Drug Addiction Therapy in London – Kensington & Online
Understanding Drug Addiction
Drug addiction, or substance use disorder (SUD), is a chronic disease that affects brain function and behavior, leading to compulsive use of legal or illegal drugs despite harmful consequences. Like alcohol addiction, drug addiction can be managed and treated effectively.
Types of Commonly Abused Drugs:
Opioids (e.g., heroin, fentanyl, oxycodone) Stimulants (e.g., cocaine, methamphetamine, Adderall) Depressants (e.g., benzodiazepines, barbiturates) Cannabis (marijuana) Hallucinogens (e.g., LSD, PCP) Synthetic drugs (e.g., synthetic cannabinoids, bath salts)
Opioids (e.g., heroin, fentanyl, oxycodone) Stimulants (e.g., cocaine, methamphetamine, Adderall) Depressants (e.g., benzodiazepines, barbiturates) Cannabis (marijuana) Hallucinogens (e.g., LSD, PCP) Synthetic drugs (e.g., synthetic cannabinoids, bath salts)
Types of Commonly Abused Drugs:
Opioids (e.g., heroin, fentanyl, oxycodone) Stimulants (e.g., cocaine, methamphetamine, Adderall) Depressants (e.g., benzodiazepines, barbiturates) Cannabis (marijuana) Hallucinogens (e.g., LSD, PCP) Synthetic drugs (e.g., synthetic cannabinoids, bath salts)
Opioids (e.g., heroin, fentanyl, oxycodone) Stimulants (e.g., cocaine, methamphetamine, Adderall) Depressants (e.g., benzodiazepines, barbiturates) Cannabis (marijuana) Hallucinogens (e.g., LSD, PCP) Synthetic drugs (e.g., synthetic cannabinoids, bath salts)
How We Treat Drug Addiction
We provide private drug addiction therapy in London, at our Kensington clinic and online.
We adopt an approach that is tailored, confidential, holistic and non-judgemental. Our priority is to identify and treat not only the symptoms but the underlying causes of drug addiction. We holistically treat the entire person and bespoke each aspect of the treatment programme at any given time to achieve the best outcomes possible. We use proven treatment modalities such Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Psychotherapy.
Signs & Symptoms
Drug addiction can develop slowly and be difficult to recognise. You might notice changes in mood, behaviour, or daily life before becoming fully aware of what’s going on.
Common signs and symptoms include:
- Strong urges or cravings to use
- Needing more of the drug to feel the same effect (tolerance)
- Withdrawal symptoms when not using (e.g., sweating, nausea, shaking, agitation)
- Neglecting responsibilities at work, home, or school
- Continuing to use despite physical or mental health problems
- Risk-taking behaviours (such as unsafe sex or sharing needles)
- Becoming isolated or secretive about drug use
Recovery & Relapse
Recovering from drug addiction is a long-term process that often involves setbacks. Relapse can happen—but it’s not a sign of failure. Instead, it’s a common part of the recovery journey and can provide valuable insight into what still needs to be addressed.
Recovery isn’t just about stopping drug use; it’s about building a healthier, more stable life. This often means making lifestyle changes, developing coping strategies, rebuilding relationships, and addressing any underlying mental health issues.
Support is key—whether through therapy, peer groups, medication, or structured programmes. Ongoing help from professionals, loved ones, and recovery communities can make all the difference in staying on track.
Treatment Options
There are several effective treatment options for drug addiction, and the right approach depends on the individual’s needs, the substance involved, and any co-occurring conditions.
Detoxification: The first step for many, detox helps clear drugs from the body. It is often medically supervised—especially for substances like opioids or benzodiazepines—to ensure safety and manage withdrawal symptoms.
Inpatient or Residential Rehab: A highly structured setting providing 24/7 care, therapy, medical support, and group sessions. Ideal for those with severe addiction or dual diagnoses.
Outpatient Treatment: Offers flexibility for individuals to continue daily responsibilities while attending regular therapy sessions and support groups.
Medication-assisted treatment: For some substances, particularly opioids, a doctor or specialist drug service may prescribe medication alongside counselling. This is arranged through your GP or local drug and alcohol service.
Behavioural Therapies – These therapies address the psychological aspects of addiction and include:
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) – Helps reshape thoughts and behaviours
- Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) – Helps reshape thoughts and behaviours
- Contingency Management – Uses positive reinforcement to support sobriety
- Motivational Interviewing – Builds motivation for change
- Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) – Supports those with emotional regulation issues or co-occurring mental health conditions
Every recovery journey is different—but support, structure, and the right treatment can make all the difference.
Drug addiction counselling in London
Our drug addiction therapy is outpatient and one-to-one. We help with dependence on substances such as cocaine, cannabis, ketamine and prescription medicines. Together we look at what drives your use, how to manage cravings and high-risk situations, and how to rebuild relationships, work and health.
Nick is an FDAP- and NCAC-accredited addiction therapist. We use CBT, DBT, EMDR and psychotherapy, and can treat co-occurring anxiety, depression or trauma through our dual diagnosis therapy.
Withdrawal from some drugs should be medically supervised, particularly opioids, benzodiazepines and other sedatives. Please speak to your GP before stopping; therapy can support you alongside this.
Our consulting rooms are at 118A Kensington Church Street, London W8 4BH, a short walk from Notting Hill Gate station. We see clients from Kensington, Chelsea, Notting Hill, Bayswater, Fulham, Hammersmith and across West London, and offer secure online sessions wherever you are.
For more information, see the NHS guide to getting help for drug addiction and NICE guidance on drug misuse.
What to expect
- Get in touch. Call or WhatsApp Nick on 07841 405 566, or request a confidential callback using the form below.
- Initial consultation. We talk through what is happening, your history and what you would like to change.
- Your plan. We agree an approach together, often CBT, DBT, EMDR or psychotherapy, and how often to meet.
- Regular sessions. 50-minute sessions in person in Kensington or online, with progress reviewed as you go.
Why choose The London Recovery Clinic
- Founded in 2019 by Nick Kypriotis MSc, an EMDR Advanced Practitioner and FDAP- and NCAC-accredited addiction therapist (meet Nick)
- A CQC-registered clinic with qualified, registered therapists, including clinical psychologists
- Evidence-based approaches recommended in NICE guidance, tailored to you
- Private, discreet consulting rooms in Kensington, or secure online sessions
- No GP referral or formal diagnosis needed to get started
- Support for families and loved ones as well as individuals
Fees and appointments
Sessions of drug addiction therapy in london cost £180 for 50 minutes, whether you see us in person in Kensington or online. Every client starts with an initial consultation, so you can ask questions and decide whether we are the right fit before committing to ongoing sessions.
You can self-refer. Call or WhatsApp Nick on 07841 405 566, email info@thelondonrecoveryclinic.co.uk, or use the form below. Have a question first? See our frequently asked questions.
Drug Addiction Therapy in London: FAQs
Answers to common questions about drug addiction therapy at The London Recovery Clinic. Can’t see your question? Call or WhatsApp us on 07841 405 566.
Yes. Psychological therapy is the main treatment for cocaine and other stimulant addiction, as there is no licensed medication for it. Therapy helps you understand your triggers, manage cravings and build a life without cocaine.
Many people recover with outpatient therapy while continuing with work and family life. If you need a medically supervised detox or residential care, we can talk through your options with you.
Yes. Sessions are private and confidential, held in discreet consulting rooms in Kensington or securely online.
Yes. Addiction affects the people around you too, and we offer support for partners and families as well as individuals.
Sessions are £180 for 50 minutes, in person at our Kensington clinic or online.
We are at 118A Kensington Church Street, London W8 4BH, a short walk from Notting Hill Gate station. We see clients from across Kensington, Chelsea, Notting Hill and West London.
