Finding the Right Therapist for Substance Use and Addiction
If you’re struggling with substance use or addiction, reaching out for help is a powerful first step. Whether you’re dealing with alcohol, drugs, or other addictive behaviors, therapy can provide the tools and support you need to recover and build a healthier life.
In this guide, we’ll answer common questions about addiction therapy and help you understand what to look for in a therapist or counselor.
How Can Therapy Help with Addiction?
Therapy isn’t just about stopping substance use—it’s about understanding the underlying causes of your drinking or drug use, building healthier coping skills, and creating a life that feels worth living without substances.
Therapists who specialize in addiction can help you:
- Explore the root causes of your substance use, such as trauma, stress, or mental health challenges.
- Develop healthier ways to cope with cravings and triggers.
- Rebuild relationships and repair trust with loved ones.
- Set meaningful goals for your recovery and life.
What Type of Therapy Works Best for Addiction?
Different approaches can be effective, depending on your needs. Here are a few commonly used therapies, and most counselors will use a combination of modalities based on an individual’s needs and preferences.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps you identify and change unhelpful thought patterns that lead to substance use.
- Motivational Interviewing (MI): Focuses on strengthening your motivation to change and aligning your actions with your values.
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Teaches skills for managing intense emotions, tolerating distress, and improving relationships.
- Trauma-Informed Therapy: Addresses the role past trauma may play in your substance use.
What Should I Look for in an Addiction Therapist?
When searching for a therapist, consider these factors:
- Look for a therapist who has specific training and experience in treating substance use and addiction. Certifications such as Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor (LCDC) can indicate expertise.
- Ask if they are knowledgeable about co-occurring disorders, like anxiety, depression, or trauma, as these often accompany addiction.
- A good therapist will make you feel seen, heard, and understood. During your initial consultation, notice if their communication style makes you feel comfortable and safe.
Can Therapy Help with Relapse?
Yes! Relapse is often a part of recovery, and therapy can help you learn from the experience rather than feeling defeated by it. A good therapist will work with you to identify triggers, rebuild your confidence, and adjust your recovery plan.
How to Take the First Step
If you’re ready to take the next step, know that help is available. Reaching out for support is an act of courage, and it can be the start of building a brighter, healthier future. You can contact us here and we will match you with one of the amazing counselors on our team who specialize in substance use and addiction, or we can provider referrals outside our practice if needed.
I’m Cherie Miller, LPC-S, CED-S, IEDS, founder of Nourished Soul Center for Healing in Southlake, Texas and @foodfreedomtherapist on Instagram. At Nourished Soul, our team of therapists, dietitians and medication providers specializes in helping with eating disorders, trauma, substance use, OCD, and other women’s issues, including postpartum depression and anxiety. You don’t have to do this alone—reach out to today to learn how we can support you.