Addiction Counselling and Family Therapy
Last updated: 3 November 2026
Individual Counselling
One-to-one sessions focused on triggers, emotions, trauma-informed care and goals.
Group Therapy
Peer support, shared experiences, accountability and practical skills.
Family Therapy
How families learn about addiction, rebuild trust, set healthy boundaries and prepare for the client's return home.
Addiction and Mental Health
Many people with addiction also experience depression, anxiety or trauma. Every client is assessed on admission so that these needs are recognised and included in their treatment plan.
Our Counselling Team
Learn more about the people and approach behind our care on our About Holding Hands page.
Addiction and Mental Health
What is dual diagnosis?
Dual diagnosis (co-occurring disorders) means having both a substance use disorder and a mental health condition such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, PTSD or psychosis. Each can worsen the other, so the best results come from treating both at the same time.
Can drugs cause mental illness?
Drug and alcohol use can trigger or worsen mental health problems. Heavy cannabis use is linked to psychosis in vulnerable people, stimulants like cocaine and khat can cause paranoia, and alcohol worsens depression and anxiety. Some symptoms improve after stopping; others need ongoing treatment.
Is addiction a mental illness?
Substance use disorders are classified as mental health conditions in the main medical diagnostic systems. They are often treated by the same professionals, including psychiatrists, psychologists and counsellors, who treat other mental health conditions.
What should I do if someone using drugs talks about suicide?
Take it seriously. Stay with them, remove access to means of harm if it is safe to do so, and get help immediately by calling 999 or 112 or taking them to the nearest hospital. In Kenya you can also contact the Kenya Red Cross toll-free line 1199 or Befrienders Kenya (+254 722 178 177).
Worried about someone? Talk to our team in confidence: 0706 466 150 or WhatsApp.
Sources
- NACADA – National Survey on the Status of Drugs and Substance Use in Kenya 2022 (abridged): nacada.go.ke
- NACADA – How to get assistance / Helpline 1192: nacada.go.ke/how-get-assistance
- NACADA – Directory of accredited rehabilitation centres: nacada.go.ke/rehabilitation-centers
- Kenyans.co.ke (15 Jan 2026) – NACADA orders closure of 15 rehab centres; 1.3 million Kenyans need treatment
- The Star (14 Jan 2025) – NACADA warning to unaccredited rehab centres
- The Standard – Survey: most Kenyans have used alcohol or abused drugs (NACADA 2022 figures)
- Capital FM – Minimum age for initiation into drugs falls to 6 (NACADA 2022 report)
- Capital FM Business (Jan 2026) – SHA to offer enhanced treatment cover for drug addicts
- The Standard – SHA to offer rehabilitation services for teachers suffering from addiction
- Harm Reduction International – Kenya country profile (methadone / MAT clinics)
- Kenya Law – Mental Health Act (as amended 2022); Alcoholic Drinks Control Act 2010; Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Control) Act 1994; Data Protection Act 2019
- World Health Organization – alcohol and substance use fact sheets; US National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) – treatment and relapse; US CDC – cannabis use disorder
This information is for general education and does not replace advice from a qualified health professional. If you or someone you know is in danger, call 999 or 112.
Related pages
Aftercare
Relapse prevention and continued support.
Read moreAlcohol Rehab
Residential alcohol rehab in Naivasha.
Read moreDrug Rehab
Drug rehab centre in Kenya.
Read moreFamily and recovery
The role of family support in recovery.
Read moreTalking to children about drugs
Questions about prevention and conversations with children.
Read more