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686,000 people sought help with Thriveworks in the last year

Discover how starting therapy with a addiction can support your own journey toward a happier, more fulfilling life.

Meet with a provider as soon as this week

Good news! We have 81 therapists in North Carolina available for an online or in-person session.

Starting Addiction

What is addiction counseling?

Addiction counseling therapists at Thriveworks in Asheville, NC can help people manage their urges to use the substance or engage in the activity they’re addicted to. In addition, it can help people manage the challenges that stem from their addiction, from relationship issues to problems at work, as well as those whose addiction may stem from issues like trauma.

How does addiction counseling work?

Addiction counseling at Thriveworks in Asheville, NC works by helping one understand the underlying causes of their addiction, teaching them coping strategies, and recognizing their specific triggers. Long-term or ongoing addiction counseling can also help to prevent relapse.

Is addiction counseling conducted in person or online?

Addiction counseling at Thriveworks is conducted both in person and online by video. We encourage you to choose the option that works best for you.

How long does addiction counseling last?

The length of addiction counseling depends on the individual’s needs, the extent and severity of their addiction, and the problems that might stem from it. That said, people can make meaningful progress in addiction counseling in the first weeks to months.

Need more help deciding?

Addiction Therapy in Asheville, NC—Addiction Therapists, Counselors

Many people think of addiction and associate it with a substance like cocaine, alcohol, marijuana, or prescription drugs. Addiction can also be a compulsive activity like sex, gambling, video games, Internet, or shopping. In both cases, the behavior is just the surface of a deeper disease. Addiction of any form changes the way that people’s brains functions. It also offers false promises of healing and love, but it only delivers destruction and pain.

The therapists and counselors at Thriveworks Asheville, NC have helped many people in their fight against addiction. We understand that the path of recovery, healing, and sobriety take holistic treatment and support. Our professionals have helped many clients find the resources they need to take their lives back from addiction.

Symptoms of Addiction

Addiction is an illness that alters a person’s brain. As individuals use a particular substance or engage in a particular activity, their brains release more and more pleasure hormones. The addiction rewards people for actions that harm them. While this is happening in people’s brains, there may also be physical, behavioral, and emotional signs in their lives.

Physical Signs of Addiction

  • Weight loss
  • Being hyperactive or lethargic (depending upon the drug)
  • Red eyes, dilated pupils
  • Repetitive speech
  • Excessive sniffing while not ill
  • Being undernourished or pale
  • Body odor that is unpleasant or different

Emotional Signs of Addiction

  • Defensiveness
  • Irritability
  • Being unable to handle stress
  • Loss of interest in people/activities that were once valued
  • Obnoxious, silly, easily confused
  • Lack of awareness about the problem: denial, rationalizations, minimizations, blame, diversions

Behavioral Signs of Addiction

  • Missed work/school/personal engagements
  • Lying to loved ones (especially to cover the addiction)
  • Difficulty in school or work
  • Isolating oneself
  • Relationship problems
  • Keeping secrets
  • Financial problems (particularly, needing money)

Risk Factors for Addiction

Addiction is a common illness, but some have a higher risk of developing an addiction than others. Family history and genetics play a role in addiction’s formation. Circumstances also has a part. In particular, emotional numbing and peer pressure can raise an individual’s risk.

Emotional Numbing: Many people who have an addiction have also lived through horrific life circumstances. Think about Lieutenant Dan in Forrest Gump. To numb the painful memories of war, he turns to alcohol and an addiction grows. The details may be different, but the pattern is the same for many people. Trauma, war, neglect, childhood abuse, and more can leave people vulnerable to addiction.

Peer pressure: Many teens, in particular, first start using a substance with a friend, and overtime, an addiction can form. Something that may begin innocently grows into something more sinister. Of course, peer pressure affects more than teens—many adults for an addiction this way as well.

Setting Up an Appointment for Addiction at Thriveworks Asheville Counseling

Are you struggling? Is someone you love struggling? If you recognized any of the signs of addiction, know that help is available. Thriveworks Asheville also wants you to know that…

  1. Addiction is not a choice—We know that addiction is an illness. You did not choose to have an addiction, just like people who have cancer did not choose to have their illness.
  2. Addiction is not weakness—We know that you are strong, courageous, and capable. Addiction is not about being weak or strong. It is about finding the right treatment for an illness.
  3. Addiction is not rare—You are not alone. There are many others who struggle. Support and care is available.

When you contact our office, know that a real person will answer your call. Our scheduling specialists will help you make an appointment. We offer evening and weekend sessions. New clients can often meet with their therapist within the same week. We also accept many forms of insurance.

Pricing & insurance

Our therapists accept most major insurances. We accept 585+ insurance plans, and offer self-pay options, too.
Learn more about pricing for therapy and counseling services at Thriveworks.

Our Asheville therapists and counselors accept 26 insurance plans

  • Aetna

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card)

  • Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina | BCBS

  • Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina | BCBS Medicare Advantage

  • Carelon

  • Caresource

  • Carolina Behavioral Health Alliance (CBHA)

  • Cigna | Evernorth

  • Cigna | Evernorth EAP

  • Cigna | Evernorth Medicare Advantage

  • Compsych

  • First Health Network

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Self-pay costs at Asheville
Talk therapy

Talk therapy

Includes individual, couples, child/ teen, & family therapy

First session

$1

Ongoing sessions

$1

Talk therapy

Psychiatry

Includes reducing symptoms with medication & management

First session

$1

Ongoing sessions

$1

Hear from our clients

5.0 Learn about verified reviews
★★★★★
Shannon is such a God send. I am so thankful to be working with her. I look forward to healing with her.
Read more Shannon is such a God send. I am so thankful to be working with her. I look forward to healing with her.
Diane Feb 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Andrew is very intelligent and clearly understands how to make important connections and provide resources!
Read more Andrew is very intelligent and clearly understands how to make important connections and provide resources!
Francisco Jan 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review

Where to find us

Getting here

Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Asheville is off of Patton Avenue, and near Thirsty Monk and Jerusalem Garden Cafe. Across the street is Pritchard Park and Sonora Cocina Mexicana.

Phone number

(828) 523-9140

Languages spoken by NC providers

  • English
Monday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Tuesday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Wednesday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Thursday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Friday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Saturday 8:00am - 9:00pm
Sunday 8:00am - 9:00pm

Shown in ET

Monday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Tuesday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Wednesday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Thursday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Friday 7:00am - 9:30pm
Saturday 7:00am - 6:00pm
Sunday 8:00am - 5:00pm

Shown in ET

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