Therapy for Addiction in London

You know that feeling when you wake up and immediately think about it? Whatever ‘it’ is for you – the next drink, the betting app on your phone, the prescription pills in your bathroom cabinet. Addiction doesn’t discriminate, and in a city as fast-paced and demanding as London, it’s touching more lives than ever before.

Key fact: According to government data from 2023-24, 310,863 adults in England were in contact with drug and alcohol treatment services – a 7% rise from the previous year and the highest number since 2009-10.

The good news? You don’t have to face this alone. Professional therapy has helped countless Londoners reclaim their lives from addiction. And yes, that could include you too.

Understanding Addiction

Definition: Addiction is a chronic condition characterised by compulsive engagement with rewarding stimuli despite adverse consequences. It involves changes in brain circuitry, particularly in reward, stress, and self-control regions.

Let’s be honest – addiction is complex. It’s not simply about willpower or moral failing. The most common types of addiction treated in London therapy centres include:

• Alcohol addiction – The 2023 UK Adult Substance Misuse Treatment Statistics show alcohol remains a primary concern
• Drug addiction – ONS data shows 8.8% of adults aged 16-59 reported using any drug in the past year
• Gambling addiction – affecting approximately 0.5% of the UK population according to the Gambling Commission
• Technology/internet addiction – increasingly recognised, though formal diagnostic criteria are still developing

Impact on Daily Life

Think about how addiction ripples through your life. Rehab 4 Addiction reports that 71% of the 137,749 adults entering rehab in 2022-23 required additional mental health treatment – that’s nearly three-quarters dealing with co-occurring issues.

Delamere’s research found London has seen the third biggest increase in substance users from 2019 to date, at 28%. The capital also had the highest number of drug seizures last year, with 5,691 recorded.

Here’s what matters: seeking help isn’t weakness. The shame you’re carrying? That’s the addiction talking, not reality.

Types of Therapy for Addiction

Summary: London offers four main therapy formats for addiction: individual therapy, group therapy, family/couples counselling, and online options. Each has specific benefits and evidence-based success rates.

Individual Therapy

What it is: One-on-one sessions between you and a qualified addiction therapist, typically lasting 50-60 minutes weekly.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) remains the gold standard. Research shows CBT demonstrates efficacy as both a monotherapy and as part of combination treatment strategies. Castle Craig reports that two-thirds of people with substance use disorders who receive CBT achieve better outcomes, with one-third achieving abstinence with CBT alone.

Psychodynamic therapy goes deeper, exploring the roots of your addiction. It’s not about blame – it’s about understanding.

Group Therapy

What it is: Facilitated sessions with 6-12 people experiencing similar addiction challenges, usually meeting weekly for 90 minutes.

There’s something powerful about sitting in a room with people who genuinely get it. No judgement, no explaining why you can’t “just stop.” Group therapy offers peer support that friends and family, however well-meaning, simply can’t provide.

Family and Couples Counselling

Addiction doesn’t happen in a vacuum. Your loved ones are affected too, aren’t they? Family therapy helps rebuild trust and communication. Evidence suggests including family in treatment improves retention and outcomes.

Online vs In-Person Options

London traffic is nobody’s friend. Since COVID, online therapy has exploded in popularity. The BACP notes that digital therapy options have become mainstream, meeting strict professional standards.

The Therapy Process: What to Expect

Your first session isn’t an interrogation. A good therapist will assess where you are now and where you’d like to be. Together, you’ll create a treatment plan that fits your life, not some textbook ideal.

Sessions typically run 50 minutes to an hour. You might talk, you might do exercises, you might sit in comfortable silence sometimes. Progress isn’t always linear – some weeks you’ll feel invincible, others less so. That’s normal.

Confidentiality Standards

Everything you share is confidential, as outlined by BACP ethical guidelines and the Data Protection Act 2018. The only exceptions involve:

• Immediate risk of serious harm to yourself
• Immediate risk of serious harm to others
• Court-ordered disclosure (rare)
• Specific child protection concerns

Your therapist will explain these boundaries clearly in your first session. This is your safe space.

Evidence-Based Approaches

Let’s talk about what actually works. A 2023 systematic review found CBT for substance use disorders has “strong research support” with effects ranging from small to large depending on the substance.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

NHS guidance confirms CBT often requires just 16 sessions to produce meaningful results – much faster than traditional psychotherapy. It helps identify and change thought patterns driving addictive behaviours.

Motivational Interviewing (MI)

This approach taps into your own reasons for change (because let’s face it, doing it for someone else rarely sticks). It’s particularly effective for people who aren’t quite ready to commit to change.

12-Step Facilitation

The 12-step approach might sound old-fashioned, but there’s solid science behind why it helps many people. Community and accountability matter.

Choosing the Right Path for Your Recovery

Not every therapist is equipped to handle addiction. When you’re searching, ask about their specific experience. The British Psychological Society emphasises the importance of specialised training for addiction work.

Consider practical matters too:

• Can you afford private therapy, or would NHS services suit you better?
• Morning or evening sessions?
• Would a male or female therapist feel more comfortable?
• Do you need someone who understands specific cultural contexts?

There’s no shame in trying a therapist and realising they’re not the right fit. Your recovery is too important to settle.

Support Resources for Addiction Therapy

Therapy is powerful, but it’s not the only tool in your toolkit. The UK National Recovery Survey found that 29.7% of people in recovery attended mutual-help meetings, while 22.6% accessed recovery support services.

Digital support between sessions can help too. Educational resources help you understand what’s happening in your brain and body. Many people find apps for meditation, mood tracking, or staying accountable surprisingly helpful.

Knowledge is power, especially when you’re fighting something that thrives in secrecy and shame.

Conclusion

Recovery isn’t a destination – it’s a journey. Research shows that 40-60% of people with addiction will experience at least one relapse – similar to rates for other chronic conditions like diabetes. But here’s the crucial bit: studies indicate that after five years of sobriety, relapse rates drop to just 15%.

Some days will be harder than others. But thousands of Londoners have walked this path before you and found their way to a life they never thought possible. The Castle Craig outcomes data shows 73.4% of their patients were totally abstinent from all drugs or alcohol at one-year follow-up.

You’ve already taken the first step by reading this. The next one? That’s up to you. Whether you pick up the phone today or bookmark this page for when you’re ready, remember: help is available, recovery is possible, and you deserve both.

If you’re ready to explore how therapy could support your recovery journey, our experienced counsellors are here to help. We offer confidential sessions both in-person in London and online throughout the UK. Get in touch when you feel ready – there’s no pressure, just support.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I need therapy for addiction, or if I can handle it myself?

Quick answer: If you’re asking this question, it’s worth talking to a professional. The government statistics show professional treatment significantly improves outcomes.

Signs that therapy could help include:

• Repeatedly trying to quit without success
• Your addiction affecting work or relationships
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms
• Feeling like you’re losing control

Many people try the “willpower method” first – there’s no shame in realising you need more support. Even if you’re not sure you’re “addicted enough” for therapy, an initial consultation can provide clarity and direction.

Will my employer or others find out if I seek therapy for addiction?

Quick answer: No. UK law provides robust confidentiality protections, as detailed in the Data Protection Act 2018 and professional guidelines.

Your therapy is completely confidential. Therapists are bound by strict professional ethics. They cannot share information about your treatment without your written consent. The only exceptions (clearly explained in first session):

• Immediate suicide risk requiring emergency intervention
• Specific threats to identified individuals
• Court-ordered disclosure (extremely rare)
• Certain child protection issues

For employer-assistance programmes, request their specific confidentiality policy. Most operate “clinical firewalls” – your employer knows service usage numbers but not individual details.

How long does addiction therapy typically take, and what if I relapse?

Quick answer: Most people see significant improvement within 12-24 weeks of regular therapy, though individual timelines vary. Research indicates that approximately 50% may relapse within the first 12 weeks after intensive treatment.

Typical timeline:

• Initial stabilisation: 4-6 weeks
• Active change phase: 3-6 months
• Maintenance/prevention: 6-12 months
• Long-term support: As needed

As for relapse? It’s often part of the journey, not a failure. The National Institute on Drug Abuse compares addiction to chronic conditions like diabetes – relapse rates are similar. What matters is that long-term studies show the longer you stay in recovery, the better your chances become.

A good therapist will help develop a relapse prevention plan and won’t judge if you struggle. Think of it less like falling off a wagon and more like learning to ride a bike – wobbles are expected, but each attempt builds your skills.