|
Phoenix Addictions Counselling Services is a specialized practice in downtown Vancouver, BC. We.offer confidential therapy for PTSD and for drug and alcohol misuse. We treat issues including alcoholism, prescription and illegal drug addictions, gambling, computer gambling/gaming, and smoking addictions.
- Addictions for such drugs and behaviors as Alcohol,
Cocaine, Heroin, Methamphetamine, Marijuana (also called cannabis, pot, or grass), Prescription
Drugs, Nicotine, and Gambling are about
trying to satisfy a need that won't and can't be
filled by the compulsive drug or behavior. Alcoholics Anonymous says "One drink is too many and a thousand are too few."
- Addiction creates terrible stresses
on health, relationships, finances, and work. Because of our years of experience, we are useful as a source of information and support for family and friends dealing with the issues, as well as those with substance abuse issues.
- One of the most devastating side-effects
is a feeling of hopelessness and helplessness; that the substance or behavior has the power and that you cannot change.
- The good news is that you can get the addiction under control. It requires commitment from you, and
experienced support, but it most definitely can be done. Drug counselling length will vary, depending on factors such as: (a) how much you are using, (b) how long you have used, and (c) what are the underlying reasons for using, ranging from something as uncomplicated as "using" friends to something as complex as trauma, also called "Post Traumatic Stress Disorder."
- Recovery is not only about abstinence
—Alcoholics Anonymous uses the term “dry drunk” to describe
those who are no longer misusing substances, but still have not reached a
stage of mental balance. True recovery is to find meaning
and a sense of belonging, to be able to cope with the
joys and sorrows of everyday life, and to have respect
and compassion for yourself.
- Recovery is not a direct, straight-line path,
but a journey of learning, with detours (slips or lapses). It's a very rare person who doesn't experience at least a few slips. That is why there's a picture of a winding road at the top of this page. The important thing is to learn
from the slips, and to persist, to keep the belief that things can change for the better, because they can!
"Sarah. Thank you for your insight. I had given up hope that I could ever lick this addiction, and I was ready to keep on using until I died. You gave me the hope and the tools to pull myself up and to fight the power of the drugs. Now, there is a tomorrow." (Letter from a client.)
There are many reasons and equally many triggers for addiction, ranging from too much socializing in the wrong settings, to stress and anxiety, to post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).. With PTSD, experience shows that substances and behaviors are often used to numb the painful feelings and memories from the past.
PTSD is mental trauma that has not been processed by the mind, and is still causing problems such as mood swings, nightmares, or addiction. Trauma is “Any
event or process that is so overwhelming that it causes
fear, terror, or helplessness, emotional numbing,
and a sense of being disconnected from the world and the
people around you.” It can result from one-time incidents
such as an assault, ttraffic accident or a robbery, or from long-term abuse (physical, sexual or emotional) or neglect. See my "About Trauma" page for more information.
You can get your life back. I have the experience, training
and techniques to help you to recover.
Phone 604.836.6840 or e-mail me for an initial appointment
Sarah L. Topham is a Registered
Clinical Counsellor (#1546) in Vancouver, BC, with over sixteen years of experience in
addictions and trauma counselling..
Downtown Vancouver office is at Suite 708 - 1155 West Pender Street (between Bute and Thurlow). This location is also convenient for North Vancouver, West Vancouver, Coal Harbour, Yaletown, and Kitsilano.
This addiction counselling website was last updated on June 20, 2011
|
