Calgary Addictions Counselling 


Are you worried that you or someone you love is struggling with addiction? Our addiction counselling services will provide the tools you need to take back control of your life. 

Reach out today for the support you deserve.

Our Calgary Addiction Treatment Services are Here to Help

Our world is filled with stressors, challenges and hardship. It is all too common to develop a pattern of relying on substances, gambling, sex, pornography or technology as a means of getting by.

What started as a solution, a way to take the edge off, has now become the problem.

Important relationships start to be affected. Your performance at work is declining. You start to feel out of control. You feel isolated and ashamed. You are worried you cannot stop.

If this sounds familiar, you are not alone. We have helped people just like you break this very cycle. We can help you, too. We can assist you to determine the nature of your problem and serve as your guide as you take the necessary steps towards recovery.

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Addictions Counselling in Calgary that is tailored to you, your goals and your life

Skills to make change, break patterns and develop new routines

Techniques to manage and overcome cravings 

Methods to enhance motivation so that you can accomplish the change you want to make 

Solutions now to prevent the need for more intensive treatment or rehab later

Family therapy for you and your loved ones so they can support your recovery

Your Experts in Calgary Addictions Treatment & Counselling

We understand that use of substances and addictive behaviours are highly stigmatized and poorly understood health issues which all too often go untreated because of shame.  

At Prairieview Psychology, we provide a nonjudgmental space to name the problem, build a plan and move forward towards your goals. 

We bring over 20 years of experience helping people just like you make positive change. We know addiction and understand that a one size fits all approach does not work. 

Our Calgary addictions counselling team draws on our extensive experience of having worked at residential treatment centres and outpatient programs.

We know what works and what doesn’t. Let us use our experience to help you build a healthier, more fulfilling life—one step at a time. 

Don’t wait another day – Book a free consultation now

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How it Works - Finding the Right Calgary Addictions Counsellor

Prairieview Psychology is focused on providing quality Calgary addiction counselling that is catered to your unique needs. Book a free 15 minute consultation to discuss your goals for therapy.

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Our Approach to Calgary Addictions Treatment

At Prairieview Psychology, we know that you do not want to rely on a behaviour or a substance to get through your day. We know that you want to get unstuck, regain control and live a life in keeping with your values. 

To move forward, you need clarity about the root of the problem, as well as tools and strategies to make and sustain change. We recognize that YOU are not the problem; but continuing to avoid the issue will keep you stuck and leaves the potential for things to get worse. 

We see you – not the addiction. We know that you are capable of overcoming this challenge. You just need the right support, skills and guidance.  

This is where we come in. We are recognized leaders in the field of addiction possessing expertise, knowledge and earned experience helping people overcome the very behaviours you're struggling to change.  

Taking the first step is easier than you think. Reach out to us for a free consultation, we will match you with the right addictions counsellor, book your first appointment, and get to work on making meaningful change. 

Break the cycle now. Contact us today

  • Addiction is a complex mental illness characterized by persistent engagement in a specific activity or substance use, despite demonstrably negative consequences. 

    A crucial distinction exists between problematic substance or behavioral patterns and full-blown addiction. This differentiation is significant because if you have not yet crossed the threshold into addiction you may be able to reduce or modify your substance use or behaviour rather than needing to abstain altogether. Conversely, for those people who are addicted, complete cessation (depending of course on the behaviour) usually represents the most effective course of action.

  • Addiction isn't usually caused by just one thing; instead, it's a complicated mix of factors. Here's a breakdown of some of the main influences:

    • Genetics: Your genes can play a big part. If addiction runs in your family, you might be more prone to it, though it's not a definite outcome.

    • Environment: Your surroundings significantly impact your risk. This includes:

      • Trauma: Especially childhood trauma, which can seriously increase the chance of developing an addiction as a way to cope with adverse experiences.

      • Stress: High, ongoing stress can push people toward substances or behaviors for temporary relief.

      • Social Factors: Being around others who use substances or engage in addictive behaviors, especially when you're young, can make it more likely to try them and potentially develop a problem. Social attitudes can also play a role.

    • Psychological Factors: Your mental and emotional state are also key:

      • Mental Health Conditions: There's a strong link between addiction and mental health issues. People might self-medicate these challenges with addictive behaviours.

      • Personality Traits: Things like impulsivity or a tendency to take risks can make you more vulnerable.

      • Coping Skills: If you haven't learned healthy ways to deal with stress, boredom, or emotional pain, you might turn to addictive behaviours as a less effective way to cope.

  • Common addictions fall into two main categories: substance addictions, like alcohol, prescription drugs, or illegal drugs, and behavioural addictions, such as gambling, gaming, sex, or compulsive shopping.

    Although there are common experiences across these types of addiction; each one requires its own nuanced approach to treatment.

  • How do you know if you might be struggling with addiction? While it can look a little different for everyone and depend on what the addiction is, there are some common red flags.

    Here are some key signs to look out for:

    • Loss of Control: This is a big one. It means you just can't stop or limit your substance use or behaviour, even when you really want to. You might try to cut back or quit, but you just can't seem to do it.

    • Preoccupation: The addiction starts taking over your thoughts. You might spend a lot of time thinking about using, planning how to get the substance, or engaging in the behaviour. It progressively becomes a central focus of your life.

    • Increased Tolerance (for substances): For substance addictions, this means they need more and more of the substance to get the same effect you used to.

      Tolerance is not limited to substance use. For example, people who struggle with gambling may wager larger and larger amounts to get the same effect. The same thing can happen with shopping, riskier sex and food.

    • Withdrawal Symptoms (for substances): When you stop or reduce using a substance, you can experience uncomfortable physical or psychological symptoms (like nausea, tremors, anxiety, sweating, irritability). You might continue using just to avoid these unpleasant feelings.

      Again, withdrawal is not limited to substances and individuals who experience behavioural addictions may experience a psychological withdrawal when they stop the behaviour.

    • Negative Consequences: Despite clear problems showing up in your life – maybe at work or school, with family and friends, financially, or with your health – you keep engaging with your addiction..

    • Neglecting Responsibilities: The focus is on sustaining or managing the addiction, and as a result, you start to neglect important duties at home, work, or school.

  • Addiction counselling is like having a safe, no-judgment zone where you can really dig into why you're struggling, learn skills to handle those intense urges, figure out how to avoid slipping back or relapsing, and build a better, more satisfying life in recovery.

  • Is addiction counselling in Calgary actually effective? Yes, it's been shown to help people establish recovery and stay sober for the long haul. Getting help from a Calgary addiction counsellor or substance abuse counsellor means you can get treatment that's just right for you, plus they can help you figure out what you need and point you to other services if necessary.

  • It really depends on a bunch of factors such as how bad the addiction is, if there are other mental health issues going on, how committed the person is to make change or how much resources they have to support their recovery. Some folks might see big changes pretty quickly, while others need counselling and support for a longer period of time; sometimes a stay in a residential treatment center may be needed.

    The great thing about working with a Calgary addiction counsellor or a substance abuse counsellor is that we can help assess your progress as you go and provide appropriate recommendations and support along the way.

  • In a typical addiction counselling session, your Calgary addictions counsellor or substance abuse counsellor will work with you to tackle your substance use or addictive behaviours. Sessions might cover stuff like figuring out what's going on (assessment), setting goals, trying out different therapy approaches, and planning how to keep you progressing towards your hopes and plans.

  • Once addiction counselling wraps up, people move into the next stage of their recovery. This usually means continuing to get support from your addictions counsellor or substance abuse counsellor, family and friends, putting those relapse prevention strategies they learned into practice, and in some cases, becoming part of a recovery community (like SMART Recovery or narcotics anonymous).

  • When you're trying to help someone struggling with addiction, there are a few really important ways loved ones can assist. First off, encouraging treatment is huge – this means gently but firmly suggesting they get professional help, maybe even looking into options with them. Then, offering genuine empathy and understanding; it's about listening without judgment and trying to see things from their perspective, even when it's tough.

    That being said, support also needs to come with healthy limits. Setting clear boundaries protects both you and the person struggling. This might mean deciding not to lend money for substances, or refusing to cover for them or bail them out of tough situations. Finally, getting involved in family therapy can be incredibly beneficial, as it helps everyone in the family unit understand addiction better and learn healthier ways to communicate. And don't forget support groups like Al-Anon or Nar-Anon – these are fantastic resources specifically for family members and friends of those living with addiction, providing a safe space to share experiences and get vital assistance from others who understand.

FAQ on Calgary Addictions Counselling

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Struggling with addiction?

Reach out to Prairieview Psychology today. We offer free 15 minute consultations to discuss your goals for therapy to determine if we have the right background to assist you. Fill out the contact form, send us an email or give us a call to schedule a consultation today.