Medically reviewed by Gabriela Asturias, MD on May 23, 2025Struggling with drugs or alcohol can feel overwhelming—but you’re not alone, and help is available. Whether you’re questioning your relationship with substances, coping with relapse, or trying to support someone you care about, substance abuse counseling offers judgment-free support and proven tools for change. Healing is possible, and it often begins with a single, courageous step: reaching out.
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
2802 Coho Street, Madison, Wisconsin 53713
Rachel Kleibor is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Madison, Wisconsin and has been in practice for 24 years. They treat Addiction, Life Transitions, Anxiety.
I create a non-judgmental space to talk about what is really going on for you.
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
Remote only
Kateryna Chorna is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in undefined, undefined and has been in practice for 10 years. They treat Addiction, Social Anxiety, Autism.
Supporting in healing from anxiety, depression, and trauma with EMDR, DBT, and trauma-informed care for calm, balance, and resilience.
Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
Remote only
Elizabeth Swift is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in undefined, undefined and has been in practice for 10 years. They treat Addiction, Women's Issues, Anxiety.
You can find relief, reclaim your sense of self, and step into a life that feels more aligned, peaceful, and fulfilling.
Psychotherapist, Certified Trauma Professional, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)
Remote only
Shayda Ewalt is a Psychotherapist in undefined, undefined and has been in practice for 10 years. They treat Addiction, Phobia, Relationship Violence/Stalking/Harassment.
Trauma-informed therapist specializing in EMDR, Brainspotting, and Somatic Experiencing for complex trauma, PTSD, anxiety, panic, or depression.
Psychiatrist
1600 Olive Chapel Road, Apex, North Carolina 27502
Vinay Saranga is a Psychiatrist in Apex, North Carolina. They treat Addiction, Anxiety, Personality Disorders.
Mental health disorders are unique. In addition to medication management, we offer TMS Therapy and IV Ketamine that can help when nothing else does.
Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
1211 Agnese Street, Charlottesville, Virginia 22901
Bryanna Duncan is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Charlottesville, Virginia and has been in practice for 5 years. They treat Addiction, Relationship Violence/Stalking/Harassment, Self-Harm.
Do you find that, if you really think about it, you’re unsure of who you are? Are you constantly questioning your purpose? Join me to begin your journey.
When considering a therapist, remember that in a world constantly telling us there’s always something better out there, aiming for “good enough” is not only okay, it’s essential. Therapy is inherently uncomfortable—it asks us to look at things we’d rather avoid—but it’s also about finding someone who feels safe and supportive enough, and who can be a partner in your healing. If possible, do a consultation with them to ask how they see themselves helping you. The therapeutic relationship is about a clear partnership, so keep looking until you find someone who’s a good enough fit to help you with your goals.
Substance Use Disorder (SUD) is a medical and psychological condition that involves the problematic use of alcohol or drugs despite negative consequences. It affects brain function, behavior, relationships, and physical health. SUD is more than occasional use or bad habits—it’s a chronic, often relapsing condition that changes how the brain perceives pleasure, stress, and decision-making.
Key signs include:
SUD can range from mild to severe, and early intervention through substance abuse counseling increases the chances of long-term recovery.
Not everyone who uses substances has a problem. Many people drink socially or use prescription medications responsibly. The key difference lies in how much the substance use interferes with your life.
Casual use typically:
Problematic use or addiction, on the other hand:
A substance use therapist can help you or your loved one assess where you fall on this spectrum and explore next steps without pressure or shame.
It can be hard to recognize when use has become a problem, especially because denial and secrecy are common. Some questions to ask include:
If you answered “yes” to several of these, substance abuse counseling may be beneficial. Early support can prevent deeper harm and offer pathways toward healing.
Substance use and mental health are deeply connected. Many people with addiction also live with co-occurring disorders, such as:
Substances are often used as a way to numb emotional pain, regulate mood, or cope with past trauma. But over time, they tend to worsen these conditions. A skilled substance abuse therapist will treat the whole person—not just the substance use.
Yes, and this is essential. Integrated treatment is key to long-term recovery for people with co-occurring disorders. When you only treat one issue—say, the addiction but not the depression—both tend to come back.
Effective addiction therapists use approaches that address both substance use and mental health, including:
This kind of comprehensive approach is often called dual diagnosis treatment.
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to addiction therapy. Effective treatment may include a combination of the following:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Helps you recognize and change thoughts, behaviors, and triggers related to substance use. Proven to reduce relapse risk and build coping skills.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Originally developed for emotion regulation disorders, DBT for addiction is especially helpful for those with co-occurring mental health conditions. It emphasizes mindfulness, tolerance of distress, and building a life worth living.
Motivational Interviewing (MI)
A gentle, collaborative style of therapy that helps you explore ambivalence and strengthen your own desire to change—without pressure or judgment.
Contingency Management
Uses tangible rewards (like vouchers or incentives) to reinforce positive behaviors like abstinence or attending therapy.
Family Therapy
Addresses how addiction affects the entire family system, and supports rebuilding trust, communication, and accountability.
A good therapist specializing in addiction will customize your treatment based on your goals, needs, and background.
Dual diagnosis treatment refers to integrated care for people who have both a substance use disorder and a mental health condition. It’s essential because:
Substance abuse counseling within a dual diagnosis framework treats both conditions as interconnected—so healing one supports healing the other. This approach improves outcomes, reduces relapse risk, and supports long-term wellness.
Yes. Relapse is common—but not a failure. Recovery from addiction is a journey, not a straight line. Many people experience setbacks before finding stable recovery.
Therapy helps by:
An experienced addiction therapist will work with you to make relapse a learning opportunity—not a reason to give up.
Finding the right support can feel daunting, but you don’t have to do it alone. Start by asking:
Resources include:
If you’re open to programs, you can also explore inpatient, outpatient, or intensive outpatient (IOP) settings based on the severity of your needs.
Your substance use counselor or medical provider can help assess which level of care is right for you.
Yes. Many people begin therapy uncertain about change. That’s normal.
Motivational interviewing, used by many addiction therapists, is designed to meet you where you are—whether that’s full commitment to sobriety or just curiosity about what life could be like without substances.
Therapy can help you:
You don’t have to hit “rock bottom” to deserve help. The sooner you seek support, the better your chances of long-term recovery.
Addiction impacts everyone in a family—not just the person using substances. Family therapy or education can help loved ones:
Many substance abuse therapists include family or couple sessions, or may refer loved ones to parallel support like Al-Anon or SMART Recovery Family & Friends.
Family involvement improves outcomes—and offers healing for everyone involved.
Some people do recover on their own or through peer support alone—but research shows that professional help greatly increases the chances of success and reduces the risk of relapse.
Benefits of professional treatment include:
Even if you’ve tried before, or therapy feels scary, it’s never too late to try again—with the right support.
Addiction is treatable. Recovery is possible. Help is available.
Whether you’re seeking support for yourself or someone you love, reaching out to a qualified substance abuse therapist can be the first step toward healing, hope, and freedom. Explore substance abuse counseling, connect with a therapist specializing in addiction, or consider dialectical behavior therapy for addiction if you're navigating complex emotional needs.
You don’t have to do this alone. And you don’t have to be perfect to begin.
Recovery is possible. With early intervention, a supportive community, and the right professional care, you can overcome challenges and build a fulfilling life. We’re here to help you find the support you need.
