Substance abuse

Taking back control of alcohol and drugs

If you are becoming concerned about the role of alcohol or other drugs in your life, it may be time to get some professional help in taking back control.  In Australia, difficulties with substances are both increasingly commonplace and readily treatable.

In the past these issues have been characterized as Dependence and Addiction, but nowadays the focus is more on helping to curtail Abuse of substances.  So if you find yourself using substances or drinking more often than you would like (e.g. none or few “alcohol free days”), or on occasion to a greater level than you would like (e.g. “binge drinking”) give us a call. 

Abstinence or controlled use - its up to you

We work with you to determine how you want to proceed, some people choose abstinence and others choose to work towards a “controlled drinking” or truly occasional “recreational” substance use.  Others choose to try abstinence at first with a view to developing the skills needed to ultimately adopt a controlled approach.

Its important to remember that in these matters “willpower” is helpful but insufficient on its own.  What actually works is developing self-knowledge about your difficulties and learning new skills and ways of thinking and behaving in particular situations and emotional states.

We use a specialized version of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy that is evidence based and effective, in conjunction with our specialist knowledge, training and many years of experience in this area of mental health.