Alcohol/Substance Misuse Therapy

Substance and Alcohol Abuse Therapy in Toronto and across Ontario

 

• Do you struggle with substance or alcohol abuse?

• Are you finding it hard to moderate or stop your alcohol, marijuana, or other substances?

• Have you found life unmanageable without much hope for change?

• Do you feel like it’s taking over your life and affecting your relationships?

• Are you wondering if you will ever be able to overcome your addiction and move forward?

 

If you answered yes to any of these questions, then substance/alcohol abuse therapy may be the answer you're looking for. It offers individuals a way to process their emotions, develop coping strategies, and move forward in a healthy way. It is important to note that substance/alcohol abuse therapy is not about quitting the substance but finding a way to live without it in a way that feels manageable and healthy.

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You are not alone! Many Canadians struggle with alcohol and drug misuse/addiction

 

According to Statistics Canada, roughly 21.6% of Canadians (about 6 million people) met the criteria for a substance use disorder during their lifetime. Alcohol was the most common substance for which people met the criteria for abuse or dependence at 18.1%. Many men struggle with substance/alcohol abuse and the stigma that comes along with it.

 

The stigmatization of substance misuse can make it more challenging for an individual to seek help and can influence the quality of care that they receive. Men struggling with substance misuse may feel shameful or afraid to ask for help out of fear of being judged or criticized for their condition. Many individuals struggling with substance abuse may blame themselves for their struggles and consider this some kind of moral failing or character flaw. If you are struggling with substance misuse, it is important to remember that you are not flawed, you are not alone and you are worthy and deserving of the help that you are seeking. 

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How can therapy help me with my alcohol/drug use?

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Substance/alcohol abuse therapy is a form of counseling that helps individuals who are struggling with addiction to process their emotions, develop coping strategies, and move forward in a healthy way. It can be beneficial for anyone who is struggling with substance or alcohol abuse, whether that abuse is recent or has been ongoing for years.

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The goal of substance/alcohol abuse therapy is not to force someone to quit the substance or alcohol, but rather to find a way to live without it in a way that feels manageable and healthy. The process of substance/alcohol abuse therapy may vary depending on the individual and their unique needs, but talk therapy is a common approach that therapists use. During talk therapy, individuals can talk with their therapists about their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors related to their substance or alcohol abuse. The therapeutic relationship provides a space for individuals to process their emotions, find new ways to cope with their addiction, and rebuild their lives.

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I am not sure if I have a problem. What are some of the symptoms of alcohol/substance misuse/addiction?

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Signs and symptoms of substance misuse vary widely and can affect an individuals behaviour and appearance in a multitude of ways. Some common signs you may be struggling with substance misuse include:

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• Difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much 

• Weight loss or gain 

• Depression and Anxiety 

• Low Self-Esteem 

• Changes in physical appearance 

• Irritability and Mood Swings

• Low Motivation, ignoring responsibilities or difficulty completing tasks 

• Secretive behaviour and withdrawal from family and friends 

• Diminished ability to make good decisions and increased conflict 

• Defensiveness and erratic behaviour 

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How does therapy help with substance/alcohol use? Isn't it just talk therapy??

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Provides a Safe Space for Expressing Your Emotions

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Addiction is a complex issue, and it can be difficult to express all of your emotions, especially to those who have not experienced addiction. Substance/alcohol abuse therapy offers a safe and non-judgmental space where you can express your emotions without fear of being misunderstood or judged.

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Will I have to give up my drug/alcohol completely?

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The goal of therapy is help you make clearer, more informed choices about your use of substances/alcohol and to live a life that is more manageable and congruent with your goals. While for some abstinence is the only way forward, we take the approach that the client ultimately knows what they need and want in their relationship with themselves and the alcohol/drugs they are consuming. 

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What is the difference between substance misuse and substance abuse? 

 

Substance misuse and substance abuse have many overlapping signs, symptoms and features. It can be difficult to distinguish whether you are struggling with misuse or abuse as both misuse and abuse share many commonalities. One of the key differences between substance misuse and substance abuse are the intentions behind the behaviour and the body’s degree of dependency on the substance. Substance misuse is usually related to the use of a substance in order to alleviate a specific ailment or fulfill a specific purpose. Substance abuse is characterized by a more severe dependency on the substance and a higher degree of dysfunction. Misuse can easily become abuse depending on an individual's habits and circumstances. 

 

What causes substance misuse?

 

Substance misuse can be caused or exacerbated by:

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• stress

• trauma

• grief

• genetic vulnerabilities

• family history of substance misuse or abuse

 

There often is not one leading cause but many different factors which intersect that lead to a person’s individual experience of substance misuse. Sometimes, substance misuse can stem from mental or physical health conditions that require management through the use of prescription medications. The use of these medications becomes misuse when the medications are used for reasons unrelated to the health condition or are no longer taken according to the legitimate directions and dosage. 

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Substance misuse and stigma 

 

Struggling with substance misuse can be a highly stigmatizing and isolating experience. The stigmatization of substance misuse can make it more challenging for an individual to seek help and can influence the quality of care that they receive. Men struggling with substance misuse may feel shameful or afraid to ask for help out of fear of being judged or criticized for their condition. Many individuals struggling with substance abuse may blame themselves for their struggles and consider this some kind of moral failing or character flaw. If you are struggling with substance misuse, it is important to remember that you are not flawed, you are not alone and you are worthy and deserving of the help that you are seeking. 

 

How is substance misuse diagnosed? How can I treat or overcome my substance misuse? 

 

Working with a psychotherapist at First Step Men’s Therapy can help you cope with and overcome the struggles and stressors related to your substance misuse depending on the nature and severity of the problem. Therapy can be an effective way to address and treat alcohol and substance abuse. Therapy helps individuals with substance abuse issues by providing a safe and supportive environment to explore the underlying causes of their substance use and to develop strategies for recovery. Here are some specific ways that therapy can help with alcohol and substance abuse:

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1. Identifying triggers: In therapy, individuals can work to identify the triggers that lead to their substance use. This may involve exploring the thoughts, emotions, and situations that contribute to their substance use.

2. Developing coping strategies: Once triggers are identified, therapy can help individuals develop coping strategies to manage those triggers in a healthy and positive way. This may involve developing new skills for managing stress, regulating emotions, and coping with cravings.

3. Addressing underlying mental health issues: Substance abuse often co-occurs with mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety. Therapy can help individuals address these underlying mental health issues, which may contribute to their substance use.

4. Building a support system: Therapy can help individuals build a support system of family, friends, and other individuals in recovery. This support system can provide encouragement, accountability, and help individuals stay on track with their recovery.

5. Setting goals and tracking progress: In therapy, individuals can work with a therapist to set goals for their recovery and track their progress over time. This can help individuals stay motivated and focused on their recovery journey.

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Overall, therapy can be an essential part of the recovery process for individuals struggling with alcohol and substance abuse. By working with a therapist, individuals can develop the tools and strategies they need to overcome addiction and build a healthy and fulfilling life in recovery.

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Note: While individual, outpatient therapy may help those who struggle with binge drinking or unmanageable, recreational drug or alcohol misuse, we recommend for those who are chemically and physiologically dependent on alcohol/drugs seek medical and clinical attention, either at their local hospital or at a residential treatment center.

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A list of Ontario-based treatment centers can be found here: Click here

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Article: What to look for in choosing a treatment center: Hazelden Betty Ford: Click here