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.
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
342 N Water St, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202
Carla Weismantel is a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. They treat Addiction, Abuse, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
The best of mental healthcare in one place. At Geode, we combine full-spectrum psychiatry and talk therapy to better meet changing patient needs.
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
3230 University Avenue, Madison, Wisconsin 53705
Sarah Marty is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Madison, Wisconsin and has been in practice for 6 years. They treat Addiction, Body Image, Physical Stress.
I offer a free phone consult prior to the first session to see if we are a good match. I love what I do and that shows in my approach.
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
486 W Boughton Rd, Bolingbrook, Illinois 60440
Ada Wang is a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in Bolingbrook, Illinois. They treat Addiction, Drug Use, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD).
The best of mental healthcare in one place. At Geode, we combine full-spectrum psychiatry and talk therapy to better meet changing patient needs.
Psychologist
Remote only
Michelle Litwer is a Psychologist in undefined, undefined and has been in practice for 8 years. They treat Addiction, Conflict Resolution, Trauma.
My main objective is to help clients manage their emotions, make decisions that are line with their values, and to live fulfilling and meaningful lives.
Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN), Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
6197 South Rural Road, Tempe, Arizona 85283
Benitho Louissaint is a Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) in Tempe, Arizona. They treat Addiction, Medication Concerns, Depression.
We see clients of all genders, ethnicities, and cultures.
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, Relationship(s) with Parents/Children/Family, Work/Life Balance.
Trauma-informed therapist specializing in EMDR, Brainspotting, and Somatic Experiencing for complex trauma, PTSD, anxiety, panic, or depression.
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.
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.
