| Phoenix Addictions Counselling Services is a specialized practice in downtown Vancouver, BC. We offer confidential therapy for PTSD and trauma and for drug and alcohol misuse. We treat alcoholism, prescription addiction, drug addiction, 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 such as T-3's and other pain killers, 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. Long term addiction changes the brain. It is not just about "willpower." It is about developing the tools and understanding to make the change. It is important to remember that you are a person who has a problem, not just an "addict."
- 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 emotional 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 zig-zags. That's 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 socializing with "using" friends, to stress and anxiety, to post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).. With PTSD, 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. Mental trauma can be defined as “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, traffic 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.
With addictions, confidentiality is often an issue. As a Clinical Counsellor, I guarantee complete privacy with only four exceptions: (a) client is in serious danger of harming themself (b) client is seriously threatening another (c) a child is in danger (d) I am suboenaed
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 seventeen 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, Kitsilano, Strathcona, Burnaby and New Westminster.
"The most important of life's battles is the one we fight daily in the silent chambers of the soul." David O. McKay
This addiction counselling website was last updated on January 30, 2012
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