When people talk about substance abuse, they generally refer to the use of illegal drugs. Any use of illegal drugs is considered abuse because they are addictive and can cause severe negative health effects. However, the over indulgence of legally acquired alcohol, over-the-counter medications, inhalants, solvents and cigarettes can be used to harmful excess. This program can help you reduce substance abuse, alcohol in particular. For clients who do not need to complete the entire counselling program, single session therapy (SST) is available. The cost is $125 per session and more sessions can be arranged as needed.

Substance abuse is a pattern of harmful and addictive use of any substance for mood-altering purposes. People who are addicted to drugs come from many walks of life. Adolescents experimenting, neglected and abused youth, employees under pressure, people with mental health issues, and those facing social problems are a few of the many segments of society who can become addicted.

Addiction affects not just the individual but those who surround him, especially close family. It is not only harmful to their health, but also results in lost productivity, family break up, spread of diseases, crime and homelessness.

The Substance Abuse Program consists of 8 to 10 individual sessions (each session is 45 minutes to an hour long). Some of the sessions can be done by telephone. The program can be completed within 1 to 2 months. We also offer the 12-Step Program. The goal of this program is to encourage individuals to become abstinence and help contribute to their long-term personal development.

Substance abuse treatment must be tailored to the individual based on issues such as age, culture, gender, parenting, housing, employment and past history of abuse. Treatment can include behavioral therapy such as counseling, cognitive therapy, psychotherapy or a combination. Behavioral therapies offer people strategies for coping with their drug cravings and teaches them ways to avoid drugs and prevent relapse. Because substance abuse is typically an addiction, a short one-time treatment may not be sufficient. To prevent relapses, a long-term process that involves multiple interventions and attempts at self-discipline will usually be required.

Research studies show that even the most severely addicted individuals can participate actively in treatment and that active participation is essential to good outcomes.

Alcohol is the most commonly abused substance (drug).

The following topics are covered in the eight (8) counselling sessions of the Alcohol  Treatment Program:

1. Alcohol and its effects on the body
2. Other drugs e.g. cocaine, marijuana, heroin
3. Improving your health and life
4. Alcohol, drugs and driving
5. The consequences of impaired driving
6. Preventing impaired driving
7. Dealing with stress
8. Effective communication
9. Anger management
10. Using your leisure time effectively
11. Mindful living and substance abuse
12. Future plans