Addiction

Addiction is a major public health crisis in America. According to the most recent National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) released by SAMHSA, in 2024 alone, 48 million Americans aged 12 and older met criteria for a substance use disorder, including 27.9 million with alcohol use disorder and 28.2 million with drug use disorder. Behavioral addictions also affect a large number of people, with approximately 2.5 million American adults struggling with gambling disorder and millions more dealing with issues like gaming, social media, sex, pornography, and shopping addictions. In our region, substance use disorder prevalence remains high: Massachusetts and Rhode Island both see rates around 18-20% of residents struggling with addiction. Shockingly, out of all the Americans suffering from a substance use disorder, only about 1 in 5 of them actually receive treatment each year, leaving tens of millions without the care they need.

The good news is there is real hope. Evidence-based treatments like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) work. CBT for addiction is backed by decades of research, including more than 50 controlled trials and multiple meta-analyses showing it helps people reduce use, increase self-control, develop effective coping skills, and stay in recovery longer. The skills you learn keep working for you long after the sessions end. If you are dealing with addiction, evidence-based counseling gives you a real shot at lasting change.

Recovery isn’t about shame. It’s about understanding the patterns behind addiction and building a steadier way forward. Addiction can begin as a way to cope with stress, loneliness, or a loss of purpose. Whether it involves substance use, gambling, pornography, social media, or something else, the struggle often follows familiar patterns. Together, we’ll work to interrupt those cycles, strengthen self-control, and rebuild a life rooted in honesty, confidence, and self-respect. Step by step, you’ll learn practical tools to manage urges and reclaim what matters most.