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Addiction and substance abuse
Written by Luisa Kos
Table of contents
Why therapy is essential for addiction recovery
Addiction is not just about substance use—it often stems from deeper emotional pain, trauma, stress, or mental health challenges. Many people turn to substances or addictive behaviours as a way to cope, only to find themselves caught in a cycle that feels impossible to break. Therapy offers a structured and supportive way to understand and address addiction at its core.
Key benefits of therapy for addiction:
- Identifying the root causes – Understanding the emotional, psychological, and environmental factors that contribute to substance use.
- Developing healthier coping strategies – Replacing addictive behaviours with sustainable, positive coping mechanisms.
- Managing triggers and cravings – Learning how to recognise and handle situations that increase the risk of relapse.
- Rebuilding relationships and restoring trust – Addressing the impact of addiction on family, friendships, and work.
- Addressing co-occurring mental health issues – Many people with addiction also experience anxiety, depression, PTSD, or other mental health conditions that need attention.
- Creating a sustainable plan for long-term recovery – Recovery is an ongoing process, and therapy helps build a personalised strategy for maintaining progress.
Addiction recovery is not about willpower alone—it’s about having the right support system, tools, and guidance to make lasting changes.
Understanding different types of addiction
Addiction is not limited to substances like alcohol or drugs. Many individuals struggle with compulsive behaviours that can negatively impact their lives. Therapy can help with:
- Alcohol addiction – Understanding dependency, withdrawal, and strategies for moderation or sobriety.
- Drug addiction – Addressing both prescription and recreational drug misuse and its underlying causes.
- Gambling addiction – Overcoming compulsive gambling and financial consequences.
- Sex and love addiction – Managing unhealthy relationship patterns, compulsive behaviours, and self-worth issues.
- Internet and social media addiction – Reducing excessive screen time and dependency on digital platforms.
- Food addiction and emotional eating – Developing a healthier relationship with food and body image.
Regardless of the type of addiction, therapy provides a structured path towards regaining control and improving overall well-being.
Therapists who understand addiction
Seeking therapy for addiction can feel daunting, but finding a professional who truly understands your experience can make all the difference. Our directory features therapists with expertise in addiction treatment, using a variety of evidence-based approaches, including:
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) – Identifying negative thought patterns and developing healthier behaviours.
- Motivational Interviewing (MI) – Strengthening your motivation and commitment to change.
- Trauma-informed therapy – Addressing past experiences that may contribute to substance use.
- Mindfulness & stress reduction – Learning techniques to manage cravings, stress, and emotional distress.
- 12-step facilitation – Exploring structured recovery programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous if they align with your needs.
- Harm reduction therapy – Supporting individuals who are not ready for complete abstinence but want to reduce harmful behaviours.
Our therapists take a compassionate, non-shaming approach, focusing on empowerment and progress rather than blame or guilt.
A Supportive and non-judgmental space
Many people struggling with addiction fear being judged, misunderstood, or labelled. The therapists in our directory provide a confidential and understanding space where you can talk openly about your challenges.
Whether you’re in the early stages of recognising a problem, actively working towards recovery, or maintaining sobriety, therapy can be a powerful tool for lasting change.
Does therapy work for addiction?
Therapy has been shown to be highly effective in treating addiction, especially when combined with other forms of support such as medical care, peer support groups, and lifestyle changes. Many people find that therapy helps them:
- Gain deeper self-awareness about their addiction
- Replace harmful habits with healthier alternatives
- Improve emotional regulation and stress management
- Build confidence in their ability to maintain recovery
No matter how long you have been struggling, it is never too late to seek help.
My identify shifted when I got into recovery. That’s who I am now, and it actually gives me greater pleasure to have that identity than to be a musician or anything else. It gives me a spiritual anchor.
Find a specialist
Recovery looks different for everyone, and finding the right therapist can be a crucial step in your journey. Our directory allows you to search for addiction specialists based on location, therapy style, and specific areas of expertise. Whether you’re looking for in-person sessions or online support, you can find a therapist who aligns with your needs.
Start your search today and take the first step towards a healthier, more fulfilling life.
Therapists who can help with addiction and substance abuse
Ruth Hill
You don’t have to do this on your own. We can work together on your needs, rather than try to focus on a label. I offer flexible, integrative therapy designed around what you need. Together, we can restore your peace of mind.
Anita Pankhania
Support for feeling overwhelmed, stuck, anxious, emotionally drained or unsure what to do. I offer confidential online counselling, making therapy accessible wherever you are in the UK. Together, we can explore what is happening for you, understanding patterns, build confidence and help you move forward with greater clarity.
Farheen Hasan
Integrative Counselling for anxiety, depression, eating disorders, grief and family conflicts.
Eunice Knowlton-Hung
Are you navigating questions around identity, relationships, sexuality, gender, race, culture, belonging, or a combination of the above?
Maybe you’re struggling with anxiety, self-doubt, relationship conflict, family dynamics, burnout, grief, trauma, shame or the impact of racism, discrimination, and other systemic pressures.
Do you feel overwhelmed, disconnected, stuck in old patterns, or unsure how to move forward?
Perhaps you’re feeling exhausted by the need to explain your lived experience to people who don’t get it.
I offer a warm, non-judgemental, supportive and personalised approach to help you explore and process any significant life issues, traumatic history, unwanted thoughts and beliefs, and compulsive behaviours that are holding you back.
My role is to support you in exploring your feelings, needs, behaviours and problems in a safe, structured, confidential setting. The foundation of my approach is a therapeutic relationship based on compassionate, non-judgmental respect and offering empathic understanding so that you feel seen and heard.
Dr Jeremy Rowe
I am a Consultant Psychologist and Clinical Director of Ark Psychology Ltd. We provide assessment & diagnosis, therapy, coaching and consultation for a wide range of mental health and neurodivergent presentations, inc ADHD/ autism, depression, PTSD, anxiety, OCD, addictions. I specialize in the treatment of OCD. We offer ADHD coaching and comprehensive ADHD and autism assessments for children and adults
Matthew Whitfield
I have worked in voluntary settings and private practice for 9 years. I have particular experience in working with clients who identify as LGBTQ+ or who are exploring their sexuality and/or gender expression. I am a cisgender gay man and use he/him pronouns. I am a UKCP (UK Council for Psychotherapy) accredited psychotherapist and subscribe to its Ethical Principles and Code of Professional Conduct.
Sara Saxon
Seeking support can sometimes feel difficult, but I see it as a thoughtful and constructive step towards understanding and change. I offer a confidential safe space where we can think together about where you are now and where you would like to be. I work flexibly, short or long term, and welcome people from all backgrounds. I have extensive experience in working with neurodiversity; ADHD, ADD, dyslexia and dyspraxia and how it can shape life experiences both positively and negatively. I am an accredited Integrative Psychotherapist with an MA and Diploma in psychotherapy and I am registered with both UKCP and BACP. I am aligned with Column C of the SCoPEd framework, which represents the most comprehensive level of training in the UK.
Julie Proudley
I have an MA Counseling Psychology and over 20 years managerial and therapeutic support experience within mental health services before starting full-time private practice in 2021. I am able to support holistically with a range of approaches, working at behavioural, mental, emotional and spiritual/energetic levels as appropriate, so it can be tailored to your needs to support you to create the change in your life you would like. The work is collaborative and I create a safe space where anything can be discussed and a space where self understanding, love and acceptance are part of the healing process. More recent trainings include Internal Family Systems, somatic processing, polyvagal theory and trauma-related counselling.
Ali Jaffery
I work particularly with clients navigating conflicts between sexuality, faith, identity, relationships and the life they want to build.
Dr Daksha Hirani
Offering trauma focused sessions to worldwide clients, I have a passion in helping my clients overcome mental health challenges they are experiencing. I use solution focused approaches, equipping clients with powerful tools that empower them to make value based choices time and time again. My aim is to work towards a marked sense of well-being and increased contentment with greater effectiveness in all aspects of your life. I have a deep knowledge of a range of mental health issues including depression, anxiety, burnout, narcissistic abuse, trauma and a variety of health conditions. Typically, in no more than 6, 50min sessions, clients overcome something which is troubling them. They are surprised and, on occasion, amazed at the changes they have made to their lives over such a short period of time. The sessions may also be longer term to explore deeper issues.