Leeds Alcohol and Drug Support 100% Confidential
Drug & Alcohol Counselling In North Leeds | Specialist Addictions Counsellor
Based in Adel, North Leeds (LS16), West Yorkshire, I offer private specialist addiction counselling for those seeking effective recovery. I work with clients across Leeds and the wider West Yorkshire area, providing discreet, confidential support for alcohol problems, drug misuse, ketamine use, gambling addiction, and other addictive behaviours. I provide support to help individuals and their families overcome these challenges and move forward into recovery. If you are in the Leeds area, Start Recovery is here to offer the guidance and therapy you need to achieve a healthier and addiction-free life.
Stop Drinking Alcohol Or Using Drugs and Discover Yourself Again
Start Recovery is a multi award-winning addictions focused private practice based just a short distance north of Leeds city centre. Our addiction counselling waiting list times vary, but we will always endeavour to set up an initial consultation with you within two weeks from first contact.
Start Recovery mental health service is dedicated to everything related to addiction treatment, drug and alcohol abuse and addiction recovery, and will always help clients to access services as quickly as humanly possible. We will help you build a clear and honest plan and offer you the latest, most up-to-date approaches and evidence-based research-driven information.
Get in touch to set up an initial consultation to discuss how I can help you, or someone that you care about to start recovery from alcohol or drug addiction.
Initial consultations are a chance for both client and counsellor to meet to discuss your individual needs and gives both parties the opportunity to decide whether therapist and client are compatible and are charged at roughly half the usual price of a session.
Whether you need support with alcohol addiction, drug misuse, alcohol withdrawal, detox or any other problems around drug treatment and addictions, Start Recovery can help you to move forward into recovery, and achieve sobriety.
What some of my clients say
Start Recovery will work with you as an individual, putting together a personalised care plan to ensure that you have the best possible information, help and guidance in your recovery journey from Substance Use Disorders (SUD's), alcoholism, Alcohol Use Disorders (AUD's), or addiction to any other behaviour.
I understand how difficult it can be to find the right help when you, or somebody close to you are experiencing problems with alcohol or drugs. I will help you to become clean and sober, whether you need support with binge drinking, other drinking problems or you have issues with drug dependence or alcohol dependence.
I provide a confidential drug and alcohol counselling service in Adel, LS16 that is dedicated to helping you realise your potential and achieve your goals, whether you are trying to modify your behaviour or you are trying to become alcohol or drug-free and remain abstinent for life.
I work with you using a client-centred approach with REBT, (Rational Emotive Behavioural therapy) to build a non-judgemental and empathic relationship to help you to succeed.
I will help you to identify, acknowledge and process your triggers, cravings and emotions through counseling, education and training. Learning to Identify emotional reactions to to the environment (both inner and outer) is the first step to taking control of our thoughts, urges and cravings.
I will support you throughout your journey into recovery from the beginning, offering a wide range of specialist advice and services, from helping with withdrawal symptoms from drug detox, family therapy, mental health concerns, or anything else drugs, alcohol or gambling related.
I can help you with your alcohol use, problem gambling or drug use, and unlike some other recovery programs or alcohol services, I help you to identify and understand the potential root cause. Alongside alcohol and drug counselling, I also offer specialist ketamine counselling in Leeds, an area of growing need as ketamine misuse becomes increasingly common. I also offer help for gambling addiction.
Book an Initial Consultation
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You can contact Start Recovery in confidence by filling in the form to request an initial consultation, I will always endeavour to get back to you within 48 hrs if I am not available at time of contact.
It was so nice to finally be able to talk to someone who understood how I was feeling. My addiction counselling sessions helped me to identify and address my triggers and behaviours, and helped me to start to understand my deeper-rooted problems.
Richard, Harrogate
Please note: I am very near to fully booked at the moment. I will respond to new initial consultation requests but I no longer offer a waiting list due to the high volume of requests. I do, however have a weekly cancelation list that I offer slots at short notice, so please mention in your request if you would like to be included on this. Sessions booked and not attended will be charged on ALL Occasions if not cancelled 48 hours or before.
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My drinking and drug taking was out of control and I nearly lost my family due to alcohol and cocaine. Start Recovery helped me to identify my triggers and gave me tools that actually worked. I had been trying to stop binging on drugs and alcohol on weekends for about 7 years. I am ever so grateful for Marks help and guidance. I have not drank for 14 months as I write this now!
Peter C, Mortown, Leeds
Take Back Your Life From Addictions | Choose a Professional Alcohol & Drug Counsellor In Leeds
I am an experienced Alcohol and Drug Addiction Counsellor and author of Sober Days, and pride myself on my recovery services. I have been working in Addictions Services since 2012. I deliver individual counselling treatment for alcohol problems, addiction to alcohol, drug misuse, and substance use disorders. I also work with problem gambling, gambling addiction and all other forms of addictive behaviours.
I will work with you to find help to explore addiction and recovery with an individualised treatment plan tailored to your needs. My recovery program develops strong emotional and cognitive behavioural coping skills, helping you to accomplish periods of time staying sober.
As a trained specialist Health Professional and author of Sober Days I can work with people who are drug or alcohol dependant who are looking for, or are going through a drug or alcohol detox. My support can also run alongside any other treatment for drug or alcohol dependency that you may be engaged with, such as local addiction services. I also deliver counselling sessions tailored towards aftercare from alcohol or drug treatment programs such as residential rehabs or alcohol and drug rehab.
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Thank you for helping me with my alcohol problems. I felt lost until I found Mark at Start Recovery, he is super supportive and has really helped me with my addictions. I have learnt so much about alcoholism, myself and my triggers. I feel so much calmer and content now without alcohol in my life
Jodie, Wetherby, Leeds
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Mark really helped me to identify where my issues stemmed from and how to deal with them, and cope with them going forward. Even the first couple of sessions started my road to recovery off really well. Mark listens intently and understands without any judgement and offers clear and direct help, which steered me through a really low part of my life. Highly recommended.
Louise, Alwoodly, Leeds
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One Word to describe my meetings with Mark............... REVOLATORY!!
Rod, Meanwood, Leeds
Alcoholism Counselling Leeds | A Specialist Alcohol Counsellor Makes A Big Difference In Treatment Outcome
Drug and alcohol counselling serves as a crucial pillar in the journey of individuals grappling with substance abuse. In this unique and compassionate field, counselors play a pivotal role in helping clients navigate the intricacies of addiction, providing a safe space for self-reflection, and offering tailored strategies for recovery.
One distinctive aspect of drug and alcohol counselling lies in its holistic approach. Rather than solely focusing on the immediate cessation of substance use, counsellors delve into the underlying factors contributing to addiction.
Through empathetic listening and open dialogue, counsellors aim to unearth the roots of the problem, whether they stem from trauma, unresolved issues, or co-occurring mental health conditions. This nuanced understanding allows for a more comprehensive and effective treatment plan, addressing not only the symptoms but also the core issues driving addictive behaviors.
The relationship between a counsellor and their client is characterised by trust and non-judgment. In this unique therapeutic alliance, individuals struggling with substance abuse find solace in sharing their experiences, fears, and aspirations. The counselor's role extends beyond that of an advisor; they become a supportive ally, guiding clients through the often tumultuous terrain of recovery. The power dynamics shift from authoritative to collaborative, fostering a sense of empowerment that is instrumental in the healing process.
An integral facet of drug and alcohol counselling involves tailoring interventions to meet the unique needs of each individual. Recognising that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to recovery, addiction counsellors employ a diverse range of therapeutic modalities. This adaptability ensures that clients receive truly personalised care, whether it involves cognitive-behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, REBT. By acknowledging the individuality of each person's journey, drug and alcohol counselling embraces the complexity of addictions and offers a versatile evidence based toolkit for sustainable recovery.
Drug and alcohol counselling stands out as a unique type of therapy that embraces the complexities of addiction with empathy and understanding. The unique dynamics between counsellors and clients, the holistic approach to addressing underlying issues, and the personalized nature of interventions contribute to the effectiveness of this essential facet of the recovery journey.
Relapse Prevention In Leeds | Start Your Recovery
We take your privacy seriously and we will never share any of your details.
Initial Consultations are £59 and take 30 mins and further full sessions (50 Mins) are £85 each or package prices on 6 or 12 sessions are available. Please see further details on our pricing plans.
Ongoing care and relapse prevention is an extremely important part of addiction recovery and is often overlooked. I can help with extended care for anyone who needs extra support after a period of being an inpatient, outpatient or coming out of a residential treatment program.
As part of an integrated aftercare pathway, Mark also offers recovery-based Kundalini Yoga classes for men in Leeds - specifically designed to build on the foundations of early recovery through breathwork, nervous system regulation, and mindful movement. Peer support groups such as SMART Recovery or Alcoholics Anonymous can be extremely helpful for some people to engage with, but it is recommended to always seek help and advice from a trained specialist drug, alcohol or addictions counsellor in order to learn about addiction and to help develop skills to remain safe from drugs, alcohol or gambling problems.
Mark Franklin talking about the drug ketamine on BBC Radio Leeds
Frequently Asked Questions — Addiction Counselling Leeds
What types of addictions do you help with?
Start Recovery provides specialist addiction counselling for a wide range of substance use disorders and addictive behaviours, including:
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Alcohol problems and alcohol dependence
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Drug misuse and substance use disorders
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Ketamine use and dependency
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Gambling addiction and problem gambling
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Cocaine and other stimulant misuse
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Cannabis dependency
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Binge drinking and weekend drinking patterns
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Addiction aftercare following residential rehab or detox programs
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Every client receives a personalised care plan tailored to their individual triggers, history, and goals. We also provide support for family members affected by a loved one's addiction. If you are unsure whether your situation falls within our services, please get in touch — we are happy to discuss your situation confidentially before you commit to a consultation.
Is addiction counselling at Start Recovery confidential?
Yes — completely. Confidentiality is the foundation of effective addiction counselling, and Start Recovery takes your privacy very seriously. Everything discussed in your sessions remains strictly between you and your counsellor. We will never share your details with third parties, employers, family members, or any other organisation without your explicit consent.
The only exceptions to confidentiality are those required by law — specifically, where there is a serious and immediate risk of harm to you or to another person. These exceptions are rare, and you will be fully informed of them at your initial consultation before any sessions begin.
Your contact details, the fact that you are a client, and all session content are treated with complete discretion. Many of our clients are professionals, parents, or people in public-facing roles who need absolute assurance of privacy — that assurance is something we take very seriously at Start Recovery.
Is Mark Franklin a qualified addiction counsellor?
Yes. Mark Franklin is a specialist addiction counsellor with formal qualifications, extensive CPD training, and over a decade of experience working in addiction services since 2012. His credentials include:
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Level 4 Diploma in Alcohol and Substance Misuse Counselling — the national benchmark qualification for practising addiction counsellors in the UK
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BSc (Hons) 2:1
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Published author of Sober Days: How to Train Your Earworm and Stop Drinking Alcohol
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BBC Radio Leeds guest specialist on addiction and ketamine misuse
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Qualified SMART Recovery group facilitator
CPD training includes REBT, Motivational Interviewing, Neuropsychotherapy, Polyvagal Theory (Polyvagal Institute), Shame and Trauma, Mindfulness, Breathwork, Kundalini Yoga Level 1 Teacher (Kundalini University), Music and Sound Therapy, Cannabis and Medicinal Use, and Safeguarding.
Mark also brings personal experience of recovery to his work — something he believes is central to the depth of empathy and understanding he is able to offer clients.
How much does addiction counselling cost and how do I pay?
Start Recovery offers transparent pricing with no hidden costs:
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Initial consultation — £59 for 30 minutes. A chance for both client and counsellor to meet, discuss your individual situation, and assess compatibility.
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Full sessions — £85 per session for 50 minutes.
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Package rates — discounted rates available for blocks of 6 or 12 sessions. Please enquire at your initial consultation for current pricing.
Payment is accepted via bank transfer and PayPal. Sessions cancelled with less than 48 hours notice, or not attended, are charged in full on all occasions.
Start Recovery aims to arrange an initial consultation within two weeks of first contact. To book, call 0113 328 0211 or email help@startrecovery.co.uk.
What therapeutic approach does Start Recovery use?
Start Recovery uses an integrative, evidence-based approach tailored to each individual client, drawing on:
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REBT (Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy) — to identify and challenge the irrational beliefs and thought patterns that drive addictive behaviour
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Motivational Interviewing — to help clients explore and resolve ambivalence about change, particularly in early recovery
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Polyvagal Theory — to understand and regulate nervous system responses to stress, triggers, and craving
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Mindfulness and Breathwork — practical, body-based techniques for managing urges in real time
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Shame and Trauma-informed practice — addressing the root causes of addiction in a non-judgemental, empathic environment
All sessions follow a cycle of learning, unlearning, and re-learning — helping clients understand how their addictive patterns formed at a neurological level, dismantle them, and build healthier responses in their place. There is no one-size-fits-all approach at Start Recovery; every care plan is built around the individual.
Where is Start Recovery based and what areas do you cover?
Start Recovery is based at 10 Holt Ave, Adel, North Leeds, LS16 8DH — a short distance north of Leeds city centre. We provide specialist addiction counselling to clients across Leeds and the wider West Yorkshire area, including North Leeds, Harrogate, Wetherby, Moortown, Alwoodly, Meanwood, and surrounding areas.
To arrange an initial consultation, call 0113 328 0211, email help@startrecovery.co.uk, or use the contact form on this page. We aim to respond to all enquiries within 48 hours.