Alcohol and substance use, along with various addictive behaviors, often start as attempts to manage overwhelming pain. Yet, as time goes on, you may find yourself trapped in the very pain you wanted to escape. Addiction can be profoundly damaging—not just for the individual living with it, but also for their loved ones and families. This struggle can lead to intense feelings of shame and hopelessness. However, addiction counselling offers a path toward healing.
How Addiction Counselling can Help
If you want to uncover the roots of your addictive behaviours, address the pain beneath them, and build effective skills for managing intense emotions or cravings, counselling can be invaluable. Whether addiction arises from trauma, grief, or other emotional pain, you will be seen as more than just your substance use.
Through evidence-based therapy methods, we will explore the function of these behaviours in your life and find healthier ways to fulfill your needs. Together, we will recognize your pain and work toward a brighter, more hopeful future beyond addiction.
Signs of Addiction or Substance Abuse
- Feeling the need to use the substance often, or even daily
- Intense cravings or urges to use the substance
- Frequent thoughts about using the substance that are hard to stop
- Physical health issues
- Eventually needing more of the substance to achieve the same effects (increased tolerance)
- Continued use even though it causes harm (to self and/or others)
- Engaging in behaviours that are out of character to get the substance or continue using it
- Spending a lot of money on the substance
- Struggling to meet expectations (work, school, family, friends, etc)
- Spending a lot of time thinking about, getting, using, or recovering from the substance
- Struggling with attempts to stop using the substance
- Experiencing symptoms of withdrawal when not using the substance
Other Addiction Treatment Options
In addition to individual therapy, a range of effective treatment options for alcohol and substance use are available nearby, ensuring you can find the support you need.
Residential (Inpatient) Treatment
- Mens Addiction Treatment Centre (Kitchener) - A residential treatment facility for men through House of Friendship. Call (844) 437-3247 (HERE 24/7) for assessment and screening.
- Womens Addiction Treatment Centre (Kitchener) - A residential treatment facility for women through House of Friendship. Call (844) 437-3247 (HERE 24/7) for assessment and screening.
- Stonehenge Therapeutic Community (Guelph) - A 4-6 month residential treatment facility for folks of all genders. For those in Waterloo Region, call (844) 437-3247 (HERE 24/7) for screening/referral. For those outside of Waterloo Region, complete this application form and call (519) 837-1470 (Stonehenge) to set up an assessment.
- Ray of Hope (Kitchener) - A small (6-bed) residential treatment facility for teen boys ages 13 and up. Call (519) 743-2311 or email yasinquiries@rayofhope.net for more information.
- The Homewood Health Centre (Guelph) - Various 6-9 week residential treatment programs for adults. Call 1-(866) 839-2594 x. 32551 or email admit@homewoodhealth.com for more information.
- Portage (Elora) - A residential treatment program for adolescents ages 14 to 18+. Call (519) 846-0945 for more information.
Community (Outpatient) Treatment
- House of Friendship - Various outpatient programs, for varying demographics/populations throughout Waterloo-Wellington. Call (519) 742-8327 x. 276 for more information.
- Ray of Hope Day Treatment (Kitchener) - A group day treatment for youth aged 13 years and up. Call (519) 743-2311 for more information.
- Ray of Hope Community Based Treatment (Kitchener) - For youth aged 12 years and up. Suitable for those who aren't looking for the structure of, or who are transitioning out of, residential/day treatment. Call (519) 743-2311 for more information.
- Rapid Access Addiction Medicine (RAAM) Clinic (Kitchener, Grand River Hospital, and Cambridge) - A clinic with doctors/ Nurse Practitioners, and peer support workers, which provides assessment, brief counselling, and referral to longer-term support if needed. Self-referrals can be made as well as doctor referrals. Call (519) 957-5000 or email raam@houseoffriendship.org for more information.
Groups
- Alcoholics Anonymous (Kitchener, Waterloo, and Cambridge) - A fellowship of people who meet regularly to discuss their alcohol use and desire to decrease or stop their alcohol use. Visit the website linked above for more information.
- Narcotics Anonymous (Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge, Guelph, Fergus, Listowel, and Hanover) -Â A fellowship of people who meet to discuss their substance use and desire to decrease or stop their use. Visit the website linked above for more information.
If you're in Kitchener-Waterloo or the surrounding area and are looking for support in working through your addiction or substance use or that of a loved one, please reach out. You are not alone.
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