Therapy for Long-Term Sobriety 

Addiction is a complex condition impacting millions of individuals each year.  Each person's path to recovery is uniquely complex. For many people on the journey to sobriety, individual therapy is a key component of achieving and maintaining a fulfilling life without substances. ​​

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Understanding Addiction

Substance Use Disorder (SUD) is a chronic brain condition that affects how individuals think, feel, and behave and can have negative consequences on a person's mental health and physical health, relationships, and overall functioning.  Nearly 10% of adults in the United States are impacted by addiction. Addiction is a complex disease influenced by a broad range of factors, including biological and environmental factors, and often co-occurs with other mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Bipolar Disorder.  Addressing co-occurring mental health disorders is an important part of recovery and maintenance. 

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How Therapy Can Support Individuals Maintaining Long-Term Sobriety 

​Individual and group therapy were likely a large part of initial recovery, whether that included a twelve-step program, residential treatment or other outpatient treatment. After initial treatment, ongoing therapy can be an important source of  support to remain on the path of recovery. Building a fulfilling life without substances can be intimidating and challenging, but therapy can guide individuals on this path. Therapists can assist clients in developing healthy coping skills and emotional resilience, helping clients navigate the highs and lows of sobriety, practice self-compassion, and build confidence. Therapy can also be a place to identify and address root causes of addiction and ongoing triggers, including any underlying mental health conditions, trauma or life stressors. Overall, therapy focused on maintaining sobriety helps individuals manage stress and develop coping mechanisms to support their overall mental health and well-being and reduce risk of relapse.