Addiction counselling is a type of therapy that helps individuals overcome their addiction to drugs, alcohol, or other harmful substances. It involves working with a trained therapist to identify the root causes of addiction, develop coping strategies, and create a plan for recovery. Through counselling, individuals can gain the tools and support they need to break free from and lead a healthier, happier life. We are located in Vancouver and also offer online sessions.
What do Addictions Counsellors do?
Addiction counsellors work with clients from diverse backgrounds who have various addiction disorders such as drug, alcohol and gambling addictions. Through information sessions and therapy groups, addictions counsellors work with affected individuals, using suitable intervention strategies and treatment approaches to counsel clients through all stages of recovery. Throughout this process, counsellors continually review, assess and document their clients’ progress and follow up post-treatment.
Before counseling, they evaluate client strengths, possible problems, extent of addictions and the client’s potential to change. Taking the client’s history into consideration they create research and experience-based treatment plans. Counsellors will inform their clients about addiction issues and the programs and services available, as well as refer clients to other experts when necessary.
What are the benefits of Addiction counselling?
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1. New perspective
Drug addiction counseling allows for a new perspective, which helps the addicted identify any of the behaviors, habits or thoughts that make them want to abuse drugs. A drug addiction counselor will help change these harmful patterns by using therapies that allow those addicted to learn new approaches, such as with the help of cognitive behavioral therapy.
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2. Coping strategies
Drug addiction counseling teaches people beneficial coping strategies by helping them to understand the triggers that cause them to use drugs. They will learn how to resist these triggers when they do occur, which will vary from patient to patient.
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3. Support
Many people who are addicted to drugs feel like they have no one to turn to and accordingly that no one cares about them or their situation. When they sign up for drug addiction counseling, they are choosing to always have a connection with someone who truly cares about helping them, which means they are never alone.
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4. Relapse prevention
When someone feels the urge to once again use drugs, they are encouraged to contact their drug addiction counselor as soon as possible in order to get the help they need to prevent a relapse.
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5. Advice on creating, repairing relationships
Drug abuse can often harm or even destroy relationships and a drug addiction counselor can offer the advice necessary to repair any broken relationships. They can also offer advice on creating new and healthy relationships, which is an essential part of a successful recovery.
Different types of addictions
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Addictions can come in many forms. A few of the most common addictions include:
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Alcohol Use Disorder: A person regularly consumes alcohol in a way that is compulsive, and has harmful consequences at least some of the time.
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Substance Use Disorders: This category includes addictions to, among other substances: amphetamines, cocaine, heroine, prescription drugs, and opioids. Tobacco addiction falls under this category of addiction.
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Behavioral Addictions: These are addictions to activities, rather than substances. Some common activities that can be addictive include sex, gambling, shopping, working, exercising, and using the Internet.
How much does this service cost?
Our cost of this service is $100 per session. Sessions are 60 minutes in length. Payment is required in advance. Please ask your extended health provider if this service is covered under your plan. Please contact us for more information.
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