Photo of Ryoko Moriguchi, Marriage & Family Therapist in 94102, CA
Ryoko Moriguchi
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94102
I have extensive experience in the areas of addiction, trauma, depression, anxiety, life-transitions, and loss/grief.
Update: Now accepting new clients for Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy. Whether you are looking for help with specific situations, or a place to continue your recovery, having an objective and supportive guide is essential. Therapy is an invaluable process for anyone who is trying to come to terms with painful experiences, to change patterns that no longer serve you, or to find inner balance in an ever-changing world.
I have extensive experience in the areas of addiction, trauma, depression, anxiety, life-transitions, and loss/grief.
Update: Now accepting new clients for Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy. Whether you are looking for help with specific situations, or a place to continue your recovery, having an objective and supportive guide is essential. Therapy is an invaluable process for anyone who is trying to come to terms with painful experiences, to change patterns that no longer serve you, or to find inner balance in an ever-changing world.
(415) 877-4239 View (415) 877-4239
Photo of A Time for Change In the New Year, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 94102, CA
A Time for Change In the New Year
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94102
I am a clinical supervisor in the UCSF Department of Psychiatry, Division of Substance Abuse.
As you begin a new year and are thinking about making resolutions to change things in your life that have stopped working for you, one might asks where do I start? How might your life improve if you followed through on the things that you know you want to do differently? What if you adopted healthier habits, learned a new skill or made changes to job or relationships? What are the things that bring you happiness and life satisfaction? Why do you keep on engaging in behaviors that feel safe and familiar but are leading you nowhere? As the new year begins it is time to get unstuck and make positive changes for yourself.
I am a clinical supervisor in the UCSF Department of Psychiatry, Division of Substance Abuse.
As you begin a new year and are thinking about making resolutions to change things in your life that have stopped working for you, one might asks where do I start? How might your life improve if you followed through on the things that you know you want to do differently? What if you adopted healthier habits, learned a new skill or made changes to job or relationships? What are the things that bring you happiness and life satisfaction? Why do you keep on engaging in behaviors that feel safe and familiar but are leading you nowhere? As the new year begins it is time to get unstuck and make positive changes for yourself.
(628) 258-6290 View (628) 258-6290
Photo of Stevan Gengo, Marriage & Family Therapist in 94102, CA
Stevan Gengo
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, MFT, SAP
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94102
Addiction covers a range of habits: Drugs, sex, Internet, food--all of possible concern.
We're artists, leaning into the world & willing our lives. And rapture, an essential feeling, leads us outward to be more truly ‘there’. Heidegger thus interprets Nietzsche’s “will to power:” A strong, full-bodied interest & movement towards the world, before us as a possibility but not always chosen. Poignantly, Heidegger (1961) names a “fallen” state: “Of someone who is intoxicated...he [sic] 'has' something like rapture. But his is not enraptured. The rapture of intoxication [does not raise one] beyond himself. What we are here calling rapture is merely...being 'soused,' something depriv[ing] us of every possible state of being."
Addiction covers a range of habits: Drugs, sex, Internet, food--all of possible concern.
We're artists, leaning into the world & willing our lives. And rapture, an essential feeling, leads us outward to be more truly ‘there’. Heidegger thus interprets Nietzsche’s “will to power:” A strong, full-bodied interest & movement towards the world, before us as a possibility but not always chosen. Poignantly, Heidegger (1961) names a “fallen” state: “Of someone who is intoxicated...he [sic] 'has' something like rapture. But his is not enraptured. The rapture of intoxication [does not raise one] beyond himself. What we are here calling rapture is merely...being 'soused,' something depriv[ing] us of every possible state of being."
(415) 818-1346 View (415) 818-1346
Photo of Zoe Lantelme, Psychologist in 94102, CA
Zoe Lantelme
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94102
If you struggle to stop or reduce substance use or other addictive behaviors, I can help. I use a harm reduction approach to understanding and treating substance use and abuse. Instead of focusing only on one’s addiction, this approach explores other contributing factors, such as co-occurring mental illnesses, family relationships, and medical problems. It encourages the client to explore their unique needs and background, and to develop their own treatment goals, which may involve moderation management, in addition to abstinence. I also offer treatment for other impulse control disorders, such as sex addiction.
If you struggle to stop or reduce substance use or other addictive behaviors, I can help. I use a harm reduction approach to understanding and treating substance use and abuse. Instead of focusing only on one’s addiction, this approach explores other contributing factors, such as co-occurring mental illnesses, family relationships, and medical problems. It encourages the client to explore their unique needs and background, and to develop their own treatment goals, which may involve moderation management, in addition to abstinence. I also offer treatment for other impulse control disorders, such as sex addiction.
(415) 214-9148 View (415) 214-9148
Photo of Time for Change, Psychotherapy Services, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 94102, CA
Time for Change, Psychotherapy Services
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94102
One thing that we have in common is that we all experience suffering. A lost relationship, disappointment at work, substance use that has taken control and chronic self-doubt are a few of the common forms. I have found that we can lessen our suffering with acceptance, self-compassion, mindfulness and the help and support of a therapist who seeks to understand your experience. I I am particularly interested in the process of change. Why, when we know that making a change would be good for us, do we not act?
One thing that we have in common is that we all experience suffering. A lost relationship, disappointment at work, substance use that has taken control and chronic self-doubt are a few of the common forms. I have found that we can lessen our suffering with acceptance, self-compassion, mindfulness and the help and support of a therapist who seeks to understand your experience. I I am particularly interested in the process of change. Why, when we know that making a change would be good for us, do we not act?
(415) 625-1673 View (415) 625-1673
Photo of Yalith Fonfa, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 94102, CA
Yalith Fonfa
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94102
Issues I work with include trauma, substance use, depression, and anxiety.
Would you like to feel more at ease and present in your life? Are you ready to work through and move on from past experiences that are still hurting you? Are you struggling with substances or behaviors that are no longer serving you? Do you want to understand yourself better so you can live your life fully and authentically? I help my clients recover, heal and transform their lives.
Issues I work with include trauma, substance use, depression, and anxiety.
Would you like to feel more at ease and present in your life? Are you ready to work through and move on from past experiences that are still hurting you? Are you struggling with substances or behaviors that are no longer serving you? Do you want to understand yourself better so you can live your life fully and authentically? I help my clients recover, heal and transform their lives.
(415) 363-6239 View (415) 363-6239
Photo of David Ralph Beuerman, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 94102, CA
David Ralph Beuerman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94102
My current position of Clinical Supervisor at UCSF in the Department of Psychiatry working in addiction medicine has provided a solid foundation supporting individuals struggling with addiction using my expertise in Motivational Interviewing .
Are you looking to make a change in your life? Maybe there is a significant relationship that is not what you wish it was. Maybe you are struggling to make a career change or a big decision at work. Perhaps you are considering relocating to another area. Are you trying to quit smoking, grappling with weight loss, wanting to start an exercise or meditation routine? Or maybe you want to adjust how you react to certain stressors or situations that inevitably crop up in life. My practice “Time for Change” is here for you.
My current position of Clinical Supervisor at UCSF in the Department of Psychiatry working in addiction medicine has provided a solid foundation supporting individuals struggling with addiction using my expertise in Motivational Interviewing .
Are you looking to make a change in your life? Maybe there is a significant relationship that is not what you wish it was. Maybe you are struggling to make a career change or a big decision at work. Perhaps you are considering relocating to another area. Are you trying to quit smoking, grappling with weight loss, wanting to start an exercise or meditation routine? Or maybe you want to adjust how you react to certain stressors or situations that inevitably crop up in life. My practice “Time for Change” is here for you.
(415) 463-3982 View (415) 463-3982
Photo of Karen Chadwick, Marriage & Family Therapist in 94102, CA
Karen Chadwick
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94102
Waitlist for new clients
Stress can be very painful and impact every aspect of our lives. When we experience profound stress - from our relationships, our jobs, mental or physical illness or chronic pain - the world can seem a hostile place. This intensifies if we have histories of trauma. The result: a deep sense of disconnection. We feel cut off from our own internal intelligence and alienated from the people and things we love. Some people also struggle with addiction or other behaviors that add to suffering. The good news: stress can't destroy the core of who you are. Your vitality and wisdom are there for you to reclaim.
Stress can be very painful and impact every aspect of our lives. When we experience profound stress - from our relationships, our jobs, mental or physical illness or chronic pain - the world can seem a hostile place. This intensifies if we have histories of trauma. The result: a deep sense of disconnection. We feel cut off from our own internal intelligence and alienated from the people and things we love. Some people also struggle with addiction or other behaviors that add to suffering. The good news: stress can't destroy the core of who you are. Your vitality and wisdom are there for you to reclaim.
(415) 877-1933 View (415) 877-1933
Photo of Sharla Mize, Licensed Professional Counselor in 94102, CA
Sharla Mize
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPCC, MHSP
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94102  (Online Only)
People seek me out because they find their current situation intolerable - they are sick and tired of experiencing shame, intense anger, depression and anxiety. Perhaps they want to work on their addiction - the thing they use to numb the painful experiences. Their relationships are suffering as a result of their behaviors, being closed off, or "too much" for others. Many struggle with feelings of inadequacy, perfectionism and a deep sense of futility, which prevents them from taking charge of their lives and confidently pursuing their heart's desire.
People seek me out because they find their current situation intolerable - they are sick and tired of experiencing shame, intense anger, depression and anxiety. Perhaps they want to work on their addiction - the thing they use to numb the painful experiences. Their relationships are suffering as a result of their behaviors, being closed off, or "too much" for others. Many struggle with feelings of inadequacy, perfectionism and a deep sense of futility, which prevents them from taking charge of their lives and confidently pursuing their heart's desire.
(502) 443-9272 View (502) 443-9272
Photo of Ronald Max Allen Yusim, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 94102, CA
Ronald Max Allen Yusim
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94102
The majority of my therapy practice is as an Addiction Couple's Therapist. I offer Private Intensive Weekend Retreats. These are 16-hour workshops that take place in my office in Mill Valley on one reserved weekend. We work privately (just the 3 of us) for two and a half days breaking down your communication issues and learning how to repair and resolve conflicts.
The majority of my therapy practice is as an Addiction Couple's Therapist. I offer Private Intensive Weekend Retreats. These are 16-hour workshops that take place in my office in Mill Valley on one reserved weekend. We work privately (just the 3 of us) for two and a half days breaking down your communication issues and learning how to repair and resolve conflicts.
(415) 877-6907 View (415) 877-6907
Photo of Angela Petersen, Psychologist in 94102, CA
Angela Petersen
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94102
I offer psychotherapy services that address trauma and traumatic events, mood issues, anxiety, life transitions, substance use, health behavior change, gender and/or sexual orientation exploration.
In life, we can experience very difficult challenges that require change. Some of those challenging events may be difficult to move on from, leave you feeling stuck and unsure of how to proceed. Therapy can be a helpful way of helping you explore events, process emotions, and grow within new perspectives. I can help provide a warm, compassionate environment to do just that. It is important to me that you feel heard and understood. I find that in this type of therapeutic space, individuals are much more open to taking steps towards flexibility, developing insight, and finding a self-compassion they may not have discovered before.
I offer psychotherapy services that address trauma and traumatic events, mood issues, anxiety, life transitions, substance use, health behavior change, gender and/or sexual orientation exploration.
In life, we can experience very difficult challenges that require change. Some of those challenging events may be difficult to move on from, leave you feeling stuck and unsure of how to proceed. Therapy can be a helpful way of helping you explore events, process emotions, and grow within new perspectives. I can help provide a warm, compassionate environment to do just that. It is important to me that you feel heard and understood. I find that in this type of therapeutic space, individuals are much more open to taking steps towards flexibility, developing insight, and finding a self-compassion they may not have discovered before.
(406) 295-6676 View (406) 295-6676
Photo of Gwen Chinn, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 94102, CA
Gwen Chinn
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94102  (Online Only)
As a psychotherapist, I’ve worked with various populations and people facing different challenges, including depression, anxiety, trauma, substance use, suicidal ideation and self-harm.
Whether you’re struggling with a crisis, life transition, feeling overwhelmed, or finding yourself stuck in unproductive patterns, there is no need to navigate this on your own. Therapy is about exploring the self in a way that allows you to grow through self-discovery. I focus on meeting clients where they are and seeing the world from their perspective, and go together from there.
As a psychotherapist, I’ve worked with various populations and people facing different challenges, including depression, anxiety, trauma, substance use, suicidal ideation and self-harm.
Whether you’re struggling with a crisis, life transition, feeling overwhelmed, or finding yourself stuck in unproductive patterns, there is no need to navigate this on your own. Therapy is about exploring the self in a way that allows you to grow through self-discovery. I focus on meeting clients where they are and seeing the world from their perspective, and go together from there.
(916) 312-1818 View (916) 312-1818
Photo of Ipek Aykol, Marriage & Family Therapist in 94102, CA
Ipek Aykol
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT, EMDR
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94102
I specialize in treating trauma (PTSD), mood disorders, drug and alcohol addiction relationship issues, family issues, life-transition problems in addition to supporting the loved ones of individuals struggling with addiction.
Are you waking up every day and realizing that your life is not where you want it to be? Are you feeling stuck in certain areas of your life and not able to find a solution? I am able to help you by providing you a safe environment where you can express yourself without feeling judged or criticized.  I have been helping people find peace, calm, and hope in their lives. 
I specialize in treating trauma (PTSD), mood disorders, drug and alcohol addiction relationship issues, family issues, life-transition problems in addition to supporting the loved ones of individuals struggling with addiction.
Are you waking up every day and realizing that your life is not where you want it to be? Are you feeling stuck in certain areas of your life and not able to find a solution? I am able to help you by providing you a safe environment where you can express yourself without feeling judged or criticized.  I have been helping people find peace, calm, and hope in their lives. 
(562) 275-3206 View (562) 275-3206
Photo of V'Anne Singleton, MFT - Therapist and Life Coach, Marriage & Family Therapist in 94102, CA
V'Anne Singleton, MFT - Therapist and Life Coach
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94102  (Online Only)
I believe my principal role as a therapist is to create a safe place for people to find their unique paths to emotional well-being and meaningful relationships. Whether you are going through a life transition, feeling depressed or anxious, experiencing a relationship conflict, or struggling with an addiction, making a change is always easier when you have an experienced professional to guide you through it. I can be that guide. Invest the time and energy to improve your emotional health in the same way you strive to improve your physical health. Our emotions need exercise and our relationships need nurturing.
I believe my principal role as a therapist is to create a safe place for people to find their unique paths to emotional well-being and meaningful relationships. Whether you are going through a life transition, feeling depressed or anxious, experiencing a relationship conflict, or struggling with an addiction, making a change is always easier when you have an experienced professional to guide you through it. I can be that guide. Invest the time and energy to improve your emotional health in the same way you strive to improve your physical health. Our emotions need exercise and our relationships need nurturing.
(415) 326-8940 View (415) 326-8940
Photo of Farhad Ghodsi MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist in 94102, CA
Farhad Ghodsi MFT
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94102  (Online Only)
Whether you're dealing with relationship challenges or cycles of anxiety, depression and addiction, I can help.
Are you experiencing some roadblocks that are preventing you from getting where you want to be in life whether it be in your work, school, or relationships with others? When you’re feeling overwhelmed therapy can make the difference between feeling stuck and moving forward. I am a licensed marriage and family therapist located in San Francisco, specializing in psychotherapy for adult individuals. I’ve had the privilege of working within various multidisciplinary teams providing psychotherapy for over a decade.
Whether you're dealing with relationship challenges or cycles of anxiety, depression and addiction, I can help.
Are you experiencing some roadblocks that are preventing you from getting where you want to be in life whether it be in your work, school, or relationships with others? When you’re feeling overwhelmed therapy can make the difference between feeling stuck and moving forward. I am a licensed marriage and family therapist located in San Francisco, specializing in psychotherapy for adult individuals. I’ve had the privilege of working within various multidisciplinary teams providing psychotherapy for over a decade.
(415) 996-1861 View (415) 996-1861
Brown Therapy Center
Marriage & Family Therapist
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94102
We work with a diverse population of adult individuals, couples, and special interest groups who may be struggling with any number of mental health challenges related to anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, relationship issues, and substance abuse, among others. We are committed to providing culturally competent care across the spectrum of age, race, gender, sexuality, religion, and background.
We work with a diverse population of adult individuals, couples, and special interest groups who may be struggling with any number of mental health challenges related to anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, relationship issues, and substance abuse, among others. We are committed to providing culturally competent care across the spectrum of age, race, gender, sexuality, religion, and background.
(415) 849-7242 View (415) 849-7242
Photo of Alisa Marie Lewis, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 94102, CA
Alisa Marie Lewis
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, PhD
Verified Verified
9 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94102
My areas of expertise include depression, anxiety, addiction, grief and loss, life transitions, and identity.
You may be a highly educated and successful person who struggles with perfectionism, work-life balance or impostor syndrome (doubting your accomplishments; fearing being seen as a fraud). You may be a person of color, a child of immigrants or someone who is geographically separated from your family and other support systems. I have had significant experience helping individuals like yourself, experiencing both personal and work-related stress. I work to understand your story, and together we develop a plan to address the goals that you have for improving your quality of life.
My areas of expertise include depression, anxiety, addiction, grief and loss, life transitions, and identity.
You may be a highly educated and successful person who struggles with perfectionism, work-life balance or impostor syndrome (doubting your accomplishments; fearing being seen as a fraud). You may be a person of color, a child of immigrants or someone who is geographically separated from your family and other support systems. I have had significant experience helping individuals like yourself, experiencing both personal and work-related stress. I work to understand your story, and together we develop a plan to address the goals that you have for improving your quality of life.
(415) 534-3805 View (415) 534-3805
Photo of David Brown, Marriage & Family Therapist in 94102, CA
David Brown
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
12 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94102
As a licensed therapist based in San Francisco, I help individuals, couples, and families dive beneath the surface-level issues to discover the underlying causes of their distress. Many men, women, and non-binary individuals who choose to work with me are at the grips of anxiety, depression, addiction, grief, or relationship challenges. Many are highly motivated professionals who are self-reliant and achievement-focused but often struggle with self-defeating thoughts and patterns that keep them stuck.
As a licensed therapist based in San Francisco, I help individuals, couples, and families dive beneath the surface-level issues to discover the underlying causes of their distress. Many men, women, and non-binary individuals who choose to work with me are at the grips of anxiety, depression, addiction, grief, or relationship challenges. Many are highly motivated professionals who are self-reliant and achievement-focused but often struggle with self-defeating thoughts and patterns that keep them stuck.
(415) 967-5261 View (415) 967-5261
Photo of Cynthia Rinker, Marriage & Family Therapist in 94102, CA
Cynthia Rinker
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, CSAT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94102  (Online Only)
My specialty is working with those struggling with sexual compulsivity, sexual problematic behavior, sexual addiction or have been arrested for sex offenses.
My therapeutic style is grounded in a humanistic approach and Cognitive-Behavioral therapy with a pragmatic, down-to-earth style. Each client's therapy is individualized, collaborative, and strengths based. I help clients learn to regulate and manage feelings that overwhelm them and negatively affect their thoughts, moods, and attitudes that, in turn, lead to destructive behavior. Whether it is anxiety, depression, diminished self-esteem, or relationship issues, individual clients come to understand their present circumstances in light of their past. I am committed to helping clients improve relationships and gain self knowledge.
My specialty is working with those struggling with sexual compulsivity, sexual problematic behavior, sexual addiction or have been arrested for sex offenses.
My therapeutic style is grounded in a humanistic approach and Cognitive-Behavioral therapy with a pragmatic, down-to-earth style. Each client's therapy is individualized, collaborative, and strengths based. I help clients learn to regulate and manage feelings that overwhelm them and negatively affect their thoughts, moods, and attitudes that, in turn, lead to destructive behavior. Whether it is anxiety, depression, diminished self-esteem, or relationship issues, individual clients come to understand their present circumstances in light of their past. I am committed to helping clients improve relationships and gain self knowledge.
(415) 578-7639 View (415) 578-7639
Photo of Jason Karageorge, Psychologist in 94102, CA
Jason Karageorge
Psychologist, PhD, MS, MPhil
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94102
Though no two treatments are the same, I specialize in treating addiction, anger, anxiety, and depression, and also specialize in resolving deeper internal conflicts related to identity, relationships, sexuality, and shame.
Life can be incredibly hard, and there is no "manual" for how to navigate life's overwhelming situations and complex emotional experiences. During these tough times, it's common to feel "stuck" and desperately wanting solutions, while struggling to identify them on your own. At this juncture, the objectivity, support, and insight of a licensed clinical psychologist can help you to move through this time in your life. I have witnessed this process, personally, and helped many clients persevere through intense periods of conflict and pain.
Though no two treatments are the same, I specialize in treating addiction, anger, anxiety, and depression, and also specialize in resolving deeper internal conflicts related to identity, relationships, sexuality, and shame.
Life can be incredibly hard, and there is no "manual" for how to navigate life's overwhelming situations and complex emotional experiences. During these tough times, it's common to feel "stuck" and desperately wanting solutions, while struggling to identify them on your own. At this juncture, the objectivity, support, and insight of a licensed clinical psychologist can help you to move through this time in your life. I have witnessed this process, personally, and helped many clients persevere through intense periods of conflict and pain.
(415) 347-8651 View (415) 347-8651
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.