Calgary Addictions Counselling
Are you or a loved one struggling with addiction? We offer personalized, compassionate and evidence-based treatment to guide you or your loved one toward lasting recovery and a healthier life.
Begin Your Journey to Recovery Today
At Prairieview Psychology, we understand how isolating and difficult it can be to navigate the road to recovery. Whether it's substance or behavioral addiction, we know that each person is unique, and finding the right support can be essential to establishing lasting change.
Our experienced team of Calgary addiction counsellors are here to help you overcome these challenges with compassionate, personalized treatment that fits your specific needs. With over 15 years of combined experience in both residential treatment centers and outpatient clinics, we offer a comprehensive, evidence-based approach to addiction recovery.
We’re committed to guiding you toward a healthier, more fulfilling life—one step at a time. Don’t wait another day to take the first step toward healing. Contact Prairieview Psychology today to learn more about how our expert team can help you or your loved one begin the recovery journey.
What to Expect During Addictions Counselling in Calgary?
Addictions counselling is a specialized form of therapy aimed at helping individuals overcome addictive behaviors and achieve recovery.
It involves working with a trained psychologist, counsellor or therapist to develop coping strategies and make positive lifestyle changes. Addictions counselling may encompass various therapeutic approaches including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing (MI) or motivational enhancement (ME), structured relapse prevention, and family therapy.
The aims of addictions counselling are to promote abstinence or reduce substance use (depending on the persons goals or circumstances), improve mental and emotional well-being, enhance relationships, and support individuals in establishing long-term recovery.
Seeking professional help through addictions counselling can provide support, guidance, and strategies for recovery. If you want to know more about Calgary addictions counselling, please reach out today to book a consultation with one of our addictions counsellors.
When Should You Seek Addictions Counselling?
You may want to consider seeking addictions counselling if you are:
Struggling to control your substance use or discontinue an addictive behaviour
Experiencing negative consequences related to an addictive behaviour or substance use
Have difficulty stopping, even though you want to
Additional signs which may indicate you would benefit from addiction counselling include;
Persistent cravings, urges or a preoccupation to engage in an addictive behavior
Increased tolerance, withdrawal symptoms, and interference with your daily responsibilities, relationships, or work
Unsuccessful attempts to quit on your own
Issues in key relationships (e.g., with family, friends, or a partner) due to addiction
What is Addiction?
Addiction is a condition that is marked by the compulsive use of a substance or behaviour at the detriment of the person's wellbeing, personal relationships and daily functioning.
Addiction can have devastating effects on one’s life. These include strained or damaged relationships with family and friends, consequences at work, and can lead to health issues.
Factors that contribute to addiction are complex and include genetics, environment, concurrent mental health issues and trauma. We recognize that individuals with addictive behaviours are often using substances, gambling, sex, or other processes to self-medicate or escape painful emotions.
At Prairieview Psychology, we recognize addiction as being a treatable condition that is responsive to evidence based treatment. We believe that recovery is possible and that with the right treatment individuals with addiction have the capacity to overcome this ailment.
Our Addictions Treatment Approach
Assessment
All treatment starts with a comprehensive assessment which is completed at intake.
Initial Evaluation: A thorough assessment is completed to understand your history, triggers, and specific challenges.
Detoxification: As part of these assessments, the risk for physiological dependence is considered. Depending on the substance, a referral to an appropriate clinic or facility may be recommended as certain substances can be lethal to withdraw from without medical care.
Tailored Treatment Plans
Personalized Care: Treatment plans are based on your needs and circumstances.
Multidisciplinary Approach: Prairieview Psychology works collaboratively with your other healthcare professionals to address various aspects of addiction (e.g., family physicians, psychiatrists, treatment centres).
Therapeutic Interventions
Our approach to treating addictions relies on research and we employ therapies that are recognized as having the best evidence in the treatment of addictive behaviours including:
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT helps in identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviors related to addiction.
Motivational Interviewing: This approach provides skills to encourage behavioral change by increasing and sustaining motivation to make positive change.
Mindfulness-Based Approaches: Incorporates mindfulness-based practices to help better manage cravings and stress.
Family Involvement & Treatment
Addiction can have devastating effects on your and your family, but there is treatment and recovery is possible.
Family Therapy: Involving family members (or natural supports) in the treatment process to promote understanding and improve treatment outcomes.
Supports for Family Members: We offer resources or guidance for families on how to support their loved one in the recovery process.
FAQ on Calgary Addictions Counselling
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Addiction refers to a complex mental illness or disease characterized by the engagement of compulsive substance use or compulsive behaviours, despite harmful consequences.
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Common types of addiction include substance addictions such as alcohol, drugs (both prescription and illegal), as well as behavioral addictions like gambling, gaming, sex or compulsive shopping.
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Addiction is a chronic condition, and while it can be managed effectively, there's no universal "cure." Recovery is often a lifelong process that requires ongoing commitment, support, and behavioral changes.
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Addiction counselling is beneficial for individuals who are struggling with substance misuse or behavioral addictions and are finding it challenging to control their impulses or quit their addictive behaviors on their own.
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Addiction counselling offers a supportive and non-judgmental environment where individuals can explore the underlying causes of their addiction, learn coping skills to manage triggers and cravings, develop strategies for relapse prevention, and work towards building a fulfilling life in recovery.
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Addiction counselling has been shown to be helpful in assisting individuals in overcoming addiction and maintaining long-term recovery. Working with a professional can offer individuals the opportunity for tailored treatment, accurate assessment and referrals to additional services should these be necessary.
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The duration of addiction counselling and the time it takes to see results can vary depending on individual factors such as the severity of the addiction, the presence of co-occurring mental health issues, and the individual's commitment to treatment. Some individuals may experience significant improvements in a relatively short period, while others may require longer-term counselling, support and in some cases they may need residential treatment.
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The duration of addiction counselling sessions can vary depending on factors such as the counsellor's approach, the individual's needs, and the treatment setting. Sessions may range from 45 minutes to an hour and may occur weekly, biweekly, or more frequently depending on the intensity of treatment.
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In a typical addiction counselling session, the counsellor works collaboratively with the individual to address their substance use or addictive behaviors. Sessions may include various components such as assessment, goal-setting, therapeutic interventions, and planning for relapse prevention.
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After completing addiction counselling, individuals transition into the next phase of their recovery journey, which often involves ongoing support, implementing relapse prevention strategies learned in counselling, and integration into a community of recovery.
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Loved ones can provide support by encouraging treatment, offering empathy and understanding, setting boundaries, and participating in family therapy or support groups like Al-Anon or Nar-Anon.
How it Works - Finding the Right Calgary Therapist
Our care approach for addictions counselling in Calgary revolves around meeting your specific needs.
Prairieview Psychology is focused on providing quality Calgary addictions counselling that is catered to your unique needs. Begin by reaching out to book a free 15 minute consultation where you can discuss your goals for therapy and we can determine who on the team is the best fit to help you meet those goals. We believe that therapy is a collaborative process between therapist and client. We provide guidance, support, and evidence-based techniques to help you navigate challenges, gain insights, and develop coping strategies for improved mental well-being.
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Contact Us
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Book a Free Consultation
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Find the Right Therapist
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Work on Your Goals
From the Calgary Addictions Counselling Blog
“If we can share our story with someone who responds with empathy and understanding, shame can't survive.”
Brene Brown
Struggling with addiction?
Reach out to Prairieview Psychology today. We offer free 15 minute consultations to discuss your goals for therapy to determine if we have the right background to assist you. Fill out the contact form, send us an email or give us a call to schedule a consultation today.
Prairieview Psychology respectfully acknowledges that we reside in Calgary, Alberta on the traditional territory of the Treaty 7 Nations. These include the Blackfoot Confederacy (comprising the Siksika, Kainai, and Piikani Nations), the Tsuut'ina Nation, and the Stoney Nakoda (including the Bearspaw, Wesley, and Chiniki Nations). We also acknowledge the Métis Nation of Alberta, Region 3.
We honour and recognize their enduring connection to this land, its waters, and its resources. We are grateful for the opportunity to live, work, and learn on this land, and we commit ourselves to fostering respectful relationships and meaningful partnerships with the First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples who call this region home.
