Recovery from addiction is one of the most challenging journeys you can take. It is also one of the most worthwhile. If you have already completed detox or a rehabilitation programme, you have taken an enormous first step. But staying sober requires more than willpower. It demands ongoing support, self-awareness, and often professional help to address the deeper patterns that fuel addictive behaviour.
The scale of addiction in Ireland has grown significantly. According to the Health Research Board, over 13,000 people received treatment for problem drug use in 2024 alone. This represents the highest figure on record. Cocaine now accounts for 40% of all drug treatment cases, with numbers rising by 250% since 2017. Problem alcohol use remains widespread, with nearly 9,000 cases treated last year. These are not just statistics. They represent real people seeking a way forward.
What is Addiction Recovery?
Addiction recovery is the ongoing process of learning to live without relying on substances or compulsive behaviours. It goes beyond simply stopping. True recovery means rebuilding your life, understanding your triggers and developing healthier ways to cope with stress, emotions and difficult situations.
Recovery is not linear. Setbacks happen. Research suggests that relapse rates for addiction fall between 40% and 60%, which is comparable to other chronic conditions like diabetes or hypertension. A relapse does not mean failure. It signals that your approach may need adjusting. Many people find that after five years of sustained recovery, their risk of relapse drops to around 15%, similar to the general population.
How Counselling Supports Recovery
Detox addresses the physical side of addiction. Counselling tackles what lies beneath. Many people struggling with addiction carry unresolved emotions they have never learned to process. Shame, guilt, anger, fear, low self-esteem. These feelings do not disappear when substances leave your system. If anything, they become more present.
Counselling provides a confidential space where you can explore these emotions without judgement. Your therapist will help you understand the coping skills you already have and develop new ones. You will begin to recognise patterns in your behaviour and identify the emotional triggers that have historically led you back to substance use or compulsive behaviours.
The therapeutic relationship itself can be healing. For many people in recovery, this may be the first time they have experienced a stable, trustworthy connection where they feel genuinely heard.
Types of Addiction We Support
Addiction takes many forms. Some are visible. Others remain hidden for years. At Mind and Body Works, we offer support for people recovering from substance addictions including alcohol, drugs and prescription medications. We also work with those affected by behavioural addictions.
Behavioural addictions have become increasingly common in Ireland. Issues like gambling, gaming and pornography addiction are surging nationally, much of it linked to smartphone use. Problem gambling frequently co-occurs with substance misuse. Nearly half of those treated for gambling addiction also struggle with alcohol or other drugs.
Whether your addiction involves alcohol, cocaine, gambling, pornography, or something else entirely, the underlying emotional drivers often share common threads. Counselling helps you understand these roots.
Understanding Relapse in Recovery
Relapse is not a sign that treatment has failed. It is a recognised part of the recovery cycle. When it happens, it offers valuable information about what still needs attention.
Your counsellor will work with you to understand the circumstances surrounding any relapse. What triggered it? What were you feeling beforehand? What was happening in your life? This analysis is not about blame. It is about learning. Each relapse can reveal something important about your vulnerabilities and help refine your recovery strategy.
Ongoing support dramatically improves outcomes. People who engage with therapy, support groups and aftercare programmes for extended periods tend to achieve more stable long-term recovery.
The Role of Support Groups
Counselling works alongside other forms of support, not in place of them. Groups like Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, Gamblers Anonymous, and SMART Recovery provide community, accountability and shared understanding that is difficult to find elsewhere.
Support groups offer a sense of belonging during a time when isolation can feel overwhelming. Many people find that combining individual therapy with group attendance provides the most robust foundation for lasting recovery.
Counselling provides a confidential space where you can explore these emotions without judgement. Your therapist will help you understand the coping skills you already have and develop new ones. You will begin to recognise patterns in your behaviour and identify the emotional triggers that have historically led you back to substance use or compulsive behaviours.
The therapeutic relationship itself can be healing. For many people in recovery, this may be the first time they have experienced a stable, trustworthy connection where they feel genuinely heard.
FAQ
Do I need to complete detox before starting counselling?
For those recovering from substance addiction, detox or rehabilitation typically comes first. This addresses the immediate physical dependence and stabilises you enough to engage meaningfully with therapy. If you have already completed this stage, counselling can begin immediately. If you are unsure where you are in the process, we can help you determine the appropriate next step.
What happens if I relapse during therapy?
Relapse does not end your therapeutic relationship. Your counsellor will view it as an opportunity to learn and adjust your approach. Together, you will explore what happened and strengthen your coping strategies. The goal is progress, not perfection.
Can you help with behavioural addictions like gambling or pornography?
Yes. Behavioural addictions often share the same emotional underpinnings as substance addictions. Our therapists work with people struggling with gambling, pornography, gaming, shopping, and other compulsive behaviours. The therapeutic approach focuses on understanding triggers, developing healthier coping mechanisms and addressing underlying emotional needs.
How long does addiction counselling take?
There is no fixed timeline. Recovery is an ongoing process, and the duration of therapy depends on your individual circumstances, history and goals. Some people benefit from shorter-term, focused work. Others find value in longer-term support. What matters most is finding what works for you.
Is counselling confidential?
Absolutely. Everything discussed in your sessions remains confidential. This is fundamental to building the trust necessary for effective therapy. You can speak openly about your experiences without fear of judgement or disclosure.
Yes. We offer both in-person appointments at our Dublin and Galway locations and online therapy sessions. Online counselling provides flexibility and privacy, allowing you to access support from wherever feels most comfortable.
Taking the Next Step
Recovery asks a lot of you. It takes courage to face what lies beneath addictive behaviour. But you do not have to do this alone. Our therapists at Mind and Body Works understand the complexities of addiction and provide compassionate, non-judgemental support tailored to your needs.
Whether you are newly sober, several years into recovery, or struggling after a setback, we are here to help. Contact us to arrange a confidential appointment, either in person across our Dublin or Galway centres or online from anywhere in Ireland.
