Understanding Addiction
Addiction — clinically called Substance Use Disorder (SUD) — is a chronic brain condition characterized by compulsive substance use despite harmful consequences. It involves changes in brain circuits related to reward, stress, and self-control that can persist long after substance use stops.
Modern addiction science recognizes that SUD develops from a combination of genetic vulnerability, environmental factors, trauma history, and neurobiological changes. This understanding has shifted treatment from punitive models to compassionate, evidence-based approaches that address the whole person.
Effective Therapeutic Approaches
- Motivational Interviewing (MI) — A collaborative approach that helps clients explore and resolve ambivalence about change.
- CBT for Addiction — Identifies triggers and develops coping strategies to prevent relapse.
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) — Teaches emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal skills.
- Trauma-Informed Care — Addresses the trauma that often underlies addiction (up to 75% of people in addiction treatment have trauma histories).
- 12-Step Facilitation — Structured engagement with recovery community support.
- Harm Reduction — Meets people where they are, reducing negative consequences without requiring abstinence as a prerequisite for treatment.
- Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) — Combines behavioral therapy with medications to treat opioid, alcohol, and tobacco use disorders.
Featured Addiction Therapy Providers
Verified Oregon therapists specializing in this approach
Co-Occurring Conditions
Approximately 50% of people with substance use disorders also have a co-occurring mental health condition. The most common include:
- Depression and anxiety disorders
- PTSD and complex trauma
- ADHD
- Bipolar disorder
- Personality disorders
Effective addiction treatment must address both the substance use and any underlying mental health conditions simultaneously — a model called "integrated dual-diagnosis treatment."
Starting Your Recovery Journey
Recovery looks different for everyone. Some things to consider when seeking addiction therapy:
- You don't need to hit "rock bottom" to seek help.
- Look for therapists with specific addiction training (CADC, SUDP certifications).
- Consider whether outpatient therapy, intensive outpatient (IOP), or residential treatment is the right fit.
- A strong therapeutic relationship with your counselor is the best predictor of success.
- Recovery is not linear — setbacks are part of the process, not proof of failure.