho Kang is a licensed Psychologist and comes to Roots Through Recovery with a strong clinical background specializing in all levels of care in various settings. Dr. Kang has managed and developed several programs for both residential and outpatient programs. Most recently, she served as the Chief Clinical Officer for a nonprofit organization and has treated and overseen the clinical services for clients with substance use disorders, co-occurring disorders, mood disorders, psychotic disorders and personality disorders.
(562) 991-6753 View (562) 991-6753
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.