Addiction therapy onlineTake back what matters to you.

The US National Institute on Drug Abuse notes that many people mistakenly think that people who use drugs lack moral principles or willpower, whereas in reality addiction is a complex disease, and quitting usually takes more than good intentions or a strong will, because drugs change the brain in ways that make quitting hard¹. Understanding this can reduce the shame that so often keeps people from seeking help.

The scale of the problem is significant. According to the WHO, 2.6 million deaths per year were attributable to alcohol consumption and 0.6 million to psychoactive drug use².

Addiction often affects both mind and body. Some substances, for example alcohol, benzodiazepines and opioids after regular use, can cause dangerous withdrawal if stopped suddenly, and some people need medication to support recovery. Where there are physical health risks, withdrawal or a need for medication, we work alongside doctors and psychiatrists, and psychological therapy is one part of a coordinated plan.

Our part is psychological: helping you understand what keeps the addiction going, build motivation and skills, address underlying difficulties such as anxiety, depression or trauma, and create a life in which you do not need the substance or behaviour to cope.

NIDA describes treatment and recovery as possible, and emphasises that addiction is a chronic condition in which relapse can be part of the process; newer treatments are designed to help with relapse prevention, and relapse rates are similar to those for other chronic medical illnesses such as high blood pressure and asthma⁵. NICE guidance covers psychosocial interventions for adults and young people over 16 with problems involving opioids, stimulants or cannabis, aiming to reduce drug use and improve physical and mental health, relationships and employment⁶.

The evidence for psychological therapy is real but honest about its limits. A 2026 meta-analysis of 52 randomised trials found that cognitive behavioural therapy for substance use disorders outperformed usual care or minimal treatment for consumption outcomes and showed benefits for psychosocial functioning when added to usual care³. For gambling disorder, a meta-analysis of 29 randomised trials found a medium effect of psychological interventions on gambling severity⁴.

Our therapists work in an integrative, evidence-informed way. Sessions usually include:

• Building motivation without judgement, including exploring ambivalence, which is a normal part of change.
• Assessment and safety planning, including any need for medical support.
• Understanding triggers: situations, people, emotions and thoughts linked with use.
• Techniques from cognitive behavioural therapy, where helpful, to cope with cravings and challenge permission-giving thoughts.
• Alternative coping strategies for stress, painful emotions and boredom.
• Working on underlying difficulties: anxiety, low mood, trauma, relationship problems, low self-esteem.
• Rebuilding life: routines, relationships, work and meaning.
• Relapse prevention: high-risk situations, early warning signs and what to do if a lapse happens.

Online sessions reduce practical and emotional barriers: no travel, no waiting rooms, no fear of being recognised. They also make it easier to have regular contact during the early, vulnerable weeks. Video therapy has shown outcomes broadly comparable to in-person therapy for common mental health problems⁷, and online sessions combine well with medical care and peer support groups.

Consider therapy if you recognise several of the signs above, if you have tried to cut down or stop and could not, if use is causing problems in your health, relationships, work or finances, or if you use substances or behaviours to cope with feelings.

Seek medical help before stopping alcohol, benzodiazepines or opioids if you use them regularly. Call 112 in an emergency, such as a suspected overdose, a seizure, loss of consciousness or thoughts of harming yourself.