What Are Addiction and Substance Misuse and How Do They Show Up?
Addiction and substance misuse are not about weakness or lack of willpower. They are often ways of coping with emotional pain, stress, trauma, or feeling overwhelmed.
Substance misuse can show up as:
Using alcohol or substances to relax, cope, or escape
Feeling unable to stop or cut back even when you want to
Increased tolerance or needing more to feel the same effect
Guilt, shame, or secrecy around use
Substance use impacting relationships, work, or daily functioning
Feeling emotionally numb or disconnected when not using
For many people, substance use starts as a way to manage something difficult and gradually becomes something that feels out of control.
How Therapy Helps with Addiction and Substance Misuse
Therapy provides a supportive and non-judgmental space to explore your relationship with substances without pressure or shame.
In therapy, we work to:
Understand the role substances play in your life
Identify triggers and emotional patterns connected to use
Reduce shame and increase self-understanding
Build healthier coping strategies for stress and emotions
Strengthen motivation for change at your own pace
Support harm reduction or recovery goals based on your needs
Therapy is not about forcing abstinence or labels. It is about helping you regain a sense of choice and control.
What Interventions Might Be Used?
Addiction work is individualized and collaborative, meeting you where you are in your journey.
Depending on your goals, therapy may include:
Exploring underlying emotional or relational stressors
Developing coping skills to manage cravings and urges
Emotion regulation and distress tolerance strategies
Identifying patterns that maintain substance use
Relapse prevention and planning
Support for building routine, structure, and accountability
The goal is to help you create sustainable change while feeling supported rather than judged.
How can I book a session?
1
Book online
Schedule your first appointment through our online booking system by selecting a day and time that works for you.
2
Get in touch directly
If you’d rather speak with someone directly, reach out by phone or email, and we’ll help you book your initial session.
Let us contact you
Short on time? Complete the contact form, and we will connect with you at a time that’s convenient for you.